Attracting More Birds

Our customers at Wild Birds Unlimited love to share stories about the wide range of species they see right outside their windows! Each bird visitor has unique preferences for food, feeders, and habitat. So, how do you attract your favorite bird species? We are here to help! By tailoring your setup to their needs, you can transform your backyard into a year-round haven for the birds you love most. Here are a few species-specific tips to help you attract more variety to your yard. If you don’t see your favorite bird here, visit us today for personalized advice!

Cardinals

Northern Cardinals are a favorite for their brilliant red plumage and cheerful songs. They prefer feeders with sturdy perches like hopper or tray feeders. Offer them black oil sunflower seed or safflower seed, which cardinals crack easily with their strong beaks. Try sunflower chips for a no-mess option.  Placing feeders near shrubs or trees gives cardinals quick cover from predators.

Finches

Goldfinches and House Finches are attracted to Finch Blend. This is best served in tube feeders with small ports. They also enjoy sunflower chips in mesh feeders. Watch during the winter, and you may see some less common finches, like Purple Finches and Pine Siskins. Keep feeders clean and stocked to encourage flocks to return throughout the year, especially during migration.

Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers love high-protein, high-fat foods such as suet cakes and tree nuts. Place suet feeders on a tree trunk or in a feeder on our Advanced Pole System for easy access. (You may also spot nuthatches and chickadees enjoying the suet alongside the woodpeckers!)

Hummingbirds

Though they migrate south in early fall, during warmer months you can attract hummingbirds with nectar feeders. Fill them with a simple solution of one part sugar to four parts water. It’s important to clean hummingbird feeders frequently to prevent spoilage. Native flowering plants like bee balm, touch-me-not, and salvia also provide natural nectar sources.

Seasonal adjustments

Different species visit at different times of year, so rotating food and feeders can maximize your success. In fall and winter, add suet and choose seed blends high in fat and calories to support your birds in the cold weather. In spring and summer, provide extra protein and calcium for your nesting birds.

Expert help close to home

Every backyard is unique, and local bird populations vary by region. The best way to fine-tune your setup is to visit your local Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop. Our experts can recommend the right products for attracting your favorite species and provide tips for making your backyard a reliable, safe stop for birds all year long.