Common Michigan birds I can see at my seed feeder in the winter

I can’t remember a time I wasn't fascinated by birds in my yard. I love to feed them so I can bring my wild beauties up close to observe.

This fall I've been asked several times when the birds will leave and when the seed feeders should be taken in for the winter. Some of these people were new to mid-Michigan and some were just new to the bird feeding hobby.

It's an excellent question and I'm pleased to respond that if you keep your feeders clean and feed the proper food, you will have a lot of bird activity year-round!

I’ve listed some of the most common birds you’ll see in mid-Michigan and the food they like at feeders.

1. Northern Cardinal - Sunflower seed, Safflower, Peanuts, White Proso Millet

2. American Goldfinch - Nyjer Thistle, Sunflower Seeds

3. House Finch - Safflower, Nyjer Thistle, Sunflower Chips, Oil Sunflower Seed

4. House Sparrow - White Proso Millet, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips

5. Dark-eyed Junco - White Proso Millet, Sunflower seed, Nyjer Thistle

6. Mourning Dove - Sunflower seed, Peanuts, Safflower, White Proso Millet, Nyjer

7. Tufted Titmouse - Peanuts, Sunflower seed, Safflower, Suet, Mealworms

8. Black-capped Chickadee - Nuts, Sunflower, Safflower, Nyjer Thistle, Suet, Mealworms

9. Carolina Wren - Peanuts, Sunflower seed, Safflower, Suet, Mealworms

10. Red-breasted Nuthatch - Peanuts, Sunflower seed, Safflower, Suet, Mealworms

11. White-breasted Nuthatch - Peanuts, Sunflower seed, Safflower, Suet, Mealworms

12. Downy Woodpecker - Peanuts, Sunflower seed, Safflower, Suet, Mealworms

13. Blue Jay - Peanuts, Sunflower seed, Suet

14. Red-bellied Woodpecker - Peanuts, Sunflower seed, Safflower, Suet, Mealworms

15. Northern Flicker - Peanuts, Sunflower seed, Safflower, Suet, Mealworms

16. European Starling - Peanuts, Sunflower seed, Suet, Mealworms

17. Cedar Waxwing - Mealworms, Suet Nuggets, Berries and Wild Fruit

18. Eastern Bluebird - Shelled peanuts, Suet, Suet Nuggets, Mealworms

19. American Robin - Shelled peanuts, Suet, Suet Nuggets, Mealworms

20. American Crow - Peanuts, Sunflower seed, Suet

21. Cooper’s Hawk - Songbirds, Squirrels, Suet

Of course there are a lot more birds in Michigan during the winter and they don't just eat from feeders, but this gives you a start. For more information we have Birds of Michigan Field Guides or you can visit our online Bird Guide to identify birds at http://www.allaboutbirds.org/.

Related Articles:

- 10 Winter Finches in Michigan: http://bit.ly/oL3iCF
- Birds of Michigan Field Guide http://bit.ly/pXv5ZN
- What’s the best suet for Michigan wild birds? http://bit.ly/nImz5g
- How to have more colorful birds at your feeder http://bit.ly/qizlNh
- How to Prepare Your Yard for Winter Birdwatching http://bit.ly/q93Men
- What is the best bird feeder? http://bit.ly/qVr7i8