bird table

Although there are many types of sunflower seeds, black oil sunflower seeds ($4.99 for five pounds) are the most popular for wild birds. These are a great source of high quality protein and oil during cooler months that (unfortunately) don't immediately end on the first day of Spring. Just add them to a pretty tube feeder like this one ($41) or use a flexible alternative that attaches right to a window! I'm sure even your kitties would love it . . . but likely scare the birdies away by their peeking.

By themselves, the black oil sunflower seeds will attract goldfinches, chickadees, woodpeckers, nuthatches, titmice, redpolls, and pine siskins. The soft outer shell makes them easy for smaller wild birds to nibble – by adding a tray to the tube feeder, you'll attract a different set of flutters. Find out and read more

As much as North and I love peanut butter, the real thing, not so much. Still, peanuts aren't just for the lil critters, many wild birds enjoy them, too! You can pick up a bag of unsalted shelled or unshelled peanuts at any local store and add them to a feeder in your backyard to call out a bunch of new flutterers.

To see what kind of birds this nut-filled tube feeder attracts, read more

I only wish I had a tree (or backyard) to tempt many birds to come for a visit. Even North loves watching things fly by! For those lucky suburban or rural dwellers, this ecotastic twofer is completely made up of reused materials! The unique Recycled Birdfeeders ($49) are tray-hanging, platform feeders constructed with recycled parts from birdhouses and leftover asphalt roof shingles.

Simply adding corn to a platform feeder like this one will attract a different group of birds than our millet version — if you're curious why (and who) read more

I'm kicking off a Feed the birds extravaganza! I've only got one pet in my family, but it's fun to pretend the birds that come visit my windowsill are like my pets, too. Each day for the next two weeks, I'll share a new feeder and seed combo – and share what kind of feathery friends will likely stop by for a snack!

Start out with a tray feeder like this sleek Eva Solo Bird Table ($154.99) and add some millet. Millet is lower in fat than other seeds and very nutritious with high levels of proteins, carbohydrates, B-complex vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in addition to a host of other important nutrients. Because it's very appealing to many bird species, switch it up and add some white millet ($5.99 for five pounds) and red millet ($8.99 for five pounds). To see what kind of birds you'll likely attract with this combo, read more