How to Attract Goldfinches

Habitat
Attracting goldfinches to your yard is easy by offering the right food in the right feeders. And if you live in mid-Michigan, you can have these bright, cheery songbirds year-round!

Recommended Food

We recommend offering fresh Nyjer® (thistle) because it is goldfinches’ favorite feeder food. Nyjer has high oil content and is an excellent energy source for these active birds. Nyjer, niger, and thistle are all common names used to identify this tiny black birdseed cultivated in Asia and Africa that is high in calories and oil content, and loved by American Goldfinches. However it is not related to the purple, prickly, Canada thistle weed at all.

The scientific name for the Nyjer plant is Guizotia abyssinica. Its bloom has yellow, daisy-like flowers, and before it is shipped into the country the Nyjer seed has been heat treated to prevent the growth of any noxious seeds. Even if it did sprout, Michigan’s growing season is too short to produce a flowering plant.

Recommended Items

Pine Siskins share a table with
American Goldfinches on WBU mesh feeder

1. Wild Birds Unlimited sells a variety of finch feeders. My favorites are the Mesh Finch Feeders. They not only let the finches land and feed in whatever position they choose, but they also allow air circulation to keep your Nyjer Thistle as dry and fresh as possible; something that's very important to these picky eaters.
2. Also available exclusively at Wild Birds Unlimited is the new EcoClean bird feeders that feature parts that protect themselves against the surface growth of damaging bacteria, mold, mildew, fungus and other microbes. The EcoClean Finch Feeders accommodate goldfinches’ small bills and allow them to easily dine on Nyjer. These feeders’ are easy to fill and clean because of the quick-clean base and come with a lifetime guarantee.
3. Feeders can be hung in trees using the Wild Birds Unlimited tree hooks or you can create a feeding station with our exclusive Advanced Pole System® (APS) Basic Setup Hanging Hardware. It’s easy to construct and maintain. Just plant it into the ground, add the extension poles and arms, and top it with the decorative finial. Then fill and hang your feeders.

4. Weather Guard domes are easy to add to any feeder if you need help to keep seed dry and protect birds from inclement weather.
5. Also keep your Nyjer fresh and mold-free with Feeder Fresh™. Mix it with the seed in your feeders, and the absorbent granules will “drink up” excess moisture. Feeder Fresh is completely safe for you and your birds.

It's the goal of Wild Birds Unlimited for you to have the best possible experience from your bird feeding hobby. Backyard bird feeding is the most relaxing, fulfilling, educational and exciting hobby that everyone can enjoy. If you have any questions come in to our East Lansing, MI store. We can give you accurate information about our local birds.

At Wild Birds Unlimited, we are Your Backyard Bird feeding Specialist®, here to help bring you, and nature together.

Category › Bird Basics

Nyjer (thistle) isn't related to Canada Thistle

Nyjer, niger, and thistle are all common names used to identify a tiny black birdseed cultivated in Asia and Africa that is high in calories and oil content, and loved by American Goldfinches. It's sometimes confused with the purple, prickly, Canada thistle but Nyjer isn't related to that weed at all.
.
The scientific name for the Nyjer plant is Guizotia abyssinica. Its bloom has yellow, daisy-like flowers, and before it is shipped into the country the Nyjer seed has been heat treated to prevent the growth of any noxious seeds. Even if it did sprout, Michigan’s growing season is too short to produce a flowering plant.

There are 20 different kinds of native thistle plants in the U.S. that are also adored by finches, but the most common thistle that pops up in people’s yards was actually brought over from Europe. Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense, is a vigorous, competitive weed that occurs in a wide range of habitats and is difficult to control due to its ability to re-grow from its extensive, deep creeping root system.

It is native to Europe and was apparently introduced to North America by colonists in the early 17th century. It is illegal to sell and by 1991 it had been declared noxious by at least 35 states and 6 Canadian provinces. Canada thistle is a 2 to 5 foot tall herbaceous perennial with numerous small, compact purple or white flowers on the upper stems from June to Oct.

