Some are designed to deter insects and squirrels from eating the food. Nectar feeders will have a cylinder or tray design. Varieties include cylinder seed feeders, with mesh, tray, and weather guard options. The best wild bird feeders are based on the type of food that is offered and the types of birds that are expected to feed from them. Due to the inadequate amounts of protein and minerals, young birds may develop growth deformities when offered these foods. Human foods such as bread, cereal, and crackers do not provide the necessary nutrition and may fill up wild birds too quickly, preventing them from getting enough nutrients for optimal health. Winter: seed blends, sunflower seeds, millet, Nyjer seeds, nuts, suet, cheese, fruit, peanut butter, cracked corn Summer: seed blends, sunflower seeds, sunflower chips, Nyjer seeds, millet, nectar, fruit, jelly, mealworms, peanuts, suetįall: seed blends, sunflower seeds, Nyjer seeds, millet, nectar, nuts, fruit, suet, cracked corn Spring: seed blends, sunflower seeds, sunflower chips, millet, fresh fruit, suet when dry weather permits, nectar, peanut butter, mealworms, crushed eggshells In addition, fruits and nuts are a welcome treat for increased energy, and most will be eaten by a variety of birds.īird feeds appropriate for each season include: Live or dried mealworms will add variety and are a good source of protein. Organic ingredients offer the benefit of nutrition without exposure to chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides. Some even have ingredients to deter competing wildlife and insect pests from eating the feed. Different options are available to support the demands of nesting and winter stress. Wild birds may be fed a variety of options that include nectar, combinations of seeds, nuts, insects, soft fruit, and suet in various blends, cylinders, cakes, and butter formulations. Songbirds, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, finches, chickadees, cardinals, bluebirds, and other species can all be observed at different times of the year. This also allows the bird enthusiast to learn about the various species in the area during each season. Providing food for wild birds also ensures they have enough nourishment during the harsh winter months. Is Feeding the Birds a Good Idea?įeeding wild birds helps to ensure that food is available and easily accessed during their migration to a different geographical area. Offering various types of feeders with a mixture of food and water sources combined with perching options will bring a variety of birds year-round. Different types of wild bird foods may attract a variety of species.

This allows the birds to be observed up close.

Wild bird enthusiasts often provide food to attract birds to their local outdoor environment.

Feeding the birds at your table