It’s a common dilemma for bird enthusiasts – what to do when you run out of birdseed? While birdseed is a popular choice for feeding birds, there are several alternatives you can consider to keep our feathered friends well-fed and happy.
Types of Birdseed for Spring Feeding
When you find yourself out of birdseed, you can still feed birds by considering other options. Many types of birdseed are suitable for spring feeding, such as sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn, and nyjer seeds. These seeds are attractive to a variety of bird species and can provide essential nutrients for their diet.
Alternative Foods for Songbirds
Aside from birdseed, you can also offer fruit to attract songbirds to your backyard. Fruits like apples, oranges, berries, and bananas are popular choices among birds. Remember to remove any leftover or spoiled fruit to maintain a clean feeding area and prevent attracting unwanted pests.
Calcium Source for Birds
For birds that require calcium in their diet, consider offering crushed eggshells as a supplement. Rinse and bake the eggshells before crushing them into small pieces. Birds such as robins can benefit from the calcium content in eggshells, especially during nesting season when extra nutrients are needed.
Mealworms and Insects
Another protein-rich option for feeding birds is mealworms or insects. Many bird species, including bluebirds, chickadees, and woodpeckers, enjoy feasting on mealworms. You can purchase live or dried mealworms from pet stores or online retailers to provide a natural food source for birds.
Suet Blocks and Feeders
Suet blocks are a popular choice for attracting woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other insect-eating birds. These blocks are made from animal fat and mixed with nuts, seeds, or fruits to create a high-energy food source. Place suet feeders in your yard to offer birds an alternative to birdseed.
Homemade Bird Treats
If you enjoy DIY projects, you can create homemade bird treats using ingredients like peanut butter, oats, and seeds. Mix these ingredients together and form them into balls or shapes that can be hung in bird feeders or trees. Homemade treats are a fun and creative way to attract birds to your yard.
Vegetables for Birds
Some birds, such as parrots and finches, enjoy eating vegetables as part of their diet. Offer chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, broccoli, and squash in bird feeders or dishes to provide a nutritious and colorful food option for your feathered visitors.
Water Source for Birds
Don’t forget to provide birds with a fresh water source for drinking and bathing. Birds need water for hydration and cleanliness, especially during hot weather or dry seasons. Place a birdbath or shallow dish of water in your yard to attract birds and keep them healthy.
Seasonal Foods for Birds
Consider feeding birds seasonal foods like pumpkin seeds in the fall or berries in the summer. Seasonal foods provide variety in the birds’ diet and mimic the natural food sources they would find in the wild. Experiment with different foods to see what birds in your area prefer.
Offering Diversity in Feeding
By offering a diverse range of foods, you can attract a wider variety of bird species to your yard. Mix and match different food types like seeds, fruits, nuts, and insects to create a well-rounded bird buffet. Observing the birds’ feeding preferences can help you tailor your offerings to attract specific species.
Conclusion
While birdseed is a popular choice for feeding birds, there are plenty of alternative options to consider when you run out of seed. From fruits and vegetables to mealworms and suet blocks, there are many ways to keep your feathered friends well-fed and happy. Experiment with different foods and observe the birds’ behavior to create a welcoming environment for birds in your backyard.