But it’s still alright to come in and ask for thistle seed because we know you want Nyjer "thistle" seed. However, legally we label our seed Nyjer so the Agricultural department won't come in and shut us down for selling Canada thistle, a noxious weed seed.

Category › Quick fun Facts

Nyjer thistle doesn't grow weeds

Nyjer, niger, and thistle are all common names used to identify a tiny black birdseed cultivated in Asia and Africa that is high in calories and oil content, and loved by American Goldfinches. It's sometimes confused with the purple, prickly, Canada thistle but Nyjer isn't related to that weed at all.
.
The scientific name for the Nyjer plant is Guizotia abyssinica. Its bloom has yellow, daisy-like flowers, and before it is shipped into the country the Nyjer seed has been heat treated to prevent the growth of any noxious seeds. Even if it did sprout, Michigan’s growing season is too short to produce a flowering plant.

There are 20 different kinds of native thistle plants in the U.S. that are also adored by finches, but the most common thistle that pops up in people’s yards was actually brought over from Europe. Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense, is a vigorous, competitive weed that occurs in a wide range of habitats and is difficult to control due to its ability to re-grow from its extensive, deep creeping root system.

It is native to Europe and was apparently introduced to North America by colonists in the early 17th century. It is illegal to sell and by 1991 it had been declared noxious by at least 35 states and 6 Canadian provinces. Canada thistle is a 2 to 5 foot tall herbaceous perennial with numerous small, compact purple or white flowers on the upper stems from June to Oct.

But it’s still alright to come in and ask for thistle seed because we know you want Nyjer "thistle" seed. However, legally we label our seed Nyjer so the Agricultural department won't come in and shut us down for selling Canada thistle, a noxious weed seed.

Category › Bird Basics

Attract Yellow Birds to your yard

One of the highlights of feeding birds in the spring is seeing all the colorful birds up close. I enjoy watching the yellow American Goldfinches. They are in Michigan year-round but switch from their drab winter feathers to bright yellow in April.

Food

These cheery songbirds are vegetarians and like a variety of flower seeds and spring greens in the wild. If you want to bring them to a feeder we recommend offering fresh Nyjer® (thistle). The best thing about feeding straight Nyjer is that it attracts mainly goldfinches and deters squirrels, blackbirds, starlings and other big birds.

Nyjer is teeny, tiny black birdseed, high in oil content and an excellent energy source for these active birds. It has been heat treated to prevent the growth of any noxious weed seeds and does not sprout under the feeder. The scientific name for the Nyjer plant is Guizotia abyssinicaand is not related to the purple, prickly, Canada Thistle weed at all.

Feeders

There are special feeders made to hold Nyjer Thistle. You can choose from a variety of finch feeders at Wild Birds Unlimited. I have five Mesh Finch Feeders at my house. They not only let the finches land and feed in whatever position they choose, but they also allow air circulation to keep your Nyjer Thistle as dry and fresh as possible; something that's very important to these picky eaters.

Gardening Trick for Goldfinches
Habitat can also be a key to attracting Goldfinches. In this case you do less work, not more. Don't worry about dandelions and don't cut off the tops of your Marigold, Zinnias, Cosmos, or Coneflowers...Goldfinches love the seeds. The birds make the flowers dance as they flit from flower to flower looking for food.

Related Articles:

• European Goldfinches http://bit.ly/Q2Cu37
• Goldfinch Migration http://bit.ly/MzGSPD
• Three species of Goldfinches found in North America http://goo.gl/3lSQV
• Goldfinches: The Last Birds Nesting http://bit.ly/PZuejj
• Bird of the week: American Goldfinch http://bit.ly/PZum2a

Category › Bird Basics

What is Nyger Thistle?

Nyjer, niger, and thistle are all common names used to identify a tiny black birdseed cultivated in Asia and Africa that is high in calories and oil content, and loved by American Goldfinches. It's sometimes confused with the purple, prickly, Canada thistle but Nyjer isn't related to that weed at all.
.
The scientific name for the Nyjer plant is Guizotia abyssinica. Its bloom has yellow, daisy-like flowers, and before it is shipped into the country the Nyjer seed has been heat treated to prevent the growth of any noxious seeds. Even if it did sprout, Michigan’s growing season is too short to produce a flowering plant.

