With the price of black-oil sunflower seeds soaring and ornithologists reminding us that birds hate cheap bags of birdseed, there’s a growing concern that feeding wild birds is getting too expensive. Since it’s nearing the time of year when birds actually benefit the most from eating at bird feeders, here are some tips for feeding birds while not breaking your pocketbook.
1. Plant native wildflowers or sunflowers
A great way to provide nourishment to the birds in your yard is to plant your own wildflowers or sunflowers. Not only are these more natural, but you also won’t have to keep buying bags and bags of sunflower seeds. This will also spruce up your yard while making it the perfect destination for an array of birds looking for a meal.
2. Try a variety of bird food, not just sunflower seed
While black-oil sunflower seeds are probably nutritionally the best for certain birds, others enjoy different or cheaper types of food. For example, bluebirds love mealworms while grackles and quails love cracked corn. Peanuts are another alternative to attract birds like sparrows, doves, cardinals and more.
3. Give certain table scraps to the birds
You obviously don’t want to feed your backyard birds only table scraps, but in the winter when food becomes scarcer table scraps are a great option. You can also supplement some of their regular food with a few table scraps. Some good scraps to give your birds include potatoes, over-ripe fruit, cheese, egg shells, old cereal, crumbs of baked goods and more. However, remember to clean up after the birds have eaten everything they want or you might get some unexpected visitors as well.
4. Buy in bulk
When you buy wild bird food in bulk, you’re more likely to get a better deal and save more money.
5. Ration the amount of food you give out
Another less desirable way to be more frugal is to ration the amount of food you give out. When your feeder runs low, you might wait a little longer to refill it, though you should keep in mind this sometimes keeps birds away.
6. Make your own bird treats
Just like those times when you were young and made pine cones smeared with peanut butter, you can make your own bird food for cheaper. For example, you can make your own suet from bacon grease and other things like raisins and peanuts.
22 Comments
Plant a small flower garden or a raised garden bed under the feeder.
What’s yummy recipe?
Throughout the winterI have been feeding birds & squirrels black oil sunflower seeds. Now that spring has arrived I’ve noticed that I have bare spots in my lawn due to the hulls killing the grass. I enjoy the birds & squirrels but I also love a nice green lawn around my deck. Do I need to clean up the shells or is there an easier way I continue to feed the birds & squirrels without killing my grass?