Introduction
Imagine waking up to the cheerful symphony of birdsong and the playful antics of squirrels darting through the branches of your trees. The vibrant energy of these creatures can transform any backyard into a lively sanctuary. Many people derive immense joy from providing sustenance to the birds and squirrels that frequent their properties, fostering a closer connection with nature. But attracting these charming visitors isn’t just about tossing out any old scraps. It’s about understanding their nutritional needs and offering the right bird and squirrel food to support their health and well-being. Choosing the appropriate food is absolutely crucial, and this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of how to create a safe and nourishing environment for your backyard wildlife. With the right knowledge, you can transform your yard into a haven for birds and squirrels, ensuring they thrive year-round.
Understanding Bird Food
Birds, with their diverse diets and specific needs, require a varied selection of foods to stay healthy and vibrant. Understanding the types of bird food available is the first step in creating a balanced feeding strategy.
Types of Bird Food
Seeds are the cornerstone of many bird diets, offering a rich source of energy and essential nutrients.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds, particularly black oil sunflower seeds, are a favorite among a wide variety of birds. They possess a high oil content, providing ample energy, and their relatively thin shells make them easy for even smaller birds to crack open. Striped sunflower seeds are larger and have thicker shells, which may be preferred by birds with stronger beaks.
Safflower Seeds
Safflower seeds are another excellent option, especially if you’re looking to deter squirrels. Many squirrels find the taste of safflower seeds unappealing, allowing birds to enjoy the food without competition. This makes them a great choice for areas with a high squirrel population.
Nyjer Seeds
Nyjer seeds, also known as thistle seeds, are tiny, oil-rich seeds that are particularly attractive to finches. Their small size requires specialized feeders with small openings to prevent them from spilling out. Providing nyjer seeds can bring a burst of vibrant color to your backyard as you attract goldfinches, purple finches, and house finches.
Mixed Seed
Mixed seed is a common option, often found in grocery stores and garden centers. However, it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients. Many mixed seed blends contain filler seeds, such as red millet or cracked corn, which are not preferred by many birds and can end up being wasted. This can lead to uneaten seed accumulating under the feeder, attracting unwanted pests and creating a potential mess.
Nuts
Nuts provide a concentrated source of energy and healthy fats, particularly important during the colder months when birds need to conserve energy.
Peanuts
Peanuts, both shelled and in-shell, are a popular choice for many bird species. They are rich in protein and fats, making them an excellent source of energy. However, it’s essential to purchase peanuts from a reputable source to avoid aflatoxins, harmful toxins produced by certain molds that can grow on peanuts. Offering in-shell peanuts provides birds with an added challenge, stimulating their natural foraging behaviors.
Other Nuts
Other nuts, such as walnuts and pecans, can also be offered to birds. These nuts are particularly attractive to larger bird species like jays and woodpeckers. Cracking the nuts slightly can make them easier for birds to access the nutritious kernels inside.
Suet
Suet is a high-energy food made from animal fat, often mixed with seeds, nuts, or dried fruits. It’s an invaluable resource for birds, especially during the winter months when insects are scarce and birds need to maintain their body temperature.
Suet Variations
Various suet variations are available, including those with insects, berries, or seeds added. These additions provide extra nutrients and attract a wider variety of birds. Suet feeders are designed to hold the suet cakes securely, allowing birds to cling to the feeder and peck at the suet.
Fruit
Fruit provides essential vitamins and minerals that are crucial for bird health.
Berries
Berries, both fresh and dried, are a favorite among many bird species, particularly bluebirds, robins, and mockingbirds. Offering a variety of berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries, can attract a diverse range of birds to your backyard.
Other Fruits
Other fruits, such as apple slices and bananas, can also be offered in moderation. However, it’s important to remove any uneaten fruit promptly to prevent it from spoiling and attracting unwanted pests.
Nectar
Nectar is a sugary liquid that provides hummingbirds and orioles with a quick source of energy.
Hummingbird Nectar
Hummingbird nectar is typically made from a simple solution of sugar and water (one part sugar to four parts water). It’s crucial to avoid adding red dye to hummingbird nectar, as it is unnecessary and potentially harmful to the birds.
Oriole Nectar
Oriole nectar can be offered in specialized oriole feeders, which often have larger openings and perches to accommodate the birds’ size. Oriole nectar can be made with a slightly higher sugar concentration than hummingbird nectar (one part sugar to six parts water).
Choosing the Right Bird Food for Specific Birds
Different bird species have different dietary preferences. Understanding these preferences can help you attract a wider variety of birds to your backyard. Cardinals, for example, are particularly fond of sunflower seeds. Finches are attracted to nyjer seeds. Bluebirds enjoy berries and insects, while woodpeckers thrive on suet. Consider creating a diverse menu to cater to a range of feathered friends. Providing the right bird food can make a world of difference in attracting specific species.
Bird Feeders: Types and Placement
The type of bird feeder you choose and where you place it can significantly impact which birds you attract and how safely they can feed.
Hopper Feeders
Hopper feeders hold a large amount of seed and dispense it gradually as birds eat. They are relatively easy to fill and maintain, but they can also be susceptible to squirrels.
