Birdseed/Birdfeeder Basics

In the early fall, foraging flocks of birds are searching for winter feeding opportunities; if you
haven’t been feeding the birds all summer, now is the time to start. Here’s some basic information to get you headed in the right direction!

Tube feeders attract small clinging birds: chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, finches, small woodpeckers. Large tubes might also attract blue jays, larger woodpeckers, starlings, and grackles. Cardinals will use tube feeders outfitted with a seed tray. Tube feeders perform best when filled with black oil sunflower seed, safflower seed, cardinal mix (50/50 black oil and safflower), or peanut pieces. Avoid using mixed seed in tube feeders.

Hopper feeders attract the most birds: cardinals, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, woodpeckers, finches, doves. Songbird Mix in your hopper feeder will attract the biggest variety of birds; they will eat the sunflower seed, safflower seed and peanuts from the feeder and scratch the millet out for ground feeders like doves and sparrows.

Tray feeders are open feeders that will attract a great variety of birds and can dispense any type of seed. There are no sides to obstruct your view of the birds but the seed is open to the elements and can spoil quite quickly.

Finch feeders are tube feeders with tiny holes that dispense nyjer (thistle) seed to attract goldfinches. House finches and, occasionally, chickadees will also visit finch feeders.

Suet feeders and peanut feeders attract insect eating birds–woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches.

Put out a variety of feeders filled with the appropriate seed and you’ll attract a great diversity of bird species.