all-birds.com
Feeding and watching birds is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the America. Around 60 million people feed birds in the US. The only outdoor hobby that is more popular is gardening and the two are natural partners. Feeding Birds and watching them at feeders is enjoyed by all ages. For birds the benefit is reliable food sources provided by feeders. Many birds depend on feeders to get them through the winter.
All birds need food, water and shelter, but they all have different needs. You are more likely to find certain birds if you look in their normal habitat. You will also have more success in your backyard or garden if you are feeding the birds what they like.
Natural foods that birds eat include insects, worms; berries and other fruit, flower nectar, nuts and seeds, tree sap, buds of trees and shrubs, fish and small animals or other birds, eggs, they even scavenge dead animal.
You can get a clue what a bird eats by the type of beak or bill the bird has.
A thick cone shaped bill is good for cracking seeds. Examples would be Cardinals, Grosbeaks, Finches, Sparrows and Towhees. These birds eat seeds all year long. When seeds are scarce they eat insects.
For a look at different types of bird beak see Anatomy.
Other factors that determine a birds diet include flight habits, sight, and hearing. For example birds like the Swallow that feed while flying rely mostly on insects for food. The eyesight of Eagles and Hawks let them see prey from great distances. The hearing of an Owl helps it detect rodents in darkness. A Heron not only has ability to see fish, but it is able to allow for refraction of the water. Robins can see and hear slight movements of earthworms.
Seasons
Since the availability of food plays a large role in determining what a bird eats, seasonal changes make a difference. When fruits are ripe the birds feed on fruit. Insects are more plentiful at certain times of a year. Birds are great opportunists and will eat what is available. Most migrating birds will eat to help build fat for their migration.
WATER
Most birds cannot resist water and will make frequent trips to a water source. A birdbath or pool in the backyard or garden will usually attract a variety of birds. Birds usually prefer water close to protective comer like shrubs or trees. Garden birds usually like water far enough from vegetation that they can keep an eye on what is around them and close enough for them to dive for cover. They will check out the water from a close by tree then dive down for a drink or splash. For garden birds keep the water shallow. They need to water to clean their feathers for flying and insulation
During cleaning most birds rub oil from the Preen gland on their feathers. Some do what is called Anting where they rub an ant on their feathers to help fight parasites. This is thought by some to fall under the use of tools and be a sign of intelligence.
When birds find a good source of water they likely return repeatedly. By observing birds around water in the wild you can create a spot in your backyard or garden that will attract them. You can buy a bird bath or it is easy to make a small pool. Use an old barrel, a plastic pool, or line a hole it the ground with plastic sheeting.
Garden
The best way to develop a backyard that will attract birds is to observe the birds in the wild. Birds like natural habitats. A garden that looks like the natural habit is more likely to be visited by birds then one with excessive pruning. The reason nest boxes are used by birds is they have the same function as tree cavities in the wild. By watching birds in their natural surroundings you will get a good idea of where to put your nest box or feeder.
Feeding Hummingbirds
Their unique habits and beautiful jewel colors make Hummingbirds one of the most popular birds to watch. The two main sources of food for Hummingbirds are nectar and small insects. They will visit all flowers but are especially attracted to red, orange and bright pink. To attract these little bird jewels plant flowering annuals, perennials and shrubs.
There are many different Hummingbird feeders sold or you can make your own. As they say if you build it they will come. They love sugar water. Here is a simple formula. About 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Boil the water, add the sugar until it dissolves and let it cool. Once you get Hummingbirds coming to you feeders fill them daily. You should clean them every few days. Rinse them with hot water. A little vinegar added to the water will help fight mold.
Unfortunately insects also like sugar water. For a hanging feeder a little petroleum jelly on the wire will keep ants away. Flying insects are a little harder. Try a small amount of the jelly around feeder openings. You can also get bee guards, plastic grates that cover the openings. Other birds such as Sparrows, Woodpeckers, and Chickadees will also visit the feeders, especially if there is a perch for them.
Providing food for birds
The main food bird feeders provide are grains, seeds, nuts, and fats in the form of suet. Fruit and sugar water and even bakery products are also good.
In addition to bird feed it is good to provide grit. Birds do not have teeth and depend on hard particles in their gizzards to grind up their food. You can get grit at bird feed stores and garden centers. Some forms of grit are ground oyster shells, sand with particles of quartz, crushed eggshells. Eggshells will also give the bird calcium. Spread the grit on the ground or put it in small containers away from the feeders to avoid bird droppings.
Seeds and Grains
Bird seed can be found in a variety of retail stores. Many experienced bird watchers will avoid much of commercial mixes because they have inexpensive seeds in them the birds will not eat.
You can attract specific birds by offering only certain feed. One way to find out what the bird you want to attract eats is to put containers of different foods out and watch which food they eat. Preferences do change though so you may want to test at different times of the year.
To get started go with the most popular feed.
Sunflower
Black Sunflower was designed specifically to feed wild birds. Most birds that eat Sunflower prefer it. It is better for the birds because it is rich in oil. Sunflower can be purchased unshelled to lessen the mess.
Safflower
This seed will help you attract bird favorites and discourage unpopular birds. It has hard shells and some birds like Starlings have more trouble eating it. Other birds like Cardinals, Chickadees and Nuthatches will love it. It is also good for birds because it is rich in oil.
Niger Seed
This small black seed is a favorite of certain birds like Goldfinches and Pine Siskin. Many other birds will prefer other seeds. Again the best way to know is to test.
Corn
There are a number of forms corn can be offered in. Northern Cardinals, Sparrows, Blackbirds and many others love cracked corn. Corn cobs or corn meal mush are also popular. This makes a great winter food because the high carbohydrates are good for keeping birds warm.
Nutmeats
Nuts are a great winter food because they are high in calories and fat. Some birds may have trouble with harder shelled nuts. Peanuts have a lighter shell than most.
Other Bird Foods
Suet
Next to back-oil Sunflower suet is a favorite of people who feed birds. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, Bluebirds, Chickadees and many more birds are attracted to suet. Beef suet is the best. You can get it from a butcher. If you are going to melt it ask the butcher to grind it for you. Suet cakes can be made with all kinds of tasty treats in them. Heat the suet to melt it. Let it cool a little to thicken and add your ingredients. You can add Raisins, peanut butter, fruits and cornmeal. Pour the mixture in to small containers and store in a freezer. If you don’t like the work you can buy commercial suet cakes. They have the advantage of not spoiling as fast, but many birds prefer the soft home made cakes.
Baked Goods
Most birds love baked goods. White bread crumbs, doughnuts, crackers, pancakes and more.
Fruit and Jelly
A bowl with cut up fruit and jelly will attract Robins, Mockingbirds, Orioles and many others. Try putting half an orange on a stick.
Mealworms
Orioles, Warblers, Purple Martins, and other birds will come for mealworms. Wild bird supplies, pet stores and fish bait shops will have mealworms.
Sugar Water
As mentioned earlier this is great for Hummingbirds. Many other birds also like it. Grosbeaks, Cardinals, Finches, Woodpeckers, and chickadees are just few of the birds that will come to sugar water feeders.
