Your Guide To Feeders Food And The Most Common Backyard Birds Bird Watching

When it comes to bird watching, setting up a bird feeder in your backyard is one of the best ways to attract a variety of bird species. However, not all birds are able to eat the same type of food. In this guide, we will explore the different types of feeders and foods that you can provide for the most common backyard birds, making your bird watching experience even more fulfilling.

Choosing the Right Feeder

Before we dive into the feeders food, it's important to select the right feeder to suit the needs of the birds you want to attract. There are various types of bird feeders available in the market, each designed to cater to different feeding habits.

The most common bird feeders include:

Stan Tekiela’s Birding for Beginners: Northeast: Your Guide to Feeders, Food, and the Most Common Backyard Birds (Bird-Watching Basics)

by Stan Tekiela(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19805 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	176 pages

FREE

• Platform feeders: These feeders are simply flat platforms where birds can perch and feed on various types of food.
• Hopper feeders: These feeders have a container with multiple feeding ports and are suitable for both large and small birds. They can hold a larger quantity of food, reducing the need for frequent refills.
• Suet feeders: Suet feeders are specifically designed to hold suet cakes, which are high in fat and provide energy for birds, especially during colder months.
• Tube feeders: These feeders have long cylindrical tubes with feeding holes and are ideal for smaller birds that can cling and feed on the seeds inside.

The Right Food for Specific Birds

Once you've selected the feeder type, it's essential to provide the right food to attract specific bird species. Different birds have different preferences and dietary needs. Here are some commonly found backyard birds and their preferred feed:

American Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch is a beautiful small bird known for its bright yellow plumage. To attract these finches, provide a thistle or nyjer seed feeder. They are fond of these tiny black seeds and will flock to your feeder in no time.

Cardinals

Cardinals are one of the most colorful birds commonly found in backyards across North America. They prefer sunflower seeds. Set up a hopper or platform feeder filled with sunflower seeds, and you'll have these magnificent birds visiting daily.

Blue Jays

Known for their vibrant blue feathers, Blue Jays love peanuts. Place a tray feeder with peanuts or a mesh feeder filled with unshelled peanuts, and just wait for the Jays to come and grab their snack.

Juncos

Juncos enjoy a variety of seeds but are particularly fond of millet. Millet can be easily provided in tray feeders or scattered on the ground, attracting not only Juncos but also other ground-feeding birds.

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are attracted to nectar, a sweet liquid that mimics the natural nectar found in flowers. Hanging a red-colored hummingbird feeder filled with nectar solution will surely entice these tiny, swift birds.

Additional Tips for Successful Bird Watching

Now that you know about the proper feeders food for attracting common backyard birds let's delve into a few additional tips to enhance your bird watching experience:

Placement of Feeders

Strategically position your feeders in a quiet and safe spot, preferably near trees or shrubs where birds can take cover quickly. Ensure that the feeders are easily visible for optimal bird watching enjoyment.

Maintenance and Cleanliness

Regularly clean your feeders to prevent the buildup of bacteria or mold that could harm the birds. Replace spoiled or wet food promptly to maintain healthy feeding conditions.

Water Source

A birdbath with fresh water nearby will attract not only birds seeking a drink but also those looking for a quick splash and a bath. Adding a water source will undoubtedly enhance your backyard bird watching opportunities.

The Joy of Bird Watching

As you embark on your bird watching journey, preparing the right feeders food, and understanding the preferences of various backyard birds, you're sure to witness a colorful parade of feathered friends visiting your backyard. Enjoy the ever-changing beauty of nature while observing and learning more about these fascinating creatures.

Remember, bird watching is not only a hobby but also a way to connect with nature and appreciate the intricate world of avian species. So grab your binoculars, set up your feeders, and get ready to be mesmerized by the beauty and diversity that backyard bird watching offers.

Stan Tekiela’s Birding for Beginners: Northeast: Your Guide to Feeders, Food, and the Most Common Backyard Birds (Bird-Watching Basics)

by Stan Tekiela(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19805 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	176 pages

FREE

Find Joy in the Beauty and Wonder of Birds

Birding is among the most popular outdoor activities—especially in the Northeast, where hundreds of different bird species can be seen and observed. Now is the perfect time to join the fun and let our feathered friends astonish and inspire you. Award-winning author, naturalist, and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela has written best-selling bird identification guides for almost every Northeastern state. In Stan Tekiela’s Birding for Beginners: Northeast, he provides the information you need to become a skilled birder in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

The first section of the book presents “how to” information. Learn the basics of bird feeders. Get to know your birdseed. Create a bird-friendly yard—and even make your own bird food with do-it-yourself recipes.

The book’s second section is an identification guide, featuring 54 Northeastern birds that are most likely to be seen at your backyard feeder or near your home. The species are organized by color, making it simple to identify what you see. If you spot a yellow bird, go to the yellow section to discover what it is. Each bird gets a full-page photograph with notations about key field marks, or identification characteristics. The full-color photos are paired with information ranging from the bird’s nest and eggs to favorite foods, as well as Stan’s fascinating naturalist notes.

Give birding a try, and get started with the guidance of an expert. You’ll be amazed by how much joy birds can bring, and you’ll have a lifetime to enjoy them.