Do all birds like those black sunflower seeds?

Question

I recently bought my first bird feeder. The man I bought it from advised me on what types of seed to buy. I remember him saying that cardinals especially like those black sunflower seeds. We have cardinals here and I like seeing them outside my kitchen windows, so I bought a big bag of black sunflower seeds and put them in the bird feeder. I haven't seen any birds use my feeder until today. I saw a few brown sparrows (I think) fly up to the feeder and then fly off, but I haven't seen any birds since. I would have thought they'd have spread the word about a new feeder in town! Now I'm wondering if they don't like those black sunflower seeds. Did I misunderstand the guy? Did he mean they will only attract cardinals? Thanks!

Answer 1

Be patient. Everytime I put up a new feeder, it takes about a week for a "discovery." Now consider the location of your feeder. Birds prefer feeders that are close to shrubbery, trees, outbuildings, tall grass. Birds are vulnerable to attack from predators while at a feeder so they want to be able to hide fast, if necessary. Also, do not put your feeder into the prevailing winds. Birds don't like this. Cardinals love to be close to shrubs, so if you particularly want Cardinals, put the feeder near bushes. All birds that eat seeds seem to love sunflower seeds. So do squirrels. Good luck and just give birds some time.

Answer 2

Cardinals do like the black sunflower seeds, most birds like sunflower seeds. Bird feeders do well in a quiet location away from activity. Cats and people will scare birds quickly. I have found suet to be the best bird attactor. It needs a special holder. I hang my bird feeders from metal upright holders that have hooks on them.They are about 6' tall and have two sides to hang feeders from. The nice thing about these is that you can place them anywhere there is soil to place them in. Some people use them for hanging plants, you can buy them at any garden center. They are also squirrel proof, as squirrels love to plunder bird feeders. When the birds finally find the feeder they will come back, I have Gold Finches that come all the time, they like thistle seeds. Thistle seeds attract a large range of birds too, I prefer them over sunflower seeds. A good bird feeder will have a place for the birds to perch while they are eating. Happy bird watching.

Bob the ornithologist.

Answer 3

I have been invaded by a troop of rodent raiders: SQUIRRELS! Those buggers raid any feeder that have sunflower seed or peanuts inside them. So I use safflower seed most of the time, which the fuzzy pests ignore. I fill the feeder with the safflower seed which attracts finches, cardinals, and chickadees. I still buy bags of regular feed for the other birds, which have the striped sunflower seed in it. From my experience, the animals eat the striped seed and ignore the black seed....but probably because they don't know what they are. I also buy cheap roasted peanuts for the squirrels to keep them occupied while the birds eat. Otherwise, they'd sit there and inhale all the "good" seeds and the birds would get....millet. Bleah!!

Answer 4

most Finch's like black sunflower too. but this time of year most birds are seeking a richer diet. suet feeders will attract a large variety of birds also. and some birds prefer the other types of seed mix. Check Gardeners supply on line for the many types of wild bird food available. and do be sure to keep your feeders clean by washing them in soapy water at least once a week. dirty feeders carry disease from bird to bird and will kill them.

Answer 5

a lot of the bigger birds do like black oil sunflower seeds. but if you want to attract more species, use a good wind bird food blend.

Use black thistle seeds if you want to attract finches. also this time of year there is still a lot of native foods for the birds to eat. In the winter, when food gets more scarce you will probably see more birds visiting your feeder.

Answer 6

You know if I listened to everyone who talked to me at the home depot about a bird feeder and what seed to put in it i would be a lunatic . I bought a huge bag of wild bird food and filled the feeder with it and now I have a vast array of birds . so just fill it with seed regular old bird food .

Answer 7

Quite a few like them and they are a good source of protein, cardinals like them as well as black capped chickadees,rose breasted grouse beaks, titmice, blue jays, buy some good quality premium bird seed without corn and mix it with the sun flower seeds they you will be good to go and attract many species of birds, also you may want to purchase a thistle feeder and thistle feed for the yellow finch...you will have many hours of enjoyment watching the birds, also a couple of suet cake feeders and suet cakes.....

Answer 8

Many pet stores sell seed from bulk supplies and can meet any needs. So, look for a pet store Specializing in birds.

Answer 9

I'm thinking it might not be the time of year for your cardinals.