As the calendar turns to 2024, backyard birding enthusiasts are gearing up for another year of avian delight. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a newcomer to the hobby, selecting the right bird food is crucial for attracting a diverse array of feathered friends to your yard. The right choice not only ensures the health and vitality of the birds but also enhances your bird-watching experience by drawing in a variety of species.
In this guide, we delve into the essential factors to consider when choosing the best bird food for your backyard sanctuary. From nutritional value to food freshness, and from ease of cleaning to weather resistance, we cover all the bases to help you make an informed decision. High-energy foods like sunflower seeds, suet, and nyjer thistle are top picks for their nutritional benefits, while feeders designed for specific species like cardinals, finches, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds can make your yard a bustling hub of activity. Join us as we explore the best options to keep your backyard vibrant and your feathered visitors happy throughout the year.
Wagner's Four Season 100% Black Oil Sunflower Seed: Best Bird Seed for Attracting Diverse Bird Species
Wagner's Four Season 100% Black Oil Sunflower Seed, 20-lb bag + Greatest... -- $45.68(Chewy.com)
Why We Picked It
Wagner's Four Season 100% Black Oil Sunflower Seed is a top choice for bird enthusiasts because it is highly attractive to a wide range of bird species. The seeds are rich in oils and nutrients, making them a healthy and energy-packed food source for birds throughout the year. This product is ideal for those looking to attract a diverse array of birds to their backyard.
Who It's For
This product is best suited for bird lovers who want to attract a variety of bird species to their feeders. However, it may not be ideal for those who are concerned about attracting squirrels and larger birds, which could deter smaller species from visiting.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Highly attractive to a wide range of birds | ❌ May attract squirrels |
| ✅ Rich in oils and nutrients | ❌ Could attract larger birds |
| ✅ Suitable for year-round feeding | ❌ Potentially deters smaller bird species |
Audubon Park Songbird Selections: Best Bird Food for Attracting Colorful Songbirds
Audubon Park Songbird Selections Wild Bird Food, Multi-Bird with Fruits ... -- $28.99(Amazon)
Audubon Park Songbird Selections Songbird Selections 11982 Multi Wild Bi... -- $28.54(Walmart - CHTong)
Audubon Park Songbird Selections Wild Bird Food, Colorful Bird Blend - 4... -- $23.99(Sunset & Co.)
Why We Picked It
Audubon Park Songbird Selections is specially blended to attract colorful songbirds, offering a premium mix of seeds, nuts, and fruits that cater to the dietary preferences of these birds. Enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, this bird food supports avian health, including immunity, energy, and reproductive health. The blend is designed to attract a variety of songbirds such as chickadees, cardinals, nuthatches, jays, and woodpeckers, making it a top choice for bird enthusiasts looking to enjoy a vibrant backyard birdwatching experience.
Who It's For
This product is best suited for bird enthusiasts who are specifically interested in attracting colorful songbirds to their backyard. It may not be the best choice for those looking to attract a wider range of bird species, as it is specially formulated for songbirds.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Premium blend with no fillers, including sunflower, peanuts, millet, raisins, papaya, mixed nuts, cranberries, and flaxseed oil. | ❌ May not attract as wide a range of species as more general mixes. |
| ✅ Enriched with essential vitamins and minerals to support bird health, including immunity, energy, and reproductive health. | ❌ Slightly higher price point compared to more basic bird food blends. |
| ✅ Easy to reseal bag for no-hassle storage. | ❌ Requires specific feeders like platform or hopper feeders for optimal use. |
Morning Song Goldfinch Thistle Seed: Best Seed for Attracting Finches and Small Songbirds
Morning Song 12000 Goldfinch Thistle Seed Wild Bird Food, 3-Pound -- $22.26(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
Morning Song Goldfinch Thistle Seed is specifically designed to attract finches and small songbirds, providing them with highly nutritious thistle (Nyjer) seeds. This product is perfect for bird enthusiasts who want to attract a variety of beautiful birds to their backyard while ensuring they receive high-quality nourishment.
Who It's For
This product is best suited for bird lovers who have or are willing to invest in a thistle sock or finch tube feeder. It is ideal for those who enjoy watching finches, buntings, doves, purple finches, house finches, juncos, redpolls, and siskins. However, it may not be the best choice for those looking to attract a wider variety of bird species or who do not want to purchase a specialized feeder.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ High-oil content seed that is highly nutritious for birds | ❌ Requires a special thistle sock or finch tube feeder |
| ✅ Attracts a variety of small songbirds including goldfinches, buntings, and purple finches | ❌ May only attract certain types of birds |
| ✅ Produced by a family-owned company with a long history of quality and safety in bird food | ❌ Priced at $22.26 for a 3-pound bag, which may be considered expensive by some |
Thanks for reading! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy birding!