.
There are 20 different kinds of native thistle plants in the U.S. that are also adored by finches, but the most common thistle that pops up in people’s yards was actually brought over from Europe. Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense, is a vigorous, competitive weed that occurs in a wide range of habitats and is difficult to control due to its ability to re-grow from its extensive, deep creeping root system.

Image by RunnerJenny via FlickrIt is native to Europe and was apparently introduced to North America by colonists in the early 17th century. It is illegal to sell and by 1991 it had been declared noxious by at least 35 states and 6 Canadian provinces. Canada thistle is a 2 to 5 foot tall herbaceous perennial with numerous small, compact purple or white flowers on the upper stems from June to Oct.

But it’s still alright to come in and ask for thistle seed because we know you want Nyjer "thistle" seed. However, legally we label our seed Nyjer so the Agricultural department won't come in and shut us down for selling Canada thistle, a noxious weed seed.

Category › Question of the week

Does Nyjer thistle seed go rancid?

I have some Nyjer seed from last year that I keep in a tin can in the garage. Lately when I fill the feeder the birds have been turning their nose up at the seed. Does the thistle go bad? My sunflower seeds have just come into bloom but I want them to know I also have high quality Nyjer seed available just for the finches. ~ Lansing, MI

Nyjer is a very popular seed with the American Goldfinches but it can dry out fast. Make sure your Nyjer seed is fresh. Bird shops like our Wild Birds Unlimited - East Lansing store has a seed delivery every Tuesday. In the summer months buy it in smaller quantities or store it in the refrigerator so it stays fresh.

To test your seeds’ freshness, pinch the seed with your fingernails and see if any oil comes out. The finches use their bills to twist the seed and sip the oil and then drop the shell. If your seed has dried out your feeder will be skipped.

Make sure the feeder is clean and free of any mold. Finches are finicky and avoid dirty feeders. It’s especially important to keep feeders clean because the finches gather in huge numbers in the fall and we don’t want them to spread diseases to each other or eat off dirty feeders.

American Goldfinches are also notorious for leaving a tube feeder half full. Don’t just top off a feeder with fresh seed. Empty the older seed (if it's still good) into a different container, fill the bottom of the feeder with new seed and top it off with the older seed. Goldfinches will probably eat down to that certain level again and then you’ll have to repeat the process.

As you know, there are also a lot of plants that attract finches. These birds love to flock to any flowers that form seed heads. If you garden with finches in mind, you get to enjoy them at the feeders and riding the flowers in search of seeds.

Related articles:

• Nyjer (thistle) isn't related to Canada Thistle: http://bit.ly/nst8r4
• Do I need to clean my bird feeder?: http://bit.ly/nUSOkX
• When do I take down the finch feeder? http://bit.ly/zcrENy
• Gardening for birds http://bit.ly/K5IG0T
• Where to hang finch feeders http://bit.ly/OdusSi

Category › Question of the week

How to get rid of weeds under the bird feeder without using poisons

My husband wants to spray weed killer under the bird feeder and I want to know if that will hurt the birds.

I do not recommend using any poisons near bird feeders. Robins, cardinals and other ground feeding birds are particularly vulnerable to poisoning. According to the (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center, many birds die each year from landscape weed killers and pesticides.

How to get rid of weeds under the feeder without using poisons:

Good groundcover:

Deadnettle, Lamium maculatum

1. Maintain the area regularly

Rake up the area and cover with mulch or stones

2. Use vinegar as a natural weed killer

Spray the weeds' leaves with household vinegar. Plants sprayed with vinegar will begin to die a couple days after the application, when the sun hits the leaves. Reapply as needed.

3. Plant a ground cover plant

I have lots of good groundcover plants that choke any weed from seeing the light.

