Feeding Wild Birds
In My Backyard

Feeding wild birds in the backyard, once you start, you just can't quit! This is a hobby that can be so much fun and so interesting. It really doesn't take much to get started feeding birds in your backyard. Consider this, I have read of people who live in big cities and don't even have a backyard, but, they still feed birds. The amount of space doesn't seem to matter, what does is that you are filling a need and will be rewarded for your efforts. Learning what kinds of food to offer for different birds can be interesting. It can also be somewhat of a worry for new birders who would like to put out feeders but don't know where to start.

Black Oil Sunflower Seeds   • Chickadees   • Blue Jays   • Nuthatch   • Grosbeaks   • Cardinals   • Goldfinches White Millet   • Juncos   • Sparrows   • Blackbirds   • Cowbirds   • Grackles   • Starlings Thistle   • Goldfinches   • Purple Finches   • Pine Siskins   • Indigo Buntings   • Redpolls Cracked Corn   • Mourning Doves   • Starlings

This is the type of seed I keep on hand and the birds that prefer them. I no longer buy mixed seeds as there was so much wasted. The oats and other fillers were left to go to seed in my lawn or attract mice. Please remember, these are my opinions and my findings for the area I live in. You may find things totally different where you live. Another reason that I quit using the mixed seed was this. Birds that preferred the sunflowers will empty a feeder out in no time. They scratch and throw the other seed out of the feeder. I know most of the seed tossed out of the feeder will be found by the ground feeding birds, but I prefer to put it where I want it. I keep an area mowed extra short where I scatter seed just for the ground feeders. This area is directly under a tree and close to our deck where they are provided quick cover. We have a Sharp-shinned Hawk who thinks that my backyard is his private restaurant. I know that these birds have to eat also but I don't feel that I need to make it easier for them. By keeping the ground feeders closer to the trees and the deck which they can quickly fly under, he doesn't have such easy prey. I only put out a little cracked corn when I know the mourning doves are around. I try not to attract the starlings. Also, each type of feed is in individual feeders, I don't mix them.

Another food you might want to consider keeping on hand is grape jelly and oranges. The oranges, of course, are for the orioles. At first sign of an oriole, I cut several in half and stick them onto the nails I have along the top railing of our deck. At one time, we had five (5) bright orange males in a line eating at the oranges. Did I have any film??? No-o-o-o-o, of course not!!! An opportunity like that??? What makes you think I would be smart enough to make sure I have film on hand. Okay, I learned my lesson and will keep an extra roll available at all times. Now, the grape jelly, I use the bottom part of an old butter dish to serve this up. I put it out for the orioles, but have found that there are several warblers that really dig into this stuff. You have to keep an eye on the jelly though. If it gets rained on it just totally liquifys and if its too dry it gets a thick, dry skin on it that the little birds can't break through.

Last but not least, WATER! You don't have to be fancy . . . You don't even need a birdbath. Anything shallow that will hold water will do. Honestly, the birds don't care if you spend $39.95 on a special black iron bird bath holder with a $12.99 really neat terra cotta colored, 20 inches wide and 2 inches deep bird bath made especially for them. They will use the mud puddle first if there is one. Just remember, whatever you use . . . KEEP IT CLEAN!!! Believe me, it will get scummy and green if you leave it for more than a couple days. Keeping it clean is really not hard. Just grab a stiff brush, a little bleach, and your hose. Give the container a good spray of water, then add a bit of bleach and some elbow grease. The bleach will have that scummy green algae gone in no time. Make sure you RINSE IT REALLY WELL then set it back up full of fresh clean water. The birds will love you for it. This is especially important if you are experiencing an extended period with no rain.

Every part of the country has their own variety of birds, so it pays to know what kind of birds you want to attract first. You also need to decide what kind of feeder you want and whether or not you need to worry about squirrels. If you have squirrels in the area they will find the feeder, quaranteed! Actually, even if you don't see them around alot, they will come. So, decide now. Do you care if they eat the seed or would you prefer that they don't have easy access to it?
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