While high quality bird food is essential to the above objective birders would be unwise to spend exorbitant amounts of money on over-priced bird seeds as this is unsustainable.  So finding the best seed mix at the most reasonable price is key to keeping the bird population in one’s garden happy and maintaining a sustainable hobby that does not put a damper on your finances.  Solid research will keep birders ahead of the curve in this regard as sound information on which vendors and mixes are the top ranked items will make the decision making process much easier. When purchasing bird food, it is also imperative that birders avoid all-in-one mixes that claim to attract a wide range of birds as these types of feed rarely do so. Much like other species, different bird varieties prefer and need certain food types over others and the nutritional requirements of the creatures also vary greatly depending on the inhabitants of your neighbourhood wild bird population.

Buying in bulk is another tried and true tactic of seasoned birders that save precious pennies in the long run and guarantee a steady influx of wild birds to the garden. Bulk orders and loyalty programs are offered by various vendors and manufacturers at different times of the year therefore birders should keep tabs on such offers as they can be worth your time if the right seed mixes are involved.  Those who do not have proper storage spaces, away from moisture and sunlight however should not purchase bird seed in bulk as the seeds could easily spoil and harm the birds that feed on the compromised grub.

Another popular misconception is that bird feeding is a relatively simple past time where placing feeders in strategic locations around the garden is all that is required. Seasoned birders are well-aware of the subtle intricacies of their chosen hobby as the past time requires one to observe the behaviours and feeding habits of specific bird species to succeed. Laying out generic bird seed products will also not suffice as various birds feed on various food groups which may include vegetarian or nut-based diets or carnivorous diets which include mealworms.  So finding quality wild bird food should be priority no.1 for any aspiring birder as the nutritional value of the food and its overall value matters a great deal to the health and well-being of not only the wild birds but the success of one’s past time as well.  When shopping for bird seeds one should also be weary of the current season and the specific requirements of certain bird species during various times of the year. Some birds may require additional food in the winter months while others will be missing essential nutrients they derive from sources other than food during the colder months.  The type of feeder is equally important as a bird’s capacity to feed on the feeder with ease greatly depends on the shape of its bill and the positioning of the feeder itself.

Wild bird food needs to be nutritious as well as tasteful to the multitude of birds one caters to as this will keep the winged beauties coming back for more with each passing day. When looking for bird food, supermarkets and farm shops really ought to be avoided as the options on offer at these venues maybe sparse at best although the appeal of purchasing bird food at the local market is well documented. Offering good deals for bulk purchases and other special offers such vendors capitalize on the convenience of purchasing one’s groceries along with bird seeds. But the quality of the product on the shelf may be anything but ideal.  Doing online and on-the –ground research is key in finding the best bird seed brands and manufacturers. Consider the options used by the local birding society of fellow birders who have had good experiences with certain varieties of bird food.

Once one finds the brands and bird seed vendors that are considered the best it is wise not to buy the items in bulk if storage space is an issue. While buying bulk from trusted vendors is an advantage in the long run, those without proper storage spaces should opt out as poorly stored bird food spoils and rots due to exposure to the elements.

Some of the more visible signs of spoiled bird seed are strong odours and mould which are highly prevalent in bird feed that has been kept in wet conditions.  Dampness may also be felt to touch while caking of seeds and clustering up in lumps also suggests seeds spoiled due to excessive moisture. Some seeds will also show signs of sprouting and have living or deceased insects roaming on the surface with larvae and webbing also apparent. Birders should immediately dispose of such bird feed as the food products will inevitably harm the birds that feed from your backyard.

But how can one avoid these unpleasant aftermaths? Buying seeds in bulk is financially advantageous so storage should also be given consideration if one is to preserve the quality of the seeds till they are used.

Plastic containers are a popular choice among many birders but the containers must be air-tight if they are to preserve the contents. Galvanized metal ware is actually ideal for bird seed storage in addition to heavy-duty zip lock containers and adequately sealed plastic containers as these keep tiny insects from gaining access to the seeds and propagating its species.  Labelling is also essential to keep the various bird food products separate and easily identifiable. Transparent containers are also advantageous as birders can see any signs of spoilage/ insect life beforehand and take necessary steps before it’s too late.  The storage space should ideally be dry and void of any moisture and direct sunlight. Shaded areas of the garage are perfect provided not too much moisture has accumulated in those areas.

