What foods should I leave out for birds.

🐦 Introduction:  What foods should I leave out for birds?

Ohio’s backyards are alive with color year-round—from the brilliant red of cardinals to the cheerful calls of chickadees. Feeding birds here isn’t just about enjoyment; it’s about supporting wildlife through cold winters and seasonal migrations. But what foods work best for Ohio’s feathered visitors? Looking for the right setup? Our birdhouses make feeding easier.

🌱 Seeds: The Ohio Staple

• Black oil sunflower seeds: The single most effective food in Ohio. Loved by cardinals, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and finches. Their thin shells make them easy to crack, and the high oil content provides energy.

• Nyjer (thistle) seeds: Goldfinches and house finches flock to these tiny seeds. Best served in a tube feeder.

• Cracked corn and millet: Ground-feeding birds like mourning doves and sparrows prefer these.

🥜 Nuts and Suet: Winter Energy Boost

• Unsalted peanuts: Jays, woodpeckers, and chickadees love them. Offer shelled or dry-roasted peanuts for safety.

• Suet cakes: Essential in Ohio winters. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, and wrens thrive on the fat-rich energy suet provides.

• Mealworms: A protein-packed option, especially helpful in spring when birds are feeding chicks.

🍎 Fruits and Natural Options

- Apples, oranges, and berries: Cardinals, robins, and thrushes enjoy fresh fruit.

• Native plants: Viburnums and chokeberries provide natural food sources in Ohio yards.

• Kitchen scraps (sparingly): Whole-grain bread or cooked rice can be offered, but avoid salty or processed foods.

❄️ Seasonal Feeding in Ohio

• Winter: Focus on high-fat foods like suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds to help birds survive freezing nights.

• Spring/Summer: Fruits and insects support breeding and chick-rearing.

• Fall: Seeds and grains prepare birds for migration or overwintering.

🚫 Foods to Avoid

• Avocado, chocolate, and caffeine (toxic).

• Salty or heavily processed foods.

• Moldy or spoiled scraps.

Conclusion

By offering a mix of sunflower seeds, peanuts, suet, and fruits, you’ll attract Ohio’s most beloved backyard birds—from cardinals and chickadees to woodpeckers and finches. Think of your feeder as a seasonal café, where local wildlife can refuel safely while bringing joy to your yard.  Ready to attract more birds, explore our options!