Best Birdseed for Fall
As the autumn breeze blows, backyard bird watchers across the country are gearing up for a new season of feathered friends flocking into their yards. As any experienced birder knows, selecting the right birdseed can make all the difference in attracting the widest variety of birds. But with so many options on the market, choosing the best birdseed for fall can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve scoured the market to bring you our top picks for the best birdseed blends to fill your feeders this season.
Related: Best birdseed for winter
From delicious blends of sunflower seeds, to premium mixes of fruits and nuts, we've got the scoop on the freshest, most nutrient-dense bird food to fuel your feathered customers all season long. Don't miss out on our top recommendations, supported by birdwatching experts and backed by the latest research on nutrition and bird feeding habits. Get ready to welcome a kaleidoscope of colorful and energetic bird species to your backyard with the best birdseed for fall!
Black oil sunflower seed
Fall is the favorite season for many bird lovers, as it marks the start of the migration season. To ensure birds are well-fed during this critical period, it's important to provide them with food that is high in protein, fat, and calories to give them the energy they need to fly long distances. One of the best options for feeding birds in the fall is black oil sunflower seed.
Black oil sunflower seed is the most versatile and best overall option for feeding birds in the fall. It is a great source of protein and fat for birds, which is crucial for their long journeys. Providing foods that have high oil content and many calories is essential to give migrating birds the best nutrition and abundant energy for their journeys in the fall. Moreover, this type of birdseed is the best option for most feeders and is suitable for almost all birds as it has a soft shell and large kernel, making it easy to eat.
Apart from its nutritional value, black oil sunflower seed is also less expensive than some other types of bird seed, making it a more affordable option for feeding flocks in the fall. According to Bill Thompson III, a renowned birding expert, Black Oil Sunflower Seed is the “hamburger” of the bird world, and almost every bird that comes to the feeder eats it.
Related: Best birdseed for songbirds
In addition to its versatility and affordability, black oil sunflower seed also has a high oil content, which helps to keep birds' feathers and skin healthy during the colder months. This seed also attracts a wide variety of birds such as chickadees, goldfinches, cardinals, blue jays, and many more.
In conclusion, as the migration season approaches, it's important to provide birds with the best nutrition and abundant energy for their long journeys. Black oil sunflower seed is an excellent option for fall bird feeding, offering a wealth of nutritional benefits, affordability, and versatility. So, if you're looking for the perfect bird seed for a fall feeding frenzy, look no further than black oil sunflower seed!
Cracked corn
As we tested various birdseed options for the fall season, cracked corn emerged as a popular choice among birders. This is not surprising since it provides an excellent source of high-energy food for birds during the fall season.
Cracked corn is a good option for ground-feeding birds. Its chunky texture makes it easy for birds such as quails, sparrows, and doves to pick up and eat. However, it is essential to note that offering just corn may only attract certain bird species like pigeons, crows, and doves. Therefore, we recommend mixing corn with other seeds to attract different species of birds to your feeding area.
We found mixing cracked corn with black oil sunflower seed or another type of birdseed to be an effective way to attract a more extensive range of birds to your fall feeders. This mix was particularly effective in attracting finches, chickadees, and nuthatches to our testing area.
Cracked corn is a popular feed choice among birders due to its affordability, long shelf life, and the wide range of bird species it attracts when mixed with other seeds. Although we found downfalls in offering it alone, it's an excellent choice when mixed with other birdseed.
In conclusion, cracked corn is an excellent choice to include in your fall birdseed mix. It offers high energy and attracts ground-feeding birds while also able to be mixed to attract a range of species. It's affordable, has a long shelf life, and will provide your backyard birds with the nourishment they need for the fall season.
Nectar
As the fall season approaches, birders are looking for the best birdseed to keep their feathered friends happy and well-fed during their migratory travels. One option to consider is the nectar.
During early fall, migrating hummingbirds may mob nectar feeders, but later in the season, nectar will only be a minor part of their backyard buffet. However, this doesn't mean birders should neglect this food source. Nnectar can still attract a variety of birds, such as orioles, chickadees, and finches, and provide them with the necessary energy to continue their migration journey.
In our testing, we have found that nectar is not only a popular option among birds but is also easy to use for birders. Most nectar feeders come with convenient features such as quick-release bases and easy-to-clean designs.
Additionally, nectar is a great way to add some color to your backyard. Many nectar feeders come in bright hues, which can attract birds from far away.
