Janet Sutton, Master Gardener Volunteer

Fall Home Improvement Section
Birdseed

September 12, 2002

     Cleaning is for the birds?  Yes, remember, "Spring forward" and "fall back” biannual cleaning for bird feeders is just as important as the seasonal change for our watches. Fall is an excellent time to clean away all the old seed stuck to the bottom of you feeder. Wash the feeder in a strong vinegar and water solution using a brush to remove old seed particles, rinsing several times. Allow the feeder to dry thoroughly in the sun before refilling the feeder.  Stock your feeder with fresh seeds that will attract the birds you want to see.  Different types of birdseed attract different birds.
      Sunflower seed is the most popular food for our song  birds, Black oil sunflower seed is a favorite of both small and large seedeaters. This is usually the only type of seed I stock in my feeder. It is high in protein and easy for birds to open.  This type of sunflower seed attracts blue jays, cardinals, chickadees, tufted titmice, white-breasted nuthatches, sparrows, towhees, and evening grosbeaks. One drawback is that it is messy when months of discarded hulls accumulate on the ground.
     Striped sunflower seeds are very nutritious, but have hard shells appealing to birds with thick bills.  Hulled sunflower seeds are more expensive, but are not messy as are seeds with hulls, and are the perfect seeds for balcony or deck feeders. 
     White proso millet attracts ground feeders such as mourning doves, juncos and sparrows.  These birds forage for seeds often dropped by birds at the feeder.
     Safflower seeds are recommended if squirrels are a problem because they normally do no eat safflower seeds.  However, I've heard one report of a less discriminating squirrel.  Cardinals will eventually eat these seeds and other birds may also adjust their eating habits.
     Niger seed, also called African thistle is a high protein food, a virtual magnet for
goldfinches and pine siskins. These birds feed while hanging upside-down when this seed is in a narrow tubular feeder with small holes.
     As a convenience for shoppers, most grocery and discount stores stock all-purpose birdseed mixes and blends. Frequently comprised of less expensive birdseed, these blends often contain red milo, rice, oats and wheat, ingredients which are low in nutrition and seem to attract less desirable birds such as starlings and sparrows. These low cost bird foods often contain hulls and debris as fillers. With the availability of a vast variety seeds, birders have the option to create their own custom mixes, which can be blended to attract or discourage specific birds.    

      Store birdseed in a secure sturdy plastic bin with an airtight lid.   A tightly fitting lid is imperative preventing unwanted mice and insects from getting into the birdseed making it unfit for bird consumption.
     Keeping a regular supply of fresh birdseed in clean feeders provides this birder with
hours of enjoyment and great entertainment.

Janet Sutton