Welcome to our guide on the best bird attracting seeds to transform your garden into a haven for our feathered friends. By incorporating these seeds into your landscaping, you can create an inviting environment that not only benefits the birds but also provides you with a picturesque garden to enjoy.
Attracting birds to your garden is not only a delightful sight but also has several advantages. By growing plants that produce plenty of seeds, you can save money on birdseed while supporting the local ecosystem. With our selection of bird attracting seeds, you can create a thriving sanctuary for a variety of bird species.
Key Takeaways:
- Choose organic bird seed that is free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
- Select seeds that are known to attract a wide range of bird species to your garden.
- Consider using a wild bird seed mix to provide a diverse and nutritious food source for birds.
- Place bird feeders strategically throughout your garden to enhance bird activity.
- Invest in high-quality bird seed to ensure the health and well-being of your backyard birds.
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
The bright yellow flowers of goldenrod are a source of seed for a variety of birds including American goldfinch, black-capped chickadee, Carolina wren, dark-eyed junco, indigo bunting, northern cardinal, pine siskin, tufted titmouse, and white-throated sparrow.
This native perennial blooms in late summer into fall, and makes a pretty cut flower. Goldenrod is not a source of seasonal allergies, contrary to popular belief.
| Bird Species | Attracted to Goldenrod Seeds |
|---|---|
| American goldfinch | ✔ |
| Black-capped chickadee | ✔ |
| Carolina wren | ✔ |
| Dark-eyed junco | ✔ |
| Indigo bunting | ✔ |
| Northern cardinal | ✔ |
| Pine siskin | ✔ |
| Tufted titmouse | ✔ |
| White-throated sparrow | ✔ |
Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum)
The late-summer flower spikes of pearl millet yield tiny seeds that are one of the main ingredients in commercial mixed birdseed. These bird attracting seeds are highly sought after by doves, sparrows, Carolina wrens, starlings, and house sparrows. Millet’s seed heads can reach up to a foot long and are often used in both fresh and dried flower arrangements.
The Benefits of Pearl Millet
Pearl millet, also known as Pennisetum glaucum, is an annual plant that produces an abundance of small seeds. These seeds are commonly found in commercial birdseed and are highly desired by a variety of bird species.
“The small size of pearl millet seeds makes them easily consumable for birds such as doves, sparrows, Carolina wrens, starlings, and house sparrows.”
Not only does pearl millet attract doves, sparrows, Carolina wrens, starlings, and house sparrows, but its tall flower spikes also add visual interest to your garden. It can be a unique addition to flower arrangements and its ornamental value is further enhanced when dried.
Planting and Care
Growing pearl millet is relatively easy, making it a great option for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Here are some key tips for planting and caring for pearl millet:
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Sow the seeds directly into the ground after the last frost.
- Space the seeds about 6-12 inches apart.
- Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Harvest the seed heads when they have dried out and turned brown.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the beauty of pearl millet while providing a food source that will attract a variety of bird species to your garden.
Sea Holly (Eryngium planum)
The steel-blue, thistle-like flower heads of sea holly attract a variety of bird species, including the American goldfinch, American tree sparrow, black-capped chickadee, and black-faced waxbill. This perennial plant is known for its unique and eye-catching appearance.
Sea holly blooms from June to September, making it an excellent choice for attracting birds during the summer months. The vibrant blue color of its flowers adds a pop of color to any garden. Even when dried, sea holly retains its striking color, making it an attractive option for winter interest.
This bird-attracting flower should be planted in a permanent location as it does not transplant well. Once established, sea holly requires very little care and maintenance, making it a convenient choice for busy gardeners.
Bird Species Attracted by Sea Holly:
- American goldfinch
- American tree sparrow
- Black-capped chickadee
- Black-faced waxbill
Planting sea holly in your garden not only adds beauty but also creates a bird-friendly environment. The steel-blue flowers of sea holly will surely catch the eye of birds passing by, making it a must-have for any bird lover’s garden.
Sea Holly Planting Tips:
Here are some tips for successfully growing sea holly in your garden:
- Choose a sunny location for planting sea holly.
- Ensure well-draining soil, as sea holly does not tolerate wet feet.
- Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote new blooms.
- Leave some dried seed heads for winter interest and as a food source for birds.
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Joe Pye Weed, also known as Eutrochium purpureum, is a stunning tall perennial that adds beauty and attraction to any garden. Its large, pink flower clusters grace the tall stems during the summer months, creating a breathtaking display. Not only are the blooms visually appealing, but they also emit a delicate vanilla fragrance that adds an enchanting scent to the garden.
“The large, pink flower clusters of Joe Pye Weed attract various pollinators, making it a must-have plant for a butterfly garden.”