How to prevent weeds from growing under the bird feeder:

1. Read the ingredients on the bird seed bag

The number one reason you will have weeds on the ground is because the birds are kicking the seeds that they don’t prefer on the ground and they grow. For seed eating birds in Michigan studies indicate that Black-Oil Sunflower, Fine and Medium Sunflower Chips, Peanuts, White Proso Millet, Safflower, and Nyjer® Thistle are among the most preferred seed types. Each of our blends is regionally formulated to attract the birds that live in our area. We do not include cheap filler grains like oats, wheat and milo that decrease the price per pound of a mix but aren't eaten by the birds in Michigan. Therefore, there is no wasted seed.

2. Discover the No-Mess seed blend benefits

At the East Lansing Wild Birds Unlimited store, customers’ and birds’ preference by far is WBU No-Mess Blend. Our unique No-Mess Blend features seeds that have had their shells removed so only the meat of the seed is left. Pound for pound, our No-Mess Blend offers the best value because you do not pay for the shells. No shells on the seeds means no shells on the ground and the seed won’t sprout either.

3. Feed good suet

Not all suets are created equal. The first ingredient should always be rendered beef suet. Some people feed straight suet only. If you want to offer more protein the next ingredient should usually be peanuts or tree nuts. Never, never buy suet where milo, oats, wheat, processed grain by-products or artificial flavorings are in the ingredients. These filler ingredients are used to make a cheaper cake but the birds have to pick around and pick out all this filler to reach the suet.

4. Tidy, long lasting food

Seed Cylinders are also a high-fat, quick-energy food source that is specially-designed to meet your birds' hearty appetites. The Wild Birds Unlimited popular no muss, no fuss Spiral Seed Cylinder Feeder holds cylinders of tightly packed seed held together with gelatin so there is no seed spray. The whole block is completely edible. And depending on bird activity in your yard, a cylinder packed with energy rich pecans, peanuts and sunflower seeds can last weeks.

5. Nyjer® (Thistle) does not grow Canada Thistle

Nyjer, niger, and thistle are all common names used to identify a tiny black birdseed cultivated in Asia and Africa that is high in calories and oil content, and loved by American Goldfinches. It's sometimes confused with the purple, prickly, Canada thistle but Nyjer isn't related to that weed at all. The scientific name for the Nyjer plant is Guizotia abyssinica. Its bloom has yellow, daisy-like flowers, and before it is shipped into the country the Nyjer seed has been heat treated to prevent the growth of any noxious seeds.

Related Articles:

• Close-up look at the seeds wild birds eat http://bit.ly/IET0hP
• How to keep moths out of bird seed http://bit.ly/IESK2h
• How long does bird seed stay fresh? http://bit.ly/rTLSqJ
• Seed Storage Cans and WBU Seed Scoops http://bit.ly/uBaSwO
• The strange journey of the sunflower plant http://bit.ly/uFlz65

Category › Bird Basics

Winter approaches and birds abound

Mid-Michigan is lucky enough to see lots of birds during the long cold winter months. I’ve listed some of the most common birds you’ll see and the food they like at feeders.

1. House Sparrow- White Proso Millet, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips
2. Black-capped Chickadee- Shelled peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Nyjer Thistle, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
3. Northern Cardinal- Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Shelled peanuts, Striped Sunflower seed
4. Downy Woodpecker- Peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet
5. White-breasted Nuthatch- Peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
6. Mourning Dove- Oil Sunflower seed, Peanuts, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, White Proso Millet, Nyjer Thistle
7. Red-bellied Woodpecker- Peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
8. Northern Flicker- Peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
9. Dark-eyed Junco- White Proso Millet, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Nyjer Thistle

10. American Goldfinch- Nyjer Thistle, Sunflower Chips, Oil Sunflower Seed
11. Blue Jay- Peanuts in the Shell, Nuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
12. Tufted Titmouse- Shelled peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
13. House Finch- Safflower, Nyjer Thistle, Sunflower Chips, Oil Sunflower Seed
14. European Starling- Shelled peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
15. American Crow- Peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
16. Cooper’s Hawk- Songbirds, Squirrels, Unrendered Suet
17. Carolina Wren- Shelled peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
18. Eastern Bluebird- Shelled peanuts, Suet, Suet Nuggets, Mealworms
19. American Robin- Shelled peanuts, Suet, Suet Nuggets, Mealworms
20. Cedar Waxwing- Mealworms, Suet Nuggets, Berries and Wild Fruit

Click HERE for the Eastern Seed Preference Guide

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://goo.gl/RlGE6 

- 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

Category › Question of the week

Does Nyjer Thistle Seed Go Bad?

