Tray feeders. Tray feeders are simple, flat trays that allow birds very easy access to seed. Another advantage is that seed is also accessible to squirrels, allowing more diverse wildlife. House feeders. These keep the seed in a contained area and dispense it as the birds feed on a small tray at the bottom of the feeder. Window feeders. Window feeders attach to your window with suction cups, offering a full view of bird activity. They will attract birds like chickadees, finches, and some kinds of sparrows. Suet feeders. Suet feeders are designed to offer suet cakes, which attract different birds like woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees. Tube feeders. To attract hummingbirds, use a tube feeder. These dispense sugar water through a tube.
Corn is a favorite among nearly all birds but is to be used sparingly – it will attract all sorts of animals. It is also important to be careful about the source of the corn since cheap corn can be contaminated with pesticides that are toxic to birds. Sunflower seeds are popular among all seed-eating birds, which makes them a good choice if you want a variety of species. However, the shells must be raked up frequently. Sunflower seeds will also tempt squirrels. White proso millet is a tasty treat for cardinals, quail, sparrows, doves, and crows. It is also attractive to house sparrows and other animals. Hummingbirds love to drink sugar water, meanwhile, and safflower seeds are good for attracting cardinals, chickadees, doves, sparrows, and grosbeaks. Suet, the fat around cow and sheep organs, attracts woodpeckers, nuthatches, wrens, jays, and starlings. Peanut butter makes a good winter food since it is highly nutritious. Just make sure that it doesn’t contain additives.
Bread, crackers, or other processed carbohydrates do not offer birds much nutritional value and can have toxic ingredients. Bacon drippings or other meats can meanwhile contain harmful nitrates. Both may end up attracting mice and rats instead. [5] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Cheap feeds often contain “filler seeds” that are not eaten like red millet, golden millet, oats, and flax. Be sure to check the ingredients in the purchased feed.
Also, keep the blinds in your home at least halfway closed during the day so the birds will be less likely to fly through the window. [7] X Research source
Evergreen trees and shrubs like hollies make great homes for birds over the winter. Many birds are attracted to fruit and berries, so consider planting an apple tree or planting a blueberry bush.
Make sure that your nest site has adequate ventilation and is supplied with a “baffle” and reinforcement ring at the opening. This will prevent predators from entering.
Consider supply nesting material such as string, hair, or other fibers, or stuff mesh bags with pieces of yarn or string, straw, pet fur, small bits of cloth, or anything else that a bird might use to nest. Don’t remove dead trees unless they are a danger. Standing dead trees are important nesting and foraging spots for many species, especially woodpeckers, which eat the insects that infest dead trees.
Consider using a heated water source during the winter. For the sake of sanitation, find a bath that is easy to clean. Ensure that the water does not become stagnant or harbor algae. [15] X Trustworthy Source The Cornell Lab of Ornithology Research lab of Cornell University dedicated to interpreting and conserving the Earth’s biological diversity through research and education about birds Go to source
