How to Attract Cardinals

Cardinals, or "redbirds" as they are often called, are large, sturdy birds that need a sturdy surface to feed from. They often feed on the ground, but a solid feeder filled with their favorite goodies is sure to attract them to your yard.

Things You'll Need

  • fruit seeds
  • peanut butter
  • peanuts
  • mealworms
  • birdseed
  • bird feeder
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Buy a tray or platform feeder with space enough on it for larger birds to land.

    • 2

      Fill the feeder with any of the following foods: black-oil sunflower seeds (a cardinal favorite), safflower seeds, peanut or other nut kernels, or dried fruit such as raisins or apples.

    • 3

      Use mealworms (available at most pet stores or online), especially in spring when cardinals are feeding young.

    • 4

      Consider offering seeds from fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cantaloupe or squash (including pumpkins).

Tips & Warnings

  • Tube feeders don't generally work for cardinals because the birds are too large to fit comfortably on a small perch. If the tube feeder has a seed tray at the bottom, this may eliminate the problem.

  • Cardinals tend to avoid feeders that are hanging or swinging. For best results, use a ground feeder or one that is set on a pole.

  • A great project for kids is to make a peanut butter pinecone (see Related eHows, How to Make a Peanut Butter Pinecone). Just make sure to place the pinecone on the feeder, and don't hang it, or the cardinals will be unable to access it.

Related Searches:

Comments

  • offgrid Dec 30, 2009
    Great - thanks.

You May Also Like

Related Ads

Featured