feed the birds

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