Birds are particular about what they eat, and understanding their preferences makes a huge difference in how many and what kinds of birds you’ll see.
The go-to choice for many backyard birders? Black oil sunflower seeds. These crowd-pleasers are rich in fat and easy to crack, attracting everything from cardinals and finches to woodpeckers.
For goldfinches, try nyjer seed, and for larger birds like blue jays, offer peanuts in the shell.
In colder weather, suet cakes become invaluable. They’re high-energy and perfect for birds trying to stay warm. Duncraft even offers seasonal suet blends, including mixes with dried fruit and mealworms for a nutritional boost.
The key to success?
Freshness. Stale seed repels birds and can even harm them. That’s why it’s smart to shop at specialty stores like Duncraft, where seed is turned over quickly and stored properly. Their wide variety of bird food options makes it easy to experiment and discover what works in your yard.
Birdwatching becomes even more fun when you start to recognize regular visitors and adjust your feed choices to welcome even more.
Want to attract more birds? Start with fresh, high-quality seed.
Birds return to feeders they trust—where the seed is always fresh, dry, and easy to enjoy. That’s why it helps to keep feeders clean and buy from a source where seed is stored properly and replenished often.
Duncraft has been crafting premium seed blends and no-waste mixes since the 1950s. Their premium blends are designed to attract more birds, while their no-waste options help keep feeding areas cleaner. With so many choices, it’s easy to find the perfect mix for any yard—and the birds that visit.



