Feed them right, and they’ll sing for you all season long.
Not All Birdseed Is Created Equal—And That’s Good News for You
Most bird feeding advice reads like a bland oatmeal recipe: generic, uninspired, and forgettable. But you’re not average, and neither are your feathered guests. If you want goldfinches gossiping at your feeder and woodpeckers hammering with purpose, you need to think beyond the bag.
This guide doesn’t just list seeds—it breaks down what birds actually want, how to avoid the “junk food” of bird feed, and clever DIY tips for turning your backyard into a bird buffet with hardware-store-level efficiency.
Seed Like You Mean It: What to Feed and Why It Works
1. Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: The Swiss Army Knife of Seeds
Packed with protein and oil, this seed works for nearly all backyard birds. Its thin shell makes it easy to crack—even for chickadees who weigh less than a screwdriver.
Pro Tip from the Hardware Aisle: Store your seed in a galvanized steel can with a tight lid. Keeps it dry, fresh, and mouse-free. Plastic warps, steel doesn’t.
2. Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds: Goldfinch Crack
Tiny, lightweight, and often misunderstood—like the ¼” bolt of bird food. Perfect for finches, pine siskins, and redpolls. But don’t overbuy. It spoils fast, like that open can of paint you forgot in the garage.
3. Safflower: The Squirrel Deterrent (Sort Of)
Cardinals love it. Most squirrels hate it. Emphasis on “most.” One particularly aggressive gray squirrel in my yard has apparently developed a taste for it and an attitude to match.
4. Suet: High-Octane Fuel for Woodpeckers and Winter Warriors
Think of suet as bird beef jerky. Great for colder months when birds need calories just to stay warm. Avoid suet with seed filler—go for peanut or insect-based blends for max protein.
DIY Hack: Use silicone muffin molds to make suet cakes with real ingredients. Birds love them. Your neighbors will think you’re making cupcakes for raccoons.
The Bad Stuff: Feed to Avoid (Unless You’re Feeding Rats)
- Millet (in large amounts): Attracts more ground feeders and doves than songbirds.
- Mixed seed blends with fillers like wheat and red milo: Think of this as the packing peanuts of birdseed. Cheap and nearly useless.
- Bread and crackers: If it’s not good enough for your lunchbox, don’t offer it to a bird. They’re wild, not desperate.
Beyond the Bag: Smart DIY Feed Add-Ins
1. Crushed eggshells (rinsed and baked): Calcium boost for nesting birds. DIY meets CSI: Backyard Edition.
2. Mealworms (dried or live): Bluebirds, wrens, and robins go nuts. Want to win over the shy birds? Bribe them like it’s the hardware store clearance bin.
3. Fresh fruit scraps: Apple slices, orange halves, even bananas. Hang them on skewers or stick ‘em in suet cages. It’s like tapas night for tanagers.
Matching Feed with Feeder
Don’t toss premium feed into the wrong feeder—it’s like putting diesel in a lawnmower. Here’s the proper match:
- Tube Feeders: Black oil sunflower, Nyjer
- Hopper Feeders: Sunflower, safflower, seed blends
- Suet Cages: Suet (obviously), fruit chunks
- Platform Feeders: Fruit, peanuts, mealworms, cracked corn (sparingly)
Final Word: Treat Your Yard Like a Diner
Birds aren’t just looking for food—they’re looking for consistent service, clean tables, and zero cats. Keep your feeders clean, your feed fresh, and your squirrel situation under surveillance. You don’t have to spend a fortune, just feed smart and a little creatively.
This isn’t just the “best” feed guide—it’s the most useful one your birds will never read. But they’ll thank you in song.