This seed cannot be called a seed because the seed is technically a fruit and is being prepared in the uncanny method known to mankind. As you know in order to enjoy a good bird feeding experience, many people take the liberty of building a bird feeding station which has shown that it’s a very reliable way in which birds will be drawn into a particular habitat without the hassle. Meal worms which are especially frozen help by being a natural source of food for wild birds. They are a high source of energy, fat and protein which benefits birds like Tits, Robins, Wrens, Blackbirds and Thrushes gain a considerable amount of energy which they will make use of during feather regeneration and hibernation. Ways of feeding mealworm is usually off a bird table, ground feeder or a meal bird feeder.

 Another way to attract wild birds into ones garden is definitely feeding them a high quality range of wild bird food seed mixtures that will particularly blend to encourage the vast array of wild birds into your compound all year around. Most mixtures usually contain whole wheat, kibbled maize, white millet, black sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts, and linseed and soya oil and are highly favored by both wild birds and garden birds alike. If you have an interest in birds, you should always make sure that you feed the right food to the right bird as they all have their own preferences and different taste buds.

Wild bird food is a range of seed mixes that is made to encourage a wide variety of wild birds into your garden for your bird watching pleasure. These nutritious seed mixes contain a blend of popular seeds and berries that is highly favored by birds that travel all over the globe. This particular seed mix contains a mixture of small seeds, black sunflowers, Niger seeds, peanut granules, juniper berries, rose hips and a dash of apple suet for that added energy that benefit these wild birds in a considerable way. This high energy is good as it helps ensure that your garden birds get their energy source that is needed to nest, breed, and raise their young ones. It’s always better to place the mix on the ground, a seed tray or a bird table as the berries can get trapped due to size variations.

The Niger seed is another type of bird food that birds find hard to say no to. It’s a little black seed that is rich in oil and highly favorable in attracting Goldfinches and Siskin varieties towards your garden. It’s high in protein content and is mainly valuable for feather regeneration and for hibernation during the low temperature seasons. Along with these, the sunflower seeds are more popular among garden birds. The three main varieties that are given to them are the sunflower hearts, striped sunflower seeds and black sunflower seeds. Meal worms are equally popular as all the above mentioned types of bird food. Freeze dried mealworms and insects provide a source of natural food for wild birds as well as garden birds and eliminate the mess of storing live food. They are a valuable source of energy, fat and protein.

It is very important for you to do your homework before you start shopping for bird food as every species of bird has its own preference when it comes to seeds, nuts and berries. Seed mixes are now very popular and an effective method of feeding wild birds. The carefully selected ingredients provide a balanced diet and keep your garden birds healthy with this perfectly balanced food mix. The richly varied mixture of ingredients means it will attract many different bird species. The inclusion of dried mealworms and oyster shell grit make it an excellent choice, particularly during the breeding season when both young and adult birds need extra nutrition.

Mealworms are another type of bird food that is much favored by wild and garden birds both. These are mostly the larvae of the Tenebrio molitar beetle. Their diet is vegetarian which makes them safe to feed to wildlife and they are a favorite with insect-eating birds such as Robins, tits and House Sparrows. A constant supply of supplementary food is essential during winter and summer. Mealworms are quite high in fat so they ensure that the birds are enriched with energy after consumption.

 Also Niger seed belongs to the oily seeds, its content of fat is quite high and it contains a high percentage of protein. Common seed mixtures usually do not contain Niger seeds. Due to its relatively high protein values it makes a good additional food if served in little quantities. Apart from the above mentioned bird food types there are more that you can go for depending on the birds you are hoping to attract into your homes. It’s not just always about buying the right type of seeds as well. You should also ensure that they are maintained in good condition so that they will be made edible to the birds. Birds usually do not fancy bird food that has gone rancid; therefore it is highly advisable that the seeds are stored in cool dry places in a rodent proof metal can. You should always check the food for mold and they should never be overstored after a certain period of time.

The best place to start is right in your own backyard.  In order to get the attention of these wild birds, there is a small list of items you would need to get ready such full bird feeders, a birdbath fresh water source, bird houses for security or a nest building and the right amount of greenery that would help attract vegetation.

