Feeding wild birds is a delightful way to connect with nature and contribute to the well-being of our avian friends. As the seasons change, so do the dietary needs of wild birds, making it essential to provide appropriate nourishment throughout the year.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of bird feeding from an expert's perspective. Whether you are a novice or an experienced bird enthusiast, these insights will help you understand what, when, and how to feed wild birds to support their health and survival. 

Understanding Wild Bird Diets 

To provide optimal nutrition, it is crucial to comprehend the natural diets of wild birds. Different bird species have distinct dietary preferences, including seeds, fruits, insects, and nectar. Researching the bird species in your area will allow you to cater to their specific dietary needs.

It is also important to note that some birds have seasonal dietary variations, influenced by factors like breeding, migration, and winter survival. 

Year-Round Bird Feeding 

Spring Feeding:

During spring, birds require a diverse diet to support their increased energy needs for courtship, mating, and nesting. Offer a variety of seeds, insects, and suet to attract a range of species.  Providing nesting materials like twigs and grass can also be beneficial.

Feeding birds in the spring is a delightful activity and can attract a wide range of species to your garden. The types of birds you attract will largely depend on the kind of food you provide.

Here are some different types of food that will attract various bird species: 

Seeds: 

• Sunflower Seeds: These are a favorite among many bird species, including cardinals, finches, and chickadees. They are rich in fat and protein. 

• Millet: Sparrows, doves, and juncos love millet. It's often a main ingredient in mixed birdseed. 

• Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds: These seeds are a favorite of finches, especially goldfinches. 

• Safflower Seeds: They are loved by cardinals and can be an excellent deterrent for unwanted birds like grackles and starlings. 

• Cracked Corn: This is a good choice for attracting ground-feeding birds like doves, quails, and pheasants. 

Insects: 

• Mealworms: These can be offered live or dried. They are a favorite of bluebirds, thrushes, wrens, and woodpeckers. 

• Crickets: Like mealworms, these can also be offered live or dried. They attract birds such as sparrows and finches. 

• Waxworms: These are loved by woodpeckers, bluebirds, and other insect-eating birds. 

Suet: 

Suet is essentially a cake of animal fat and is very high in energy, making it a favorite food for many birds, particularly in the colder months. You can add a variety of seeds, grains, and fruits to suet to make it more appealing. 

• Plain Suet: Attracts woodpeckers, nuthatches, and starlings. 

• Suet with Seeds or Berries: Attracts a wider variety of birds like chickadees, sparrows, and titmice. 

• Suet with Insects: This can attract insect-eating birds like wrens, kinglets, and even some types of warblers.

Summer Feeding:

In summer, birds rely more on insects and fruits as these resources become abundant. Planting native flowering plants and shrubs will attract insects and provide nectar, while offering fresh fruits like berries can entice frugivorous birds. 

Here are some feeding suggestions that can attract a range of bird species in the summer: 

Insects: 

• Mealworms: These are a great year-round food, but many birds especially love them in the summer. They can be offered live or dried. 

• Crickets: These are attractive to birds like sparrows and finches. Like mealworms, they can be offered live or dried. 

• Waxworms: These can attract insect-eating birds like woodpeckers and bluebirds. 

• Earthworms: These are particularly loved by robins and can be a real treat in the summer months. 

• Ant Moats or Traps: Hummingbirds, in particular, have been known to feast on ants. While ants can be a nuisance to hummingbird feeders, using an ant moat or trap can provide a food source for these birds. 

Fruits:

• Berries: Many birds enjoy berries, such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. You can put out fresh or dried berries, or plant berry-producing shrubs or trees. 

• Melons: The soft, juicy fruit of melons can be a hit with many bird species. Simply scoop out a bit of the fruit and leave the melon out for the birds to enjoy. 

• Oranges: These are a particular favorite of orioles and can be cut in half and hung from trees. 

• Apples: Many birds enjoy apples. Cut them into halves or quarters and place them on a platform feeder. 

• Grapes: Cut them in half to make it easier for the birds to eat. 

• Bananas: Open a banana up and place it on a platform feeder. Tanagers and orioles in particular love bananas. 

Nectar: 

• Hummingbird Nectar: You can make your own nectar by mixing one part sugar with four parts water. This will attract hummingbirds and possibly orioles. 

Don’t forget to keep feeders and feeding areas clean to prevent the spread of diseases. And always provide fresh water for birds to drink and bathe in like Quackups Hummingbird Bubbler Fountain. Enjoy watching the birds this summer! 

Fall Feeding:

 Autumn is a critical time for birds to accumulate fat reserves for migration and prepare for the upcoming winter. Incorporate high-energy foods such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet to aid their migration journeys. Leaving flower heads and seed-bearing plants can provide additional foraging opportunities. 

Here are some feeding suggestions that can help provide the energy these birds need: 

Seeds: 

• Sunflower Seeds: These are high in fat and very nutritious, making them an ideal energy source for birds like finches, chickadees, cardinals, and nuthatches. 

• Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds: These seeds are a favorite of finches and are also high in fat, perfect for long journeys. 

• Safflower Seeds: These seeds are enjoyed by many bird species including cardinals, chickadees, and grosbeaks, providing necessary fat content. 

Nuts: 

• Peanuts: Peanuts are a great source of protein and fat. They can be offered whole, shelled, or in peanut butter form. Many birds like jays, woodpeckers, chickadees, and titmice love them. 

• Almonds: These are also high in fat and loved by a variety of birds, including woodpeckers and nuthatches. 

Suet: 

Suet is a high-energy food that is particularly useful for birds in the colder months, but it can also be used in the autumn to help birds gain weight for migration. It is popular with a variety of birds, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, and starlings. 

• Seed Suet: Adding seeds to the suet can increase its energy content and make it even more attractive to birds. 

• Nut Suet: A suet with nuts can provide a high-fat, high-protein food source perfect for migrating birds. 

Fruits: 

• Berries: Many berries ripen in the fall and are a great source of energy for migrating birds. This includes berries from trees and shrubs such as dogwood, serviceberry, elderberry, and hawthorn. 

• Apples: Many birds enjoy apples, which are high in sugar and provide a quick energy boost. 

• Grapes: These can be cut in half to make it easier for the birds to eat and can provide a high-sugar food source for energy. 

By providing these high-energy foods in your garden, you can help migrating birds on their long journeys. 

Winter Feeding: 

Food scarcity is a common challenge for birds in winter. Feeding birds during the winter can be a rewarding experience, and high-fat foods are the most beneficial for birds during this time. 

Here's a list of various high-fat foods that will help birds withstand the cold: 

• Suet: This is a high-fat food made from rendered animal fat, often beef. It's very high in energy and is a favorite among many bird species, particularly woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees. 

• Peanuts: Peanuts are high in fat and are a great source of energy. They can be offered whole, shelled, crushed, or in peanut butter form. However, if you're offering peanut butter, ensure it's salt-free and doesn't contain artificial sweeteners which can be harmful to birds. 

• Sunflower Seeds: These seeds are high in fat and protein and are a favorite among a variety of bird species. Black oil sunflower seeds are particularly high in fat. 

• Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds: These seeds are also high in oil and are a favorite of finches. 

• Mealworms: Whether live or dried, mealworms are a good source of fat and protein. They are a favorite of many bird species including robins, bluebirds, and sparrows. 

• Safflower Seeds: These seeds have a high oil content and are particularly favored by cardinals. 

• Nut and Seed Balls or Cakes: These are usually made from a mixture of seeds, nuts, and fat. They provide high energy for birds and can be hung from trees or placed on bird tables. 

• Coconut: The high-fat content of coconut is excellent for birds. You can offer it in the form of fresh coconut shells or as blocks of suet mixed with coconut. 

Offer these foods consistently throughout the winter, as birds will come to rely on your feeders, especially in severe weather. 

Always make sure to keep feeders clean to prevent the spread of diseases, and remember to provide fresh water, which can be challenging for birds to find when temperatures drop below freezing.

Providing a heated birdbath can also be valuable, as water sources can be scarce during freezing temperatures. 

Bird Feeder Placement and Maintenance 

Feeder Placement:

Strategic placement of feeders is vital for bird safety and enjoyment. Position feeders close to shrubs or trees, providing cover for birds to retreat to if threatened. Ensure feeders are easily accessible, away from windows to prevent collisions, and elevated to deter predators. 

Feeder Maintenance:

Regular cleaning of feeders is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases. Clean feeders with a solution of one-part bleach to nine parts water, rinse thoroughly, and air-dry before refilling. Remove wet or moldy food promptly to maintain hygienic feeding conditions. 

Bird Feeding Tips and Considerations 

Natural Food Sources:

Supplementing wild bird diets with natural food sources enhances their foraging skills. Encourage birds to seek out insects, berries, and seeds in your garden by minimizing the use of pesticides and offering a variety of plant species. 

Providing Water:

Birds require water for drinking and bathing. Ensure a fresh water source is available throughout the year, using a birdbath like Hummingbird Bubbler Fountain. Avoid using chemicals or additives and clean the water source regularly. 

Predation and Pest Control:

Safeguard bird feeders against predators like squirrels and raccoons by using baffles or selecting squirrel-proof feeders. Employ pest control measures that are safe for birds, such as placing feeders on poles with predator guards.

 

Conclusion

Feeding wild birds is an enriching experience that fosters a deeper appreciation for nature's beauty. Understanding the seasonal needs of birds and providing suitable food sources can make a significant difference in their survival and well-being.

By following this guide, you can create a bird-friendly environment in your backyard and contribute to the conservation of our feathered friends. Remember to stay attentive to the specific dietary requirements of different bird species, maintain clean feeding stations, and consider providing additional natural food sources and water.

Enjoy the rewarding sight of colorful visitors, melodious songs, and the joy of coexisting with the enchanting world of wild birds.