Gardeners hoping to attract a flurry of feathered friends to their outdoor spaces may want to rethink what they’re putting in the feeder.
An expert has claimed low-cost bird feed from supermarkets and garden centres often offers little more than empty calories. These budget-friendly seed mixes, often sold in large sacks for around £10 to £15, may seem like a bargain, but the reality is quite different. Packed with ingredients like wheat and red dari, they’re barely touched by most species and hold limited nutritional value.
The result? Disappointed bird lovers and a feeder that sits largely untouched. Even common birds such as Robins and Blackbirds tend to turn their beaks if there’s nothing suitable in the mix.
Seed mixes often fail to offer the variety and quality needed to attract a broader range of garden birds. And while the mixes may contain small amounts of valuable seeds like black sunflower, they’re often buried beneath the filler.
Birds like Goldfinches and Siskins, which are prized visitors in any garden, are unlikely to stop by if their favourite snacks are buried under layers of low-grade seed. Finches, in particular, will simply toss aside the poor-quality grains in search of something better.
This leads to waste as uneaten food builds up beneath the feeder, attracting pests and causing a mess. Many gardeners unknowingly contribute to the problem, lured in by seemingly cost-effective options.
To truly make a difference and support wildlife, explore higher-quality, species-specific feed options instead. Sunflower hearts, nyjer seed, and mealworms are excellent options depending on the birds you’re trying to attract.
It’s not about spending a fortune. A little more goes a long way in ensuring that birds get the nutrition they need. Not only does better feed mean healthier birds, but it also means a more active and diverse garden.
It’s also worth mixing up your offerings throughout the year. In winter, birds benefit from high-fat options, while in spring and summer, protein-rich foods support breeding and chick-rearing.
Bird feeding is one of the simplest ways to bring nature closer to home, but only if done thoughtfully. Choosing the right mix can turn a quiet feeder into a thriving bird buffet.
So before picking up that bargain bag of bird seed, gardeners might want to look twice at the ingredients. After all, a well-fed bird is a happy bird, and a happy bird means a livelier garden.
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