I have to admit it...I'm spoiled by my birds. Every day they grace my presence with their beauty. I am a bit of a seed snob. Never, ever would I purchase the packaged bird food that has the little round seeds (millet, possibly?) Long ago I read in a birding book that the bird food containing a specific seed was a waste of money because 1.) the birds don't like the 'filler' seed that is in there, 2.) the seeds get kicked to the ground and sprout very quickly, causing a MAJOR weed problem, and 3.) starlings and other "junk" birds are attracted to such seeds, and they wipe out a feeder in a matter of minutes and bully away the "good" birds!
With that in mind, I buy the fruit and nut mixture. It costs about $8 per bag but there is no waste involved and it draws in spectacular birds. Yesterday I had four male rose breasted grossbeaks and at least one female grossbeak, probably six different goldfinch, and a pair of brilliant blue Indigo Buntings. A downy woodpecker also visited the feeder, as well as a handful of wrens. I have also seen flickers, nuthatches, black capped chickadees, and even a red headed woodpecker come to the feeder.
If the birds are messy (or if I spill while I'm filling it) mourning doves help clean up the mess. It's fun to watch the resident chipmunks try to chase off the doves so that they have enjoy the feast, too.
In a nutshell (so to speak) the quality of birds that you attract is determined by the quality of food that is offered for the birds in your area, either permanently or on their migration path. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy nature's beauty...run out to the store and buy the mixture that has peanuts, sunflower kernels, sunflower seeds, safflower, pistachios, hulled pumpkin seed, and dried raisins and cranberries. You won't regret it.
Happy birding!
shel
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