Birdseed Alternatives

Provided by: Backyard Wings and Water

We've got our feeders set up, filled with a variety of seeds, such as sunflower, safflower, & millet; thistle or nyger for the finches; suet and peanut feeders for woodpeckers. But what about the birds that aren't visiting our feeders?

Well, there are many birds that don't eat seeds or nuts. Among these are hummingbirds, obviously, but also orioles, tanagers & waxwings. What can you do to attract these birds to your yard? Try adding some nectar and fruit feeders to your feeding station. Orioles enjoy a nectar that is slightly less sweet than hummingbird recipes; that is, a sugar solution that is 5 parts water to 1 part sugar.

Other birds that are nectar drinkers are: cardinals, tanagers, warblers, woodpeckers, finches and thrushes.

In addition to offering nectar, orange halves speared on a nail or peg as well as a tasty dish of grape jelly will have orioles flocking, especially when offered early in the season, when they are looking for a good nesting spot.

Fresh berries, apples, soaked raisins or currants will attract the fruit lovers: orioles, tanagers, bluebirds, robins, mockingbirds, catbirds, thrashers, finches, siskins and waxwings.

Most birds are insect eaters, as well. Mealworms are a very special favorite. These can be purchased from bird centers and pet stores. Set them out in a bluebird feeder or deep dish and you may find your yard full of bluebirds, tanagers, catbirds & robins.

Don't toss out those uneaten muffins or other baked goods! You'll be providing a special treat for jays, crows, magpies & nutcrackers, as well as wrens, creepers, kinglets, sparrow, buntings, warblers, tanagers, towhees, juncos & blackbirds.

By providing a variety of these tasty treats, you have the opportunity to see many more beautiful & interesting songbirds you may have otherwise missed!