How to Use Birdseed

You can attract different types of birds (and other creatures) by putting the birdseed in different types of feeders at different elevations. Whether you make the feeders yourself, or buy them at a store, you will amaze yourself and your neighbors with the amount and variety of birds in your neighborhood.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Birdseed Bird feeders

How to Use Birdseed

1. Are you are concerned about squirrels eating the bird seed? You should use "squirrel-proof" bird feeders or suspended tray feeders with baffles unless you don't mind if squirrels take most of the seed.

2. A tray feeder attracts the widest variety of birds, including sparrows, starlings, buntings, and pigeons. Attract ground feeding birds such as juncos, doves, and blackbirds by putting it near the ground, but you will also attract other animals from squirrels to deer. This can be lessened by putting out a small amount of seed at a time.

3. Install a window-mounted feeder to get a front-row view of the action without frightening away your guests.

4. Make pine cone feeders by coating a pine cone with peanut butter and rolling it in birdseed. Hang these from a tree and enjoy the show. These feeders are disposable; squirrels will usually make off with the entire pine cone as soon as they can.

5. Add tube or sock feeders filled with nyger seed to attract chickadees and goldfinches.

6. Empty and clean feeders regularly to eliminate moldy seed and fungus which can cause illness in birds. Refill feeders when empty to keep the show going.

Tips & Warnings

• Empty feeders completely before adding new seed in order to keep them clean. Add a water source to attract even more birds. This can be a traditional birdbath or a shallow pan on the ground.

References

• Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Choosing a Birdfeeder
• Audubon: Choosing a Feeder
• Backyard Bird Watching