Joe Pye Weed is particularly popular for its ability to attract birds, making it an excellent choice for bird lovers and enthusiasts. This bird attracting plant produces attractive seed heads in the fall, which serve as a valuable food source for birds such as American goldfinch, Carolina wren, dark-eyed junco, and tufted titmouse.
If you’re looking to create a butterfly garden or attract a diverse range of bird species to your yard, Joe Pye Weed is an ideal choice. Its tall stature adds height and dimension to your garden, while its beautiful flowers and seed heads provide sustenance to birds and create a buzzing ecosystem of pollinators.
Benefits of Joe Pye Weed:
- Attracts a variety of birds, including American goldfinch, Carolina wren, dark-eyed junco, and tufted titmouse
- Creates a stunning visual display with its large, pink flower clusters
- Emits a delightful vanilla fragrance
- Provides food for pollinators, making it a valuable addition to butterfly gardens
- Easy to grow and maintain
With its numerous benefits and striking appearance, Joe Pye Weed is a top choice for bird enthusiasts, butterfly garden enthusiasts, and anyone looking to add beauty to their outdoor space. Plant Joe Pye Weed in your garden and watch as it brings life, color, and birdsong to your surroundings.
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Make your yard a bird haven with New England aster. This perennial blooms from August to September, coinciding with bird migration. Birds such as American goldfinch, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, dark-eyed junco, eastern towhee, northern cardinal, and white-breasted nuthatch feast on the seed-filled centers of this native perennial throughout the winter. Asters are also drought-tolerant and good for containers.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
In addition to large, pretty blooms in summer, sunflowers produce nutritious seeds that many birds love. Some of the most common birds this easy-to-grow annual will attract include:
- American goldfinch
- Black-capped chickadee
- Downy woodpecker
- Eastern towhee
- Indigo bunting
- Northern cardinal
- Pine siskin
- Purple finch
- Rose-breasted grosbeak
- Tufted titmouse
- White-breasted nuthatch
“Sunflowers not only add a splash of vibrant color to your garden, but they also serve as a natural bird feeder. Watching colorful birds feast on sunflower seeds is a delightful experience for any bird enthusiast.”
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
The beautiful daisy-like flowers of cosmos bloom in many colors from early summer to frost and attract butterflies. Once this low-maintenance annual is done blooming, birds such as white-throated sparrows, mourning doves, and goldfinches feast on its seeds. Cosmos is also drought-tolerant, heat-resistant, and easily thrives in container plantings.
Attracting birds to your garden not only adds beauty and liveliness to your outdoor space but also contributes to the conservation of these magnificent creatures. Cosmos, with its stunning blooms and seed-bearing nature, serves as an excellent choice for bird attracting flowers.
“The cosmos is a splendid sight to behold, both for our eyes and for the birds that it attracts.”
With its vibrant colors and daisy-like appearance, cosmos flowers act as a magnet for butterflies, adding an enchanting touch to any garden. But their beauty doesn’t end there. Once the blooming season is over, these resilient annuals provide a bountiful supply of seeds that various bird species find irresistible.
The white-throated sparrows, mourning doves, and goldfinches are particularly fond of the seeds produced by cosmos. These feathered friends will flock to your garden, creating a mesmerizing display of birdsong and movement as they enjoy their feast.
| Bird Species | Common Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | White-throated Sparrows |
| 2 | Mourning Doves |
| 3 | Goldfinches |
Cosmos is not only bird-friendly but also a low-maintenance annual, making it ideal for busy gardeners. These hardy plants thrive in a variety of growing conditions and require minimal care. They are drought-tolerant and can withstand heat, making them a reliable choice for gardens with challenging climates.
Whether planted in flower beds, borders, or containers, cosmos will infuse your garden with vivid colors, attract butterflies, and provide a vital food source for birds. So, why not create an inviting oasis for both wildlife and yourself by introducing cosmos to your garden?
Image description: Cosmos flowers attracting birds to a garden.
Conclusion
By incorporating bird attracting seeds into your garden, you can create a vibrant birdwatching haven and attract a variety of bird species. Native plants that produce plenty of seeds are the best choice as they provide nourishment for birds throughout the seasons. These seeds can be obtained in the form of organic bird seed mix, high quality bird seed, or specifically designed bird feeder seed.
From goldenrod to cosmos, there are many options available to transform your garden into a sanctuary for birds. Goldenrod, with its bright yellow flowers, attracts American goldfinches, Carolina wrens, and many other species. Pearl millet and sunflowers are also excellent choices, appealing to doves, sparrows, and finches. Additionally, sea holly, Joe Pye weed, and New England aster are favored by various bird species.
Make sure to choose the best seeds for bird watching and create an inviting garden that will not only provide natural bird food but also offer a beautiful display of colors and scents throughout the year. So start planting these bird attracting seeds, and enjoy the beauty and activity of birds in your garden.