Exploring Nature: Bird B
uffet
Feeding birds is a most common practice. In fact, the birdseed industry is worth about three billion dollars, no small amount.
But some birdseed offerings are not all that nutritious. Cheap birdseed will often contain lots of little round, rust-colored seeds called red milo. It’s a filler, and most bird species aren’t interested in it. The same goes for canola seeds, oats and wheat – all are pretty useless for feeding backyard birds.
Also, some suet blocks are made of corn and millet and aren’t good options. Buyer beware.
What is a good choice? Black-oil sunflower seeds are nutritious and attract a wide range of birds, including cardinals, chickadees and titmice. This feed is also available at many stores.
So as you join all those other folks in feeding birds, remember it does matter what you put out.
Finally, not to be forgotten in this torrid weather, do provide two other essentials if you can – shade and water. I provide both with a sturdy concrete birdbath in the shade of a huge oak tree.
But if it is only a shallow bowl of water on a porch rail, small birds will appreciate a place to sip, and perhaps dip.