I have been looking for a while now and thanks for this piece as I had found Nyger or Niger seed information very scarce. This page is more useful to me than Wikipedia so that's great..! I have a question please:

Since we introduced a Niger seed into our garden in the UK about 6 weeks ago the birds are rarely here. I did read somewhere else that if the Niger seeds "go off" they can put off birds plus we do have a Sparrow Hawk around also which it may be but they - i.e not Finches really don't seem to like it? Anyone else had problems with Niger seeds putting off birds? Thanks! Stevie http://ukbirdatables.co.uk

European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Thank you very much for the kind comments. Nyjer is a very popular seed with the American Goldfinches in the US.

There may be several reasons your finches have stopped coming to the feeders. Nyjer seed can dry out fast. Make sure your Nyjer seed is fresh. One way to do this is to pinch the seed with your fingernails and see if any oil comes out. The finches use their bills to twist the seed and sip the oil and then drop the shell. If your seed has dried out your feeder will be skipped.

European Goldfinches on a garden bird feeder in the UK

Buy your seed at a bird shop that gets in a lot of fresh seed regularly. Wild Birds Unlimited - East Lansing store has a seed delivery every Tuesday.

Make sure the feeder is clean and free of any mold. I don’t know about European Goldfinches or any of the UK finches, but American finches are finicky and avoid dirty feeders. It’s especially important to keep our American feeders clean because the finches gather in huge numbers in the fall and we don’t want them to spread diseases to each other or eat off dirty feeders.

American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis

American Goldfinches also leave the last bite on their plate. Our finches are notorious for leaving a tube feeder half full. We can’t just top off a feeder with fresh seed. We have to empty the older seed (if it's still good) into a different container, fill the bottom of the feeder with new seed and top it off with the older seed. Our goldfinches will probably eat down to that certain level again and then we’ll have to repeat the process.

There are also a lot of plants that attract finches. These birds love to flock to any flowers that form seed heads. If you garden with finches in mind, you get to enjoy them at the feeders and riding the flowers in search of seeds.

For a list of the finches in the UK go to: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/families/finches.aspx

For a list of the finches in the US go to: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/browse_tax.aspx?family=27

Related articles:

Nyjer (thistle) isn't related to Canada Thistle: http://bit.ly/nst8r4

Do I need to clean my bird feeder?: http://bit.ly/nUSOkX

Can You Scare a Hawk Away?: http://bit.ly/pa9E83

Category › Question of the week

Michigan’s Top 20 Winter Backyard Birds

What birds can you see in Michigan in winter? ~ Coldwater, MI

There are lots of birds in Michigan during the winter. This is a very good question to have right before the Great Backyard Bird Count, too!

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

1. House Sparrow- White Proso Millet, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips
2. Black-capped Chickadee- Shelled peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Nyjer Thistle, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
3. Northern Cardinal- Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Shelled peanuts, Striped Sunflower seed
4. Downy Woodpecker- Peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet
5. White-breasted Nuthatch- Peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
6. Mourning Dove- Oil Sunflower seed, Peanuts, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, White Proso Millet, Nyjer Thistle
7. Red-bellied Woodpecker- Peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
8. Northern Flicker- Peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
9. Dark-eyed Junco- White Proso Millet, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Nyjer Thistle

