Backyard Bird Feeding: What to Offer and What to Avoid

Black oil sunflower seeds attract the widest variety. Suet is excellent for woodpeckers and nuthatches in winter. Nyjer (thistle) seed draws finches.

Avoid bread, crackers, and processed foods. Clean feeders every 2 weeks with dilute bleach. Provide fresh water — a birdbath attracts species that never visit feeders.

Place feeders within 3 meters of cover to protect from hawks but far enough to avoid ambush by cats. Feed consistently once you start. Plant native plants for natural food sources..