There are many commercial bird feed mixes available, be careful of those with lots of fillers such as cracked wheat, red millet and milo, which are often found in seed mixes as these are not favorite foods. Birds prefer sunflower seed oil and crushed corn. Other favorites are shelled, un-salted and dry roasted nuts, safflower seeds, niger or thistle seeds and nut liver. Overall, sunflower seed oil is a universally good ration that has a higher food value and nutmeat to shell ratio, which makes it more nutritious for birds.
Suets are an excellent source of energy and can be obtained easily and cheaply at local shops. Simply put them in an onion net or orange sack or a commercial feeder suet and hang from a branch near the trunk.
There are many items that most of us have in our kitchens that we can provide for birds, such as fruit and nuts, which are a source of nutritious food for many types of birds.
Apples, oranges, bananas, and raisins will liven up your backyard with robins, cardinals, and woodpeckers, to name a few. Apples and oranges pierced into spikes in trees are very attractive to many birds. Bananas, raisins, crushed peanuts, and watermelon sliced and placed on a tray with old bread, crackers, crackers, crushed eggshells, and caterpillars will also make a delicious treat for many birds.
During the winter months, birds also need water not only for drinking but also for bathing. Frequent bathing allows birds to keep their feathers clean and feathers clean provide better insulation and will maintain a stable body temperature. Birds do not have salivary glands so water is essential for digesting their food.
