Feeding birds is simple and fun.

It is not necessary to make or purchase an elaborate or fancy bird feeder.  Many items found around the house will work very well as a dining table for our feathered friends.

If you want to invite a few wild birds to dinner--just provide the food they like and place it in a place that is safe from predators.  They'll come.

If you visit a garden center, you will find many different kinds
of seeds for bird food.  You will also find special bird foods, such as  thistle seeds and suet. 
These foods will attract certain birds, but it isn't necessary to provide them to attract birds.  

Listed below are the basics. Providing more than that is really just for fun.

sunflower seeds

 Cardinals, Evening Grosbeaks,
Fox Sparrows,  Song Sparrows,
Goldfinches, Titmice, Bluejays
Ladderback Woodpeckers,  Chickadees

fruit

 Orchard Orioles, Baltimore Orioles,
Catbirds, Mockingbirds

*peanut butter

 Mockingbirds, Woodpeckers
   

Recipe for PB and Raisins

Mix together:

  • 1 cup peanut butter

  • 2 cups cornmeal

  • 1/2 cup raisins, boiled and drained

Raisins should be simmered in a small amount of water. 
After they become plump and soft, drain and cool. 
Mix all ingredients together. 
Roll into small balls, approximately the size of a large marble.
Place PB and Raisin balls on birdfeeder.  Keep extra PB and
Raisin balls in a plastic or other closed container. 
Refrigerate.

*peanut butter should always be mixed with something, such
as cornmeal.  Otherwise, the peanut butter will be a problem
for the bird.  Have you ever had peanut butter stuck to the
roof of your mouth?