If you want to enjoy your outdoor spaces more, a little wild bird seed might be just what you need. Simply by adding a bird feeder or two to your yard, you will soon be attracting all sorts of local birds. In no time at all, your garden will be the hottest spot around for a growing number of wild birds.
When initially setting up your bird feeding area, it is important to understand what types of feathered friends are native to your area. Putting out a feeder full of finch food will do you no good if there are normally no finches in your community. Check with local bird watching enthusiasts to achieve a better understanding of which types of birds are most common in your town or city. Once you know the types of flying fowl you are likely to attract, you can then purchase the correct feed for their needs.
Prior to purchasing sumptuous seed for your neighborhood birds, you should also be sure you have the right type of feeder to accommodate the right type of birds. If you want to attract smaller flying friends and ward off larger creatures like crows, you might want to opt for a feeder that is smaller in size. Alternatively, you can opt for a feeder with a sloped roof so that larger birds cannot access the wild bird seed inside the feeder. Some birds like crows and seagulls will eat just about any food in sight, regardless of whether it is meant for them or not. By opting for the right bird feeder for the type of creatures you are trying to attract, you ensure that there will be enough seed available when your feathered friends come calling.
When purchasing seed, be sure to investigate the different types of bird mixes that are available. Some seed mixes are mostly filler of small tiny pellets and seed. Others have a combination of sunflower seeds and nuts mixed into the blend. Still others have corn added for extra nutrition. You can even find bird mixes that are almost completely sunflower seeds. Some mixes remove the shells from the sunflower seeds, while others leave the shell intact for the birds to enjoy. Depending upon where you live, you will want to choose the type of feed that best meets the dietary needs of the birds in your area. This is another opportunity to connect with your local bird watching community. By checking with the bird enthusiasts in your area, you will have a much better idea of which seed mixtures are best suited for the birds that are native to your community.
Your hungry flying friends can be quite a messy bunch, so be sure to place your feeder in an area that can tolerate dropped feed. Some wild bird seed can sprout and grow when it is dropped on fertile soil, so place your feeder accordingly. Whether you sweep the area frequently or place your feeder where the mess does not matter, you will soon be able to enjoy flying friends treating themselves to your tempting tidbits in no time. Try to place your feeder so that you can enjoy the view from your home, then just sit back and enjoy the wildlife wonderland you have created.
