Backyard Bird Feeding Starter Guide

Bird feeding is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to connect with nature. For most homes near our Central Pennsylvania stores, creating a backyard feeding station can bring colorful songbirds right to your window. We have a wide variety of solutions for backyards of all sizes. If you’re just getting started, this guide will cover the basics of attracting birds, choosing the right products, and setting up your space for success.

Start with the right feeders

The type of feeder you choose determines which birds are most likely to visit. Tube feeders are excellent for finches and chickadees, while hopper feeders attract cardinals, grosbeaks, and sparrows. Platform feeders invite a wide variety of species, including ground-feeding birds like Mourning Doves. For beginners, a mix of these options ensures diversity in your backyard.

• Tube feeders – great for small seed blends like sunflower chips or Nyjer.
• Hopper feeders – versatile and attractive to any feeder bird.
• Suet feeders – provide high-energy food for woodpeckers and nuthatches.

Choose fresh, high-quality seed

Not all bird seed is created equal. Bargain blends often contain fillers like milo or cracked corn that many birds simply discard. At Wild Birds Unlimited, our fresh seed selection is formulated to attract the widest variety of birds in our region, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Our bird foods are ordered fresh every week and carefully chosen for quality. Unlike many store-bought mixes that contain fillers such as cracked corn, oats, milo, or red millet, our blends are free from waste ingredients. Every recipe is selected by us, with the right seeds and proportions to attract the birds native to this region.

Don’t forget water and shelter

Food is important, but birds also need reliable sources of water and safe places to rest. Adding a birdbath helps keep birds hydrated, especially during dry spells. Native shrubs, trees, and nesting boxes create shelter and encourage birds to return year-round. When food, water, and shelter are all present, your backyard becomes a welcoming habitat.

Recommended starter products (will try to make this into a small picture gallery)

• Wild Birds Unlimited EcoTough Classic Hopper Feeder
• Wild Birds Unlimited Advanced Pole System for feeder setup
• Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Bath for fresh water
• Wild Birds Unlimited Seed Cylinder or Seed Blend for versatile feeding

Tips for success

Consistency is key when you’re just starting out. Keep feeders full, clean them regularly to prevent mold, and position them near natural cover like trees or shrubs. Avoid placing feeders too close to windows to reduce the risk of collisions. Over time, you’ll notice patterns in which species visit and what types of food they prefer.

Ready to welcome birds into your life? Stop by your local Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop for expert advice and the best selection of feeders, food, and accessories to get started.