 Before you set up its better to obtain some information about all these things and especially aboutplaces where you can find wild bird supplies online.  Luckily you need to set out the welcome mat for bird’s right in your own backyard. Providing fresh bird seed as well as suet, nectars, mealworms, fruits/nuts and other food sources mean more birds at your feeders and will keep them coming back for more.  There are bird food merchants who offer a large array of quality food from the best sources.  The food products they offer should be tested and developed to appeal to a wide variety of birds. It’s highly important during spring to ensure that wild birds are supplemented with seed and other natural food because birds would not have time to mature.  BLACK OIL SUNFLOWER SEED is a type of wild bird seed that is rich in fat and protein and provides twice the calories per pound as other seeds.  The shells are thin and easy to open.  Black oil sunflower is a favorite seed of Chickadees, Finches, Cardinals, Titmice and Grosbeaks.

The Niger seed is favored by birds with small bills like Goldfinches, House and Purple Finches, and Pine Siskins.  This seed is not the same as the native thistle.  It is a sterilized imported seed.  The sterilization does not affect its nutritional value, but rather keeps it from germinating.  This seed is quite small and requires special feeders.

Also not forgetting mealworms and how important it is to know exactly what a mealworm is.  They are the larvae of a beetle, specifically, the ten briomonitor and are about 3/4″ long.  They are not slimy and they do no bite.  The good news is they are a wonderful high-protein and energy source for wild birds and the birds love them. These healthy morsels are great to offer migrating birds and will send them along their way with an extra boost of energy. Bird watching and feeding can become an addictive but it is definitely a healthy one.

As a child I remember how fascinating it was to see my father setting up bird tables and nest boxes for our feathery friends. Although many people provide bird food only during winter we made sure to have a supply throughout the year, this is something I still continue to do.

I have always loved small birds, Robins and Blue Tits are my favourite therefore I make sure to have plenty of their relished dried mealworms available in the bird bowls. Dried mealworms are a high vitamin and protein source for wild garden birds and it is sure to attract not only Robins and Blue Tits but also Dunnocks, Thrushes, Black birds as well as Starlings. In the past we used to prepare the dried worms at home which, is quite a tedious task!  It is much convenient and hygienic to buy bulk packs from the supermarket or online since they can be stored for long periods.

It is nice to see that my own kids are as enthusiastic I was about bird watching and feeding at their age. I make them a part of it by getting their help to clear the bird tables and adding new food to it. Apart from mealworms I also have Sunflower hearts and niger seeds as they are a great nutritional source for wild garden birds and definitely a no-mess food. Sunflower hearts are a great year round food, they are as good as having peanuts. Niger seeds are very high in oil content but once they dry up birds lose interest.

Providing birds with supplementary food give a wonderful experience, I have witnessed it all my life. It is very interesting to see their behaviour and vibrancy up close and the sense of satisfaction it brings is simply marvelous. Feeding wild garden birds is also a great way to enthuse your kids about wildlife.

Feeding wild birds that visit your garden with supplementary meals can be a lovely experience and a real life-saver especially during harsh weather conditions. There are certain pointers to keep in mind when birding including what to feed, when to feed and what birds to expect in your garden.

What to feed
There are varieties of bird food being advertised but it’s important to know the best ones you need to use. Bird seed mixes is a great option, it is a good choice to opt for mixes with small seeds since it tend to attract a diverse of birds both small and large. House sparrows, dunnocks, reed buntings, doves, pigeons and a variety of birds are drawn for mixed varieties.

Dried mealworms are a great source of nutrition and can be used for feeds throughout the year. Robins, Blue tits and pied wagtails as well as other insect eating birds come to relish dried mealworms. 

Sunflower hearts are also a popular meal for a range of birds that flock in gardens. Sunflower hearts are the husked kernels that can be used throughout the year. They are easy to clean and not messy like some foods.

Niger seeds are small seeds that are high in oil content. Goldfinches and siskins gather around for niger seeds. You need to make sure to clean the bowls after the niger seeds are dried since most birds won’t eat them then.

When to feed
Winter is the most crucial time to feed birds however shortage of food can occur any time of the year. If you feed them throughout the year it will give them a better chance for survival in times when meal shortages arise.

What birds to expect
Your visitors may vary according to the type of food provided and the place you live. You are most like to see house sparrows, robins, blue tits, collard doves, dunnocks, song thrushes, siskins etc.

If you’re closer to wooded areas you would most probably have woodpeckers, long tailed tits, blackcaps and nuthatches making a visit.