I am new to the area, coming from So. Carolina, and would like to put out a bird feeder. Which bird food would be best? In So. Carolina, I use wild bird food. We have many Cardinals, finches, blue birds and many humming birds. Which would be best to attract small pretty birds? I am also thinking of purchasing a bird bath. I have 2 in South Carolina which are used constantly.
Thank you for help.

Our Answer

Bird feeding:

There are at least six different types of bird feed for you to consider. You'll be able to find finch food and hummingbird nectar at most of the pet stores. Wild bird seed will attract doves and some songbirds. The Blue Jays and Cardinals really like the sunflower seeds. During the nesting season, we attracted Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Cardinals and Blue Jays to our feeders by putting out a songbird seed mix that included sunflower seeds, cherries and other "goodies". For the ground feeders we use a "squirrel mix" that includes whole dried corn kernels. We spread some of it on the ground near the feeders. Brown Thrashers really like the corn and peanuts found in the squirrel mix. Many of the birds, including the Mourning Doves, enjoy ground feeding as well.

Hints and Tips:

Some stores will have labels near the bird feed stating which variety of birds the seed is intented to attract. This is a great help if those birds actually live in your neighborhood.

Here is our suggestion. If you are not sure which seed to purchase, buy a small bag and test it in your feeder. We have about 5 pounds of Thistle that even the ants won't eat. It all depends on where you live.

There is probably a local chapter of the Audubon Society near you. They will have the detailed information for your area on bird species and habits.

For an extensive list of bird links, check out our Links page: Bird Links

Plants and Trees:

It is very possible to attract an even wider variety of birds to your yard by just choosing the right type of landscaping.

For example, we know that hummingbirds are attracted to flowering bushes and trees that produce red flowers. The Bottlebrush is an excellent choice. The only drawback to the Bottlebrush is that it may trigger allergies in some people.

The Florida Holly will attract many seed eaters when the berries ripen in the fall.

Talk with the folks at any good nursery for advice on plants and trees.

Your bird bath question:

Bird baths are great for attracting birds. Keeping the bird bath water fresh and cleaning the bird bath regularly are really important.

If we may be of any further assistance, please email us at the address below.

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