LMMcGee

Food for Fall!

During Autumn, all of the birdfeeders and birdseed go on sale. So why not feed birds all year long! But how do you attract the kinds of birds you want? We have six foods that will help you attract the birds you adore.

1. Sunflower seeds: If you are only stocking one type of seed, this would be the best choice. Sunflower seeds of all kinds are loved by finches, chickadees, nuthatches, grosbeaks, cardinals, jays and some types of woodpeckers. Serve sunflower seeds from a feeder that allows only smaller birds to enter the feeding chamber.

2. Nyjer seed (thistle): For finches, you will want to fill feeders with this tiny black seed. It is also a favorite of chickadees.

3. Safflower seeds: Cardinals, grosbeaks, mourning doves and house finches will feast on these.

4. Sugar water: For hummingbirds and orioles mix up some sugar water in the kitchen: 1 cup sugar to 4 cups water.

5. Suet cakes: Suet is a great source of energy for many birds such as, woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees and titmice. Unfortunately, much of the commercial variety contains lots of extras that offer little value to the birds.

6. Wild birdseed mixes: This is the "mystery" mix on the grocery store shelves. Usually it contains a mix of millet, cracked corn and few sunflower seeds. This kind of variety brings out the riff-raff; undesirable birds and night critters like raccoons and rats. Avoid these mixes as they won't bring the birds you would prefer to feed.

By the way, now is also the time to add some additional birdfeeders- Everyone has them on sale! Please visit http://www.yourwholesalegardendecor.com for more articles on gardening and creating a home away from home in the out of doors.

About the Author

The author is a nature and gardening enthusiast. She enjoys being outdoors. In addition, she desires to create her own retreat in the out of doors and to help others achieve that end, as well.