Feeding garden birds
Which seeds attract which birds?
If you want more birds in your garden, choosing the right food for the birds you would like to attract makes a big difference. Sunflower seeds, millet, hemp seeds, peanuts and nyjer seeds each have their own strengths, and with a good bird seed hanger, it becomes easy to serve the food in an inviting and effective way.
Feeding garden birds all year round
Although many people associate bird feeding with winter, it can be a good idea to think in terms of year-round feeding. During the winter months, birds need energy-rich food such as sunflower seeds, hemp seeds and nuts. In spring and summer, lighter seed mixes can still be relevant, especially when the adult birds use a lot of energy caring for their young.
The most important thing is that feeding is done consistently and hygienically. Birds quickly get used to good food sources, so regular feeding can help make your garden a regular stop for the birds in the area.
Which bird seeds attract which birds?
When choosing bird food, it is important to keep in mind that birds have different beaks, feeding habits and needs. Some species prefer small, oil-rich seeds, while others go for larger kernels or mixed seed blends with more variety.
- Sunflower seeds are among the most popular choices and often attract birds such as great tits, blue tits, greenfinches, sparrows and chaffinches. Black sunflower seeds in particular are rich in fat and easy for many birds to open.
- Millet is especially suitable for smaller birds such as sparrows, finches and doves. It is a seed often found in mixes, and it is especially eaten if it is served on a bird table or falls to the ground.
- Hemp seeds are highly sought after by goldfinches, siskins, chaffinches and bullfinches. These small, energy-rich seeds are good for birds that need extra nourishment, especially in the colder months.
- Peanut pieces and crushed nuts attract, among others, tits, nuthatches and robins. They are well suited for hangers and nets but should be served in an appropriate size so that smaller birds can join in too.
- Nyjer seeds are known especially for attracting finches such as goldfinches and siskins. If you would like more colorful finches in your garden, this type of seed can be an obvious choice.
Bird seed hangers make feeding easy and manageable
A bird seed hanger is a practical solution when you want to feed the birds in your garden in a clean and simple way. The hangers make it easy to place the food in bushes, trees, by the terrace or close to a window, where the birds can be observed from a distance.
Many small birds also feel safer eating from hangers because they can quickly fly away if they are disturbed. This makes hangers especially relevant in gardens visited by many tits, sparrows and finches.
The best seed mixes for small garden birds
Of course, you can choose a mixed blend when feeding birds, but competition for space at the bird table can quickly arise. For that reason, it may be better to keep the choice of seeds simple. A good blend typically contains sunflower seeds, millet, hemp seeds and possibly nyjer seeds. That way, you cater broadly and create good conditions for tits, sparrows, finches and greenfinches alike.
Be aware that it can be an advantage to choose high-quality bird food with few fillers, as this helps you avoid too much grain, which not all garden birds eat. The result can otherwise be more waste on the ground and less activity at the feeding area itself.
By combining different types of food and feeding methods, you can also make the garden more attractive. One or more bird seed hangers in the garden will no doubt attract your feathered visitors, allowing you to enjoy the lively atmosphere that comes with bird visits.
The right placement of bird seed hangers
The placement of your bird food makes a big difference to how many birds come to visit. Ideally, hang a bird seed hanger somewhere the birds have easy access to nearby bushes or branches. This gives them the opportunity to seek cover quickly if they feel threatened. Also make sure to hang it at a certain height, so cats, foxes and other animals cannot catch the small birds.
It can also be an advantage to place the hanger in a relatively calm spot, sheltered from too much wind. At the same time, hang it somewhere that is easy for you to reach, so you can refill it easily and keep the area clean.