Spring bird feeding differs from winter bird feeding because of the annual migration that brings birds back from the south.
This migration allows bird watchers the opportunity to momentarily accommodate a wider variety of birds as they stop by to replenish their energy and rest until they head further north to reach their breeding ground.
For some bird watchers, this migration changes the focus from feeding backyard birds to feeding migratory birds.
We will now focus on some of these passers-by and what food you can provide to attract them. Last, we will consider the common backyard birds and the foods that attract them.
Migratory birds
- Grosbeaks
- Finches
- Doves
Millet is a favorite of ground feeders such as:
- Buntings
- California Towhees
- Sparrows
- Blackbirds
- Western Tanagers
- Scarlet Tanagers
- Lesser Goldfinches
- Blue Grosbeaks
- Bobolinks
- Dickcissels
- Mourning Doves
- Indigo Buntings
- Red-winged Blackbirds.
Cracked Corn attracts:
- Blackbirds
- Western Tanagers
- Dickcissels
- Meadowlarks
Mixed Seed attracts:
- some Towhees
- Lesser Gold Finches
- Meadowlarks
Halved Oranges attract:
- Northern Orioles
- Scott’s Orioles
- Western Tanagers
Dried Fruit attracts Bohemian Waxwings.
Nectar is key to attracting:
- Hummingbirds galore!
- Yellow bellied sapsuckers
- Scotts Orioles
- Orchard Orioles
- Blue-Winged Warblers
- Gold-Crowned Kinglets may also enjoy it.
Grape Jelly attracts:
- Orioles
- Grey Catbirds
- American Robins
Mealworms attract a huge variety of birds such as:
- All Bluebirds
- Scarlet and Hepatic Tanagers
- American Robins
- Warblers
- Northern Flickers
- Gold Crowned Kinglets
- Wood Thrushes and Brown Thrashers
Corn on the Cob attracts the Red-Headed Woodpecker.
Bananas may attract:
- Northern Orioles
- Summer Tanagers
- Tennessee Warblers
Although most bird watchers focus on the foods that attract migratory birds, some look to attract common backyard birds. For those bird watchers, we will consider them now.
Foods for common backyard birds:
Sunflower seed is the most beneficial and popular ingredient in bird seed because of its high calorie content. Sunflower seeds are a favorite of:
- Cardinals
- Chickadees
- Titmice
- House Finches
- Gold Finches
- Mourning Doves
- Scrub Jays
- Clark‘s Nutcrackers
- Mountain Chickadees
- Pinyon Jays
Although some experts observe Blue Jays eating Sunflower seeds, I’ve observed them ignoring them.
Safflower is a bland white seed that some experts say Cardinals:
- Chickadees
- Titmice
- Doves
Niger Thistle is a magnet for Finches. Although House Finches and Purple Finches prefer Sunflower seeds, they will instinctively flock to Niger along with their finch family.
Peanuts are a special treat to:
- Chickadees
- Titmice
- Mourning Doves
- Nuthatches
- Red-Bellied Woodpeckers
- Blue Jays
- Steller’s Jay
- Scrub Jay
.Peanuts are a great energy source because of their fat and protein content.
Suet is a fantastic source of energy, with the primary ingredient of pure rendered animal fat. This is a favorite of:
- Wood peckers
- Chickadees
- Titmice
- Bushtits
- Nuthatches
- Sparrows
- Juncos
Millet is loved by:
- Juncos
- Sparrows
- Mourning Doves
- Rosy Finches
- Towhees
You now see that the annual spring migration brings a huge variety of wild birds to your backyard. This separates spring bird feeding from winter bird feeding. Feeding backyard birds is exciting and rejuvenating for spring bird watchers. I hope you enjoy the great and colorful variety that spring brings.
-Craig