10. American Goldfinch- Nyjer Thistle, Sunflower Chips, Oil Sunflower Seed
11. Blue Jay- Peanuts in the Shell, Nuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
12. Tufted Titmouse- Shelled peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
13. House Finch- Safflower, Nyjer Thistle, Sunflower Chips, Oil Sunflower Seed
14. European Starling- Shelled peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
15. American Crow- Peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
16. Cooper’s Hawk- Songbirds, Squirrels, Unrendered Suet
17. Carolina Wren- Shelled peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
18. Eastern Bluebird- Shelled peanuts, Suet, Suet Nuggets, Mealworms
19. American Robin- Shelled peanuts, Suet, Suet Nuggets, Mealworms
20. Cedar Waxwing- Mealworms, Suet Nuggets, Berries and Wild Fruit

Click HERE for the Eastern Seed Preference Guide

Of course there are a lot more birds in Michigan during the winter and they 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/.

And to learn more about the Great Backyard Birdcount go to: http://sheabirdno1.blogspot.com/2011/01/gbbc-is-almost-here.html

Category › Bird Basics

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

Category › Bird Basics

Most common winter birds in Michigan

I'm new to the area. Does Lansing have Cardinals year-round? What birds will I see at the feeder this winter? ~ Lansing, Michgian

Mid-Michigan is lucky enough to see lots of birds during the long cold winter months. I’ve listed some of the most common birds you’ll see and the food they like at feeders.

1. House Sparrow- White Proso Millet, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips
2. Black-capped Chickadee- Shelled peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Nyjer Thistle, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
3. Northern Cardinal- Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Shelled peanuts, Striped Sunflower seed
4. Downy Woodpecker- Peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet
5. White-breasted Nuthatch- Peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
6. Mourning Dove- Oil Sunflower seed, Peanuts, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, White Proso Millet, Nyjer Thistle
7. Red-bellied Woodpecker- Peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
8. Northern Flicker- Peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
9. Dark-eyed Junco- White Proso Millet, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Nyjer Thistle

10. American Goldfinch- Nyjer Thistle, Sunflower Chips, Oil Sunflower Seed
11. Blue Jay- Peanuts in the Shell, Nuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
12. Tufted Titmouse- Shelled peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
13. House Finch- Safflower, Nyjer Thistle, Sunflower Chips, Oil Sunflower Seed
14. European Starling- Shelled peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
15. American Crow- Peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
16. Cooper’s Hawk- Songbirds, Squirrels, Unrendered Suet
17. Carolina Wren- Shelled peanuts, Oil Sunflower seed, Sunflower Chips, Safflower, Suet, Striped Sunflower seed
18. Eastern Bluebird- Shelled peanuts, Suet, Suet Nuggets, Mealworms
19. American Robin- Shelled peanuts, Suet, Suet Nuggets, Mealworms
20. Cedar Waxwing- Mealworms, Suet Nuggets, Berries and Wild Fruit

Click HERE for the Eastern Seed Preference Guide

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

Category › Bird of the week

Finch feeder that doesn't lose seed.

We have recently put out a golden finch feeder that is about 18 inches tall and 3 inches in diameter with 6 perches. We are thrilled that it is being heavily populated but am wondering if I need to get a second feeder because there are so many finches that they are fighting for the perches. Is this normal? Also, they sure are messy! Is the mess on the ground thistle shell or waste from the fighting?

Excellent, excellent questions! I love the happy, warm, song of the goldfinches especially in the cold months. I started with one finch feeder and now have five. It’s not uncommon for flocks of finches to flutter down from the tops of trees to wait for their turn at the feeder. Or as you noticed, announce to a fellow feathered friend their time is up and push their way in to feed.

We always have a lot of finches but this year customers have been reporting an increase in the numbers of American Goldfinches as well as an irruptionof several other bird species. Canada’s natural seed crops were horrible last year and lots of birds that usually like to winter further north have ventured south to find food.

Because of this increased traffic it is very important to keep your feeders clean. These flocks of birds are going to be stressed and susceptible to disease. Feeders should be cleaned at least once a month, year round. Disassemble feeders and immerse them completely for three minutes in a mild one part vinegar to nine parts water solution. Scrub with brushes (we have these), rinse thoroughly, and let air dry. Or Wild Birds Unlimited - East Lansing - will clean your feeder for $5.00.

