Putting out the Buffet
If you are not already feeding, you can increase the survival rate of your feathered friends by starting this Winter. Birds use up to 10% of their stored body fat to survive cold Winter nights. They must replace that fat each day in order to survive, and hunting food supplies causes the loss of more body weight. Easy access to a clean feeding station can mean the difference between life and death to your backyard birds.

During the frigid months, suet feeders are an essential part of any feeding station. Birds use this high fat, high energy, food to quickly fill up and increase their body fat supply. Some feeders even come with suet cages attached.

The seed you serve will generally determine what birds visit your feeding station.

Black oil sunflower seed is the most widely used seed for bird feeding because most feeder visitors enjoy it. Its soft shell allows even small songbirds to crack it open. Mixing black oil sunflower seed with sunflower chips (the inside of the seed) can also make it easy for smaller songbirds to find a meal.

Birders can also reap the benefits of mixed seed to provide specific birds with a favorite snack, and/or deter pests.

A mix of black oil sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts and safflower is a songbird favorite. In fact, it is even called North Coast Cardinal Chickadee Mix because of its two biggest fans.

Hanging your feeder over a deck or patio? Try a "No Mess" Mix that offers seeds sans shells. Your feeding station will stay tidier and you could even attract birds not typically seen at feeders, like robins, because they can easily eat the seeds. 

Safflower by itself is also a favorite of cardinals and chickadees, but grackles and squirrels aren’t interested in this meal. Nyger or thistle seed is the most popular seed with finches, but not attractive to pest birds or squirrels.

Our Bird Feeding Information Sheet will provide you with information on what feathered visitors you can expect to see based on the seed and feeder you provide. Stop by our store and choose from our great selection of individual and mixed seed options guaranteed to provide a popular and healthy offering at your feeding station.