Birds quickly remember places where they can find food, but only those offering valuable and safe food. That’s why we tell you what to put inside so that after a few days you can see a real bird festival in the feeder.
In winter, birds primarily need calories. They allow them to survive frosty nights and find energy for their daily search for shelter. By choosing the right food, you can attract many different species.
Sunflower seeds are number one on the bird’s list
Black sunflower seeds are an energetic “superfood” for most small birds. They are loved by tits, greenfinches, siskins, bullfinches, sparrows and even nuthatches. They are rich in fat and protein, so they are the basis of the winter menu.
Grain mixtures. The more diverse, the better
Millet, wheat, oats, sorghum, linseed, grass seeds. Such compositions attract entire bird families. The house sparrow and mazurek will choose millet, the buntings and sicklebirds will choose cereal grains, and the smaller finches will happily eat finer oilseeds.
A fatty delicacy for frosty days – nuts
Hazelnuts, walnuts and peanuts (unsalted, of course!) are real calorie bombs. Tits will break them into small pieces, jays and rooks will cope with even larger ones.
Bacon and fat balls – a reliable lure
A piece of unsalted bacon or fat-seed balls is a magnet for tits, woodpeckers and nuthatches. Fat gives them a lot of energy, which is why they are the most popular delicacies on frosty days.
Fruit and dried fruits and nuts – perfect for blackbirds, fieldfares and thrushes
Chopped apples, pears, mountain ash, rosehips or elderberries will attract birds that are looking for juicy food in winter. It is worth leaving some fruit on the bushes, they will be a natural canteen.
Home remedies? Absolutely! You can prepare your own fat balls from seeds and nutsa “cone full of treats” smeared with peanut butter or a homemade seed mixture. Birds eat them equally willingly, and you can be sure of the quality of the ingredients.
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Many people forget that in winter birds need not only calories, but also… water. When natural springs freeze, a bowl of clean water at the feeder can be their salvation. All you need is a small container, refilled regularly and kept clean.
The second foundation of winter feeding is regularity. If you start spreading food, do it consistently until the end of winter. Birds that get used to the feeder count on this place as a reliable source of food. Sudden interruption of feeding may pose a serious threat to them.
Additionally, make sure the feeder is clean. Remove old debris and keep the beans fresh and dry. This will help you avoid the growth of mold and disease.
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Although birds will often eat what you give them, not everything is safe for them. Some products must be absolutely avoided.
Bread and food scraps
Although popular, it is harmful. It causes digestive problems in birds, provides no nutritional value, and its salt and preservatives can lead to diseases.
Rotten and moldy products
Birds are very sensitive to mold toxins. Grains should be dry, fresh and stored in clean containers.
Salty, spiced, fried foods
French fries, chips, cold cuts and crumbs of salty food can seriously harm them.
