If you like sitting and watching the birds in your own backyard, you already understand that food is the best incentive to have them visit your yard. Of all the various birdseeds that line store aisles, there is one most eaten and gobbled up, sunflower seeds. They’re irresistible to all types of birds. Regardless of large and small, from finches to cardinals.
Sunflower seeds are healthy. They are easily accessible, and easy to provide. They will pay you back by the value of your money in the sense that you will have more birds in your garden. New to bird feeding or having a garden full of birds and bird feeders, then you should know about bird sunflower seeds because it will allow you to feed your bird friends in a better way.
Why Birds Love These Seeds
Birds love these seeds. As it has high oil, protein, and fat content. Which gives energy for flying, singing, and non-stop feeding throughout the year. Of all seed types, sunflower seeds are the weakest, most easily broken with most beaks.
Their flavor, aroma, and nutrient content are unbeatable. As a rule, if you start offering sunflower seeds for eating, you will be attracting a very mixed variety of birds to your feeders.
Types of Sunflower Seeds for Birds
Sunflower seeds are not all created equal. There are the following three most common varieties:
1. Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
- Most commonly used for bird feeding.
- Thin shelled so that birds can easily crack them.
- High oil content, hence high energy.
- Birds attract a wide variety of bird species. Such as finches, cardinals, chickadees, and woodpeckers.
2. Striped Seeds
- Longest lasting and largest of the black oil sunflower seed shells.
- Larger birds with heavy beaks such as grosbeaks and jays will prefer them.
- Will never be a choice for little birds since they won’t be able to crack the shells.
3. Hearts and Chips
- Shelled seeds.
- Suitable for small birds. Which are unable to open hard-shelled ones.
- Less mess in your yard since no shells are left behind.
- A little more costly but extremely easy to use.
Which Birds Eat these Seeds?
These seeds attract a wide variety of birds. Some of the most common visitors you’ll see include:
- Cardinals
- Blue Jays
- Chickadees
- Finches
- Sparrows
- Woodpeckers
- Grosbeaks
- Nuthatches
- Doves
This wide appeal is why these seeds are often called the gold standard of bird feeding.
How to Feed These Seeds to Birds
They are simple to feed. But the most effective way of doing it makes a huge difference. Here are some tips:
- Tube Feeders: These are best for black oil sunflower seeds or sunflower hearts. The birds support the perches and push against the small openings to get to the seeds.
- Hopper Feeders: Great for filling to capacity with loads of seeds. Great for black oil and striped seeds.
- Platform Feeders: A tray feeder with any type of sunflower seeds. These feeders will draw small and large birds.
- Ground Feeding: Simply place the sunflower seeds on the ground for doves, sparrows, and ground feeder juncos.
Best Places to Use Sunflower Seeds
Where you place the feeder also affects how many birds that you will have coming to visit.
- Place feeders under bushes or trees for cover.
- Place feeders in a spot where the birds can view them.
- Suspend several feeders at different places to reduce bird competition.
- Suspend feeders beyond the reach of predators or cats.
Things to Remember
These seeds are lovely. But a few things to consider:
- Mess: Shells drop on the ground below feeders. So clean frequently.
- Cost: Their hearts are more expensive.
- Pests: Squirrels can eat it. So you need to invest in a squirrel-proof feeder.
- Spoiling: The seeds become wet with mold on them. Which is toxic to birds. Clean the feeders and dry them out.
How to Store Sunflower Seeds
To maintain it fresh and safe:
- Store it in a dry, cold place.
- Keep it away from the sun.
- Keep it in an airtight container.
- Purchase in small lots if you do not have many birds.
Fresh seeds are not only safe to feed birds but also free of health hazards.
Sunflower Seeds Homemade Substitutes
No need to purchase a commercial feeder every time. Some easy alternatives prepared at home are:
- Use an empty plastic bottle, pierce it with some holes, and place tiny perches. Fill it up with sunflower seeds.
- Make a bird cake by combining peanut butter, oats, and sunflower seeds mixture in a bowl and refrigerating it.
- Sow seeds in a plate or shallow dish near your garden.
These are all low-cost activities accessible for children and families to enjoy.
Why Sunflower Seeds are the Best Choice
While a variety of bird food like millet, nyjer seeds, or suet can be purchased, sunflower seeds remain the first choice. Sunflower seeds are affordable, varied, and attract the most combination of birds. Whether new to bird watching or experienced, sunflower seeds get the most action in your yard.
Last Thoughts
Sunflower seeds for birds are the simplest and most effective way of bringing birds to your garden. As they are energy-rich, and of global fame, they cater to the needs of both the birds and humans alike. Black oil or sunflower hearts, whichever is available, differs in use depending on the birds you want to invite.
By placing clean feeders that are stocked with sunflower seeds in secure locations, and keeping the area around as clean as possible where you’re offering the feed, you’ll be extending the welcome mat to your bird pals.
In case you can’t wait to begin feeding the birds straight away, sunflower seeds are the place to go. They’re the jewels of the birds’ nature, and yours if you happen to be one of those individuals who indulge in watching them.