Another tip is that if the finches stop eating after the feeder is half empty; don't wait for them to finish their plate because they won't. Goldfinches are notorious for leaving a tube feeder half full. To keep your birds happy you have to empty the older seed (if it's still good) into a different container, fill the bottom of your feeder with new seed and top it off with the older seed. The birds will probably eat down to that certain level again and you'll have to repeat the process.

Mesh feeders are my favorite!

And now to the mess. Nyjer® (thistle) is a tiny black birdseed cultivated in Asia and Africa that is high in calories and oil content, and loved by American Goldfinches. Nyjer® does not sprout weeds and is not related to the purple, prickly, Canada thistle weed.

Unfortunately Nyjer® has a lot of shell. The finches use their bills to twist the seed and sip the oil and then drop the shell. What looks like wasted seed on the ground is probably just tiny shells. If any seed does happen to fall you may see Mourning Doves or Juncos picking out any leftovers.

I like to use straight Nyjer® (thistle) in my feeders. The squirrels don’t bother the feeders and I know the goldfinches love this seed. Don’t use any finch blends with canary seed, rape seed or flax seed. In feeder studies these seeds along with milo, oats and wheat were found to be the least attractive to birds and will be tossed to the ground.

Related Articles:

• Good News on the upcoming bird watching season http://goo.gl/6RilF
• What to do if you have soggy seed in your bird feeder http://goo.gl/kfTpi
• Nyjer (thistle) isn't related to Canada Thistle http://bit.ly/Nt8Xxu
• Bird of the week: American Goldfinch http://bit.ly/PZum2a
• How to Attract Goldfinches http://bit.ly/A6CwjB
• How often do you clean a bird feeder? http://bit.ly/wTk0c7 
• Where do you place finch feeders? http://goo.gl/avIs2

Category › Bird Basics , Question of the week

What Bird Seeds Goldfinches Like Best

I'm writing to scold you and I want you to reprint this on your computer newspaper. I did not think it made a difference where I bought my finch food. You said it made a "HUGE" difference. I took home a small bag of your thistle and I noticed it did make a HUGE difference!

Now I have so many finches at the feeder I will have to come in every week to keep the feeders full of your seed. Why do the other stores bother selling bird food when it is so inferior? ~ Lansing, MI

Attracting more goldfinches is very rewarding. They are bright, cheery songbirds that the great state of Michigan is lucky enough to have year round! However, it's very common to here people tell me they just don't have large numbers goldfinches.

Seed
There are a lot of bird seed blends containing many different types of seed. So how do you know which bird seed to buy? Wild Birds Unlimited uses research from a three-year, one million dollar study of bird seed and feeder preferences in the United States and Canada.

We know that goldfinches eat a variety of seeds. Sunflower and Nyjer thistle are two of their favorites at the feeders but it has to be fresh. One way to check your seed is to pinch it with your fingernails and see if any oil comes out. The finches use their bills to twist the seed and sip the oil and then drop the shell. If your seed has dried out, your feeder will be skipped. (Wild Birds Unlimited receives a fresh load of seed each week).

Feeders
Feeders also attract the American Goldfinches. We sell a variety of finch feeders. My favorites are the Mesh Finch Feeders. They not only let the finches land and feed in whatever position they choose, but they also allow air circulation to keep your Nyjer Thistle as dry and fresh as possible; something that's very important to these picky eaters. (Nyjer thistle is the common name used to identify a tiny black birdseed but is not related to the purple, prickly, Canada Thistle weed.)

Related Articles:

• Nyjer (thistle) isn't related to Canada Thistle http://bit.ly/Nt8Xxu
• Goldfinch Migration http://bit.ly/MzGSPD
• Are Goldfinches here in the winter? http://bit.ly/PZu5ML
• Goldfinches: The Last Birds Nesting http://bit.ly/PZuejj
• Bird of the week: American Goldfinch http://bit.ly/PZum2a

Category › Product Highlight

How to feed birds off your deck and deter squirrels and raccoons.

Hi again Sarah! I had a quick question and