If you are trying to encourage birds to come into your yard you, not only, need to consider their homes but, also, their diets. Different types of bird seed are suited to different species of birds and different species of birds prefer different types of bird feeders.

Choosing the right type of bird feeder for your anticipated visitors and bird seed for the species of birds found in your area ensures that your visitors stay happy, healthy and well fed.

That will keep them coming back year after year.

• Sunflower seeds are the ideal food for species such as sparrows, doves, chickadees, cardinals, blue jays and finches. Most types of hanging feeders can accommodate sunflower seeds. The only thing one must consider is that the bird feeder for the birds be hung fairly high off the ground. You should, also, consider that the feeder offer some sort of protection against squirrels, since squirrels are, also, very fond of sunflowers.

• Another popular seed with birds is corn. Corn attracts birds such as blackbirds, starlings and cardinals. Most large song birds and some smaller ones enjoy corn. So if you want to attract song birds, hang your bird feeder high off the ground with plenty of room around it so that the birds can congregate. Providing platforms and perches at different levels will enable several birds to feed at the same time. Wire caged feeders and mesh are ideal for corn because they keep squirrels and other unwanted visitors away from the feeding station.

• Another popular food for birds is suet. Suet is a type of animal fat that attracts titmice, chickadees and woodpeckers. Suet can be found in the form of bars or cakes. It should be placed in a special suet bird feeder for best results.

It is important to keep your bird feeders clean. Old seed shells and leftover seeds should be removed from the bird feeder periodically. Spilled seed tends to attract rodents. Make sure that the bird feeder gets washed with a soap solution or bleach and water on a regular basis in order to avoid mold and mildew. Taking care of your bird feeder and providing the proper food will insure a happy experience for your bird visitors and you.