Food for the birds!

Bird diets:  The diet of birds varies by species and by season.  They may eat a variety of seeds, nuts, insects, worms, snails, fruits and vegetables.  Knowing the preferences of each species will go far towards attracting the desired kind of birds to your feeder.  Seed is by far the most common component of birds' diets and is the most economical of feeds to provide.  It is recommended that you provide high quality seeds of the right kind to avoid problems with undesirable species dominating your feeders.  Preferred seeds are black oil sunflower, nyjer, millet and safflower.  The high oil content of these provides the necessary energy for the bird.  Avoid seed mixes that are high in milo, which is a larger red seed used mostly as filler as these tend to attract pigeons, doves, jays and blackbirds which will drive away the other smaller species.

Suet is solidified animal fat and is available in the form of cakes mixed with dough to prevent melting in hot weather.  Some fancier versions have fruit or nuts mixed in.  Suet provides essential energy for the birds to withstand cold and to build up body fat.  Offer suet in wire cage feeders and hang these in shady areas to avoid melting the suet.