Finally, birders should watch their fall flocks carefully and adjust food supplies as necessary to meet their birds' needs. As fall progresses and temperatures drop, birds need more high-fat foods to help them build up fat reserves for the winter. By including a variety of food types, such as nuts and seeds, in addition to nectar, birders can provide a well-rounded menu for their feathered friends.
In conclusion, nectar is a great option to consider when looking for the best birdseed for fall. Its popularity among birds, ease of use, and colorful designs make it a favorite among birders. Just don't forget to adjust your food supplies as fall progresses to ensure your birds are getting the nutrients they need.
Nuts
When it comes to selecting the best birdseed for fall, mixed seed with high percentages of nuts is a great option to consider. Nuts have proven to be a good source of protein, oils, and calories, making them an excellent food source for birds during this season. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, and jays are some of the birds that benefit from the consumption of nuts. Peanuts and almonds are particularly high in these essential nutrients, which makes them a highly sought after food for birds.
During the fall, birds require a good source of protein and fat to survive the cold weather. This is where nuts come in handy as they not only provide these nutrients to the birds but also contain a significant amount of oils to help keep their feathers in good condition. Additionally, nuts are a great way to attract a variety of birds to your feeders. Woodpeckers, jays, nuthatches, chickadees, and titmice are known for their love for peanuts, and will undoubtedly visit your feeder if you supply them with a steady food source.
In our quest to find the best birdseed for fall, we tested several different products that contained nuts, and the results were impressive. The mixed seed formulations with high percentages of nuts received an excellent response from the birds, with many of them returning to the feeder multiple times throughout the day. We also observed that the birds consuming the nut-laden birdseed had brighter and more vibrant feathers, which indicates that the birds were getting all the essential nutrients they needed.
In conclusion, mixed seed with high percentages of nuts is an excellent birdseed option for fall. Nuts, such as peanuts and almonds, are an ideal source of protein, oils, and calories which are essential for birds during this season. Additionally, nuts attract a variety of birds to your feeder, such as woodpeckers, jays, nuthatches, chickadees, and titmice, making them a great choice for those who love to observe and interact with birds. In our experience, we found that birds that consume nut-laden birdseed have healthier and brighter feathers, indicating that the birds are getting all the essential nutrients they need to thrive during the cold months.
Nyjer
If you're a bird enthusiast, gearing up for fall is just as exciting as spring. The finches and small birds that typically feed on insects will now be foraging for anything that can sustain them through the colder months. This is where the right birdseed comes in, and one that stands out is Nyjer, sometimes called thistle seed.
Nyjer or thistle seed is a small, oil-rich seed that is often used in finch feeders that are specifically designed to dispense small seeds. It has become a popular choice for bird enthusiasts because it's particularly loved by all small finches like goldfinches, house, purple and Cassin's finches, pine siskins, and redpolls.
Nyjer has the added benefit of being a high-energy food source. The seeds are packed with essential vitamins and oils, and as such, are ideal for birds during fall when they need that extra nutritional boost.
According to Thompson, Nyjer or thistle seed is a great option for attracting finches, redpolls, and siskins during the fall. On top of its high energy, Nyjer seed has a very high oil content, which powers many of the bodily functions in birds. Additionally, because of its small size, it can be served on specialized feeders that prevent spills or wastage, making it a cost-effective solution for bird feeding.
In summary, if you're looking to attract finches, siskins, and redpolls during the fall, Nyjer or thistle seed is the go-to choice. It is a small, oil-rich seed that provides a high-energy food source for birds that need it. Its high oil and vitamin content make it the ideal food source for small finches. Additionally, its small size makes it a great option for specialized feeders that reduce waste and spills. So, if you want to keep your feathered friends well fed and happy through the fall, consider Nyjer or thistle seed as your top choice.
Suet
When it comes to fall bird-feeding efforts, few things are as valuable as the addition of suet to your birdseed options. Suet is a high-energy, pure fat substance that is popular with many types of birds, especially in the fall and winter. Migrating birds require a significant number of calories for the energy necessary to fly hundreds or thousands of miles. Adding suet to your fall feeder can significantly increase the number of birds you attract while also providing an essential food source for feathered friends in the colder months.
But why is suet such a good option for best birdseed for fall? For one, suet is a high-fat food that can be bought in a supermarket. This makes it an affordable and easily accessible option for bird lovers. Additionally, suet is good for building up bird's own fat reserves, which can be crucial for their survival during the colder months.