Tube Feeders
Tube feeders are designed to hold smaller seeds like nyjer and are often more squirrel-resistant than hopper feeders. They typically have multiple perches, allowing several birds to feed at once.
Platform Feeders
Platform feeders are simple, open trays that can accommodate a variety of foods. They are easy to clean but can also be more accessible to squirrels and other animals.
Suet Feeders
Suet feeders are designed specifically for holding suet cakes. They come in various designs, including wire cages and log feeders.
Hummingbird Feeders
Hummingbird feeders require regular cleaning to prevent mold and bacteria from growing in the nectar. It is important to replace the nectar frequently, especially in warm weather.
Squirrel-proof Feeders
Squirrel-proof feeders are designed to deter squirrels from accessing the bird food. These feeders often have cages or baffles that prevent squirrels from reaching the seed.
Placement
Placement of feeders is critical. Position feeders away from dense cover where predators like cats can ambush birds. Provide nearby trees or shrubs for birds to escape to if threatened. Also, place feeders far enough away from windows to prevent birds from accidentally flying into them.
Understanding Squirrel Food
Squirrels, with their bushy tails and energetic personalities, can be delightful additions to a backyard ecosystem. Offering them a designated food source can help keep them from raiding bird feeders and damaging property.
Squirrel Food Staples
Nuts are a favorite food for squirrels, providing them with essential fats and proteins.
Peanuts
Peanuts, particularly in-shell peanuts, are highly attractive to squirrels. They enjoy the challenge of cracking open the shells to get to the nutritious nuts inside.
Acorns
Acorns are a natural food source for squirrels in many regions. Collecting acorns in the fall and providing them to squirrels during the winter months can help supplement their diet.
Other Nuts
Other nuts, such as walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans, are also enjoyed by squirrels. Offering a variety of nuts can provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet.
Seeds
Seeds are another important food source for squirrels, particularly sunflower seeds.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are highly palatable to squirrels and provide them with a good source of energy.
Corn
Corn, in the form of whole kernel corn, is a common food offered to squirrels. However, cracked corn is more susceptible to mold and should be avoided.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables can provide squirrels with essential vitamins and minerals.
Apples, Grapes, and Melon
Apples, grapes, and melon can be offered in smaller quantities as supplemental food.
Vegetables
Vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and squash, can provide squirrels with beneficial nutrients.
Discouraging Squirrels from Bird Feeders
While some people enjoy feeding squirrels, others prefer to keep them away from bird feeders. Here are some strategies for discouraging squirrels while still providing them with a food source.
Squirrel-proof Feeders
Squirrel-proof feeders are designed to prevent squirrels from accessing the bird food. These feeders often have cages or baffles that block squirrels from reaching the seed.
Baffles
Baffles are dome-shaped or cylindrical devices that can be attached to bird feeder poles or hung above feeders. They prevent squirrels from climbing up the pole or jumping down onto the feeder.
Dedicated Squirrel Feeders
Dedicated squirrel feeders can provide squirrels with their own food source, keeping them away from bird feeders. These feeders can be filled with nuts, seeds, or corn.
Cayenne Pepper
Some sources indicate that adding cayenne pepper to birdseed may deter squirrels. Birds are not sensitive to capsaicin, the compound that makes peppers spicy, but squirrels may find it unpalatable.
Foods to Avoid Feeding Squirrels
Certain foods are harmful to squirrels and should be avoided.
Processed Foods
Processed foods, such as bread, crackers, and chips, lack nutritional value and can be unhealthy for squirrels.
Candy and Chocolate
Candy and chocolate contain harmful ingredients that can be toxic to squirrels.
Salty Foods
Salty foods can lead to dehydration in squirrels.
Dairy Products
Dairy products are difficult for squirrels to digest and should be avoided.
Hygiene and Safety Considerations
Maintaining hygiene around bird and squirrel feeders is crucial for preventing the spread of disease.
Cleaning and Storage
Regular cleaning of feeders with soap and water, or a diluted bleach solution, is essential. Remove any spilled seed and hulls to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Proper storage of food in airtight containers protects it from moisture, pests, and spoilage.
Health and Safety
Recognize signs of sick birds and squirrels, such as lethargy or ruffled feathers, and contact wildlife rehabilitation centers if necessary. Place feeders away from cover for predators and provide escape routes for birds and squirrels. Purchase reputable brands of bird and squirrel food and avoid moldy or suspiciously smelling food. Consider organic bird seed to avoid pesticide exposure.
Environmental Considerations
Planting native plants provides natural food sources for birds and squirrels. Providing clean water sources is essential for their survival. Avoid overfeeding to prevent dependence on feeders.
Conclusion
Feeding birds and squirrels is a rewarding experience that connects us to nature. By choosing the right bird and squirrel food, maintaining hygiene, and considering safety, we can create a healthy and inviting backyard habitat for these charming creatures. Creating a thriving ecosystem in your own backyard, providing nourishment and enjoyment for both you and the wonderful wildlife that shares your space is possible. Make a commitment to responsible feeding practices and enjoy the daily spectacle of birds and squirrels in your backyard.
