If you have trouble attracting white-throated sparrows to your feeding area this winter, here are a couple of tips that might solve your problem.
First, keep in mind white-throated sparrows spend much of their time on close to the ground deep within shrubby, overgrown areas. If your yard does not possess such a spot, chances are slim white-throated sparrows will winter there.
If you do have a shrubby spot or two, place food near these areas. The reason for this is, as a rule white-throated sparrow are reluctant to venture far from these safe havens.
It is also a good idea to scatter millet or other small seeds on the ground. Although the birds will feed from elevated feeders, they seem to prefer to dining on or very close to the ground.
I saw this activity start after filing my feeders yesterday. The red-bellied sapsucker has been going back and forth from the feeders to his tree across the street for two days now! fun to watch..but it must be tiring for this bird!!!
Good afternoon, Terry. This is Florence (Green) Story formerly of Forsyth. Have you tried Safflower seeds? My House and Purple Finches absolutely love them, as well as my Cardinals. However, the Black Birds do not eat them, and they stay away from our feeders. Thanks for your articles and blog.
Florence,
If you want to attract blackbirds, I suggest you feed mixed seed. They are fond of grains such as wheat, cracked corn and various millets. While blackbirds do feed from an elevated feeder, they particularly like to feed on the ground.
Terry
Thank you, Terry. I will let the blackbirds feed at my neighbors’ feeders. They don’t mind them. I just want all the others. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Florence,
No, i have not tried it. I have heard it is sometimes call Cardinal Candy because cardinals love it. I will have to give it a try.
Terry