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When to feed birds -

Throughout fall and winter, food and water should be put out on a regular basis. In severe weather, feed twice daily if convenient: in the morning and early afternoon.

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High-energy foods -

In the colder months, birds require high-energy foods to maintain their fat reserves. This is also true during migration and early spring, when natural seed sources are depleted.

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Summer recess -

Birds are less dependent on our help during the warmer months. When nesting, many species tend to favor insects as a natural food source.

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When to leave it empty -

In fact, leaving the bird feeder empty for a few weeks in summer encourages young birds to seek out naturally occurring foods.

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When to top up -

That said, there are two species that appreciate the occasional top up. One is the goldfinch, which nests later than other birds and will gladly visit a feeder to stock up on seeds.

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Sweet nectar -

The other is the hummingbird. These aerodynamic passerines depend on nectar to fuel their high metabolism, so make a point of adding a revitalizing water and sugar drink to your hummingbird feeder and replenish daily.

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What bird foods should I offer? -

Making sure your feathered friends are regularly fed can help individual birds in your neighborhood thrive. But what exactly should you offer up?

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Seasonal treats -

The menu to a large extent depends on the seasons. In winter, birds require foods high in fat.

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Straight seed -

Winter suggestions include straight seeds—those that aren't mixed with anything. These options include black sunflower and energizing nyjer (thistle) seeds. In fact, black sunflower seeds appeal to the greatest number of birds.

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Seed mix -

Equally appealing is a seed mix. Seeds are mixed into different blends to provide an enticing menu that will attract a greater variety of bird species.

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Peanuts -

Peanuts are another great favorite with all sorts of birds. Very nutritious, peanuts contains a high amount of protein, fiber, and fat.

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Red millet -

Red and white millet attracts different birds depending what's on offer. Red millet is a nutritious and delicious feed option loved by smaller birds, such as tree sparrows and several species of finch.

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White millet -

Most birds, however, prefer white proso millet. It's slightly sweeter and high in protein. You'll find that a lot of ground-feeding birds such as pigeons are also attracted to white millet, and will even land on a bird table to get a beakful.

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Suet -

Lots of birds fly into a frenzy for suet. Traditionally made of beef fat mixed with seeds, berries, and nuts, suet provides a vital source of energy for them, particularly during the winter months.

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Dried mealworm -

Passerines can't resist dried mealworms and will gobble them up as quickly as they are put down on the table. In summer, offer live mealworms—a fantastic food in the breeding and fledgling season.

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Cracked corn -

Another winter treat is cracked corn. Include it on a table mixed with sunflower seeds and a variety of fruit, for example, cherry and blueberry.

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Spring feeding -

In fact, fruit is the ideal food to prepare as spring arrives. Birds get in a flap for things like raisins, apples, and oranges.

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Nesting material -

Spring heralds the nesting season, and here's a useful tip. Set up a bird feeder, but rather than fill it with food, pack it with nesting materials, things like strands of string or yarn, small strips of cloth, and even human hair or pet fur.

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Hummers in summer -

The aforementioned hummingbird will hover expectantly over a bird feeder brimming with a concoction of homemade nectar. To make it, bring four cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add one cup of granulated sugar and stir. Once the sugar is dissolved, cool in the refrigerator overnight.

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Autumn chill -

Autumn brings with it chilly winds and colder nights. Time to put the peanuts, millet, and suet cake back out. But here's something else you can do: prepare a blend of peanut butter with some mild grated cheese. Sprinkle with pinhead oatmeal and watch them flock to the garden for this winter warmer.

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How to provide food for feathered friends -

There are several ways of providing food for your backyard birds. Hanging seed feeders are among the most popular. These will attract the likes of robins, goldfinches, sparrows, greenfinches, and siskins.

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Nyjer seed feeders -

Nyjer seed is the absolute favorite of finches, such as the American goldfinch, house finch, and purple finch. Nyjer seed feeders are designed to hold these delicious tidbits.

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Mesh peanut feeders -

Mesh peanut feeders allow birds to take only bite-sized chunks of peanut, rather than whole nuts that they might choke on. Finches, sparrows, robins, starlings, chaffinches, and even the odd woodpecker are fans of this particular food dispenser.

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Table feeding -

Some birds such as blackbirds, wood pigeons, collared doves, jackdaws, and larger finches will not use feeders, preferring to feast at the table.

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Ground feeding -

Similarly, sprinkling seeds over the ground or across tree stumps will attract all kinds of birds that are more at home feeding on the ground.

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Homemade bird feeders -

Thinking of making your own bird feeder? Get creative with coconut shells. These serve as exclusive diners for smaller birds, and just so happen to be aesthetically pleasing.

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Pine cone -

Pine cones covered in fat or vegetable suet provide convenient winter comfort food for a host of backyard birds.

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Where to place your bird feeder? -

Bird feeders should always be located in places where birds feel safe from predators. Hang feeders well away from a brush pile, tree, or bush. Tables should be of sufficient height off the ground to deter free-roaming cats. Another precaution is to place chicken wire or thorny branches around ground-level feeders.

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How to discourage squirrels -

Opportunists abound in the animal kingdom, and squirrels are no exception. To discourage this bushy-tailed rodent, invest in a separate squirrel feeder and stock it with an irresistible blend of seeds and nuts.

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Avoid window bird feeders -

While providing us with wonderful close-up views of our feathered friends, use of a window bird feeder is not recommended. Windows reflect the sky and tress around them and can confuse a bird in flight. And there's a real risk of a bird colliding into a window.

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Bird bath -

Remember that besides eating, birds need to drink and bathe. Place a bird bath near feeders to provide them with an opportunity to freshen up between courses.

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Unsafe food -

Not all food is suitable for consumption by birds. Bread, for example, is of little nutritional value, and moldy bread can actually cause harm. On no account offer up chocolate. It's toxic to many animals, birds included. And while our leftovers may appeal to some birds, table scraps such as chips, cooked vegetables, and suchlike can attract mice or rats.

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Keep feeders clean -

Don't forget to clean feeders and tables to prevent disease. Uneaten seed can become deadly and grow dangerous mold. Likewise, replenish baths with clean water on a regular basis.

See also: Flights of fancy: the most colorful and exotic birds on the planet

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