Feeding the birds can be a fun and rewarding family project. Here are some tips to help you get started or to enhance your current feeding area:
 

• Choose the right bird feed. Not all birds eat the same foods. Some are seed-eaters, some are insect-eaters and some are nectar-drinkers. 
  • Black oil sunflower seed: most birds
  • Thistle seed: many small songbirds, especially finches
  • Suet: insect-eating birds, especially woodpeckers and nuthatches, but most other birds also love suet
  • Water: all birds need water for drinking and bathing; moving water attracts birds
     
• Don’t be fooled into buying inexpensive bird feed. Avoid mixes containing red milo and other fillers—most birds won’t eat them! Local birdfeeding shops and feed stores offer the best quality seeds for the best value.
   
• Try safflower seed or seed cakes and logs. Most birds like safflower seed and most squirrels don’t. Seed cakes and logs last longer than loose seed and are perfect if you are planning to be away from home for a few days.
   
• Choose the right birdfeeder. Consider the type of feed you will be feeding, how often you want to fill it (this will determine the size) and ease of filling and cleaning. Some tube-type feeders open from the bottom for easy cleaning.
   
• Continue feeding the birds once you start. Although there are natural foods available, birds expend a lot of extra energy looking for new food sources if their usual feeding places are empty.
   
• Keep your feeder clean. Disinfect with soap and water and also dip in a weak bleach solution (¼ cup bleach to two gallons warm water) every few weeks. Always rinse well and dry before refilling.
   
• Reduce window collisions by placing feeders a safe distance away. If you have a “problem window” cover it with netting or place branches to break up the reflection.
   
• Do not use grease, petroleum jelly or oil on your feeder poles to discourage squirrels and other animals. If these substances come into contact with bird feathers, they can hinder the bird’s ability to fly and are impossible for them to clean off. Instead use a pole-mounted baffle, which can be purchased at local stores or on the internet.