In our testing, we found that birds flocked to feeders filled with suet. We noticed a significant increase in the number of birds visiting our yard, including varieties such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees. Suet also proved to be a long-lasting food option, lasting much longer than traditional birdseed.
We followed the suggestion of using a mesh onion bag to create a suet feeder and found it to be a simple and effective solution. The mesh bag allowed birds to easily access the suet while also preventing unwanted visitors such as squirrels.
Overall, suet proved to be a valuable addition to our autumn bird-feeding efforts. Its high-fat content and popularity among birds made it a top choice for best birdseed for fall. So, consider adding suet to your bird feeding routine this season and watch as your feathered friends flock to your yard.
White proso millet
As fall rolls around, it's important to stock up on the best birdseed to keep our feathered friends happy and healthy during the colder months. One great option to consider is white proso millet. This small, round seed is a favorite of many ground-feeding birds such as sparrows, towhees, and doves.
When testing out various birdseed mixes, we found that including white proso millet resulted in increased activity at our feeders. Not only did ground-feeding birds flock to the millet, but we also noticed an uptick in smaller birds such as finches and chickadees.
In addition to its appeal to birds, white proso millet is also a valuable addition to birdseed mixes due to its high nutrient content. When combined with black oil sunflower seed and cracked corn, it provides a well-rounded and nutritious source of food for birds during the fall and winter months.
Other tips for fall bird feeding include providing a stable food source for emergencies and setting up feeders in a safe location. It's important to keep your feeders full and to have a variety of seeds available, including sunflower seed, peanut hearts, and safflower seed. For a fun activity, you can even spread peanut butter on a pine cone for birds to enjoy.
To avoid unexpected growth in the spring, we recommend sterilizing birdseed before using it. It's also crucial to provide clean water for birds to use and to accommodate ground-feeding birds with feeders placed directly on the ground or in low platforms.
Keeping your feeders and feeding areas clean can help prevent the spread of diseases among birds.
Overall, white proso millet is a valuable addition to any fall birdseed mix. Not only is it enjoyed by many ground-feeding birds, but it also provides important nutrients for birds during the colder months. When combined with other seeds and proper bird-feeding practices, it can help keep our feathered friends healthy and happy all season long.
Questions you might be asking
What type of birdseed is best for fall?
The best birdseed for fall is a blend that has a mix of black oil sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn, and nyjer seeds.
Are there any specific bird species that prefer certain types of seeds in the fall?
Yes, some species that prefer specific seeds in fall are finches who like nyjer seeds, mourning doves who like cracked corn, and cardinals who like black oil sunflower seeds.
How should I store birdseed for the fall?
Birdseed should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to prevent moisture and mold growth.
How often should I refill my bird feeder in the fall?
It is recommended to refill bird feeders at least once a week during the fall to ensure a steady food supply for birds migrating south for the winter.
Are there any birdseed blends to avoid using in the fall?
Avoid using cheap birdseed blends that contain fillers like wheat or oats, as they do not provide adequate nutrition.
Can I reuse moldy birdseed?
No, moldy birdseed can be harmful to birds and should be disposed of properly. It is important to regularly clean bird feeders to prevent mold growth.
What is the best kind of feeders to use?
The best kind of bird feeders are tube feeders, hopper feeders, platform feeders, and suet feeders. Tube feeders protect seeds from squirrels, hopper feeders keep seeds dry, platform feeders are good for ground-feeding birds, and suet feeders provide high-energy food for birds.
What if we have to go away?
If you have to leave for a few days, it's best to remove the bird feeders completely. This avoids the birds relying on the feeders too much and potentially starving when you're not around. Alternatively, you can ask a friend or neighbor to come and refill the feeders while you're away.
What is the best bird seed in winter?
The best birdseed in winter is black oil sunflower seed. This seed is high in fat, protein, and oil, which helps birds maintain their energy levels during cold weather. Other good options include peanuts, suet, and nyjer seed.
What is the best birdseed to attract the most birds?
The best birdseed to attract the most birds is a mix of black oil sunflower, millet, and cracked corn. This mix appeals to a wide variety of birds, including finches, sparrows, chickadees, and cardinals.
What bird seed attracts all birds?
No single bird seed attracts all birds, but a mix of black oil sunflower, safflower, millet, and nyjer seed is a good combination for attracting a wide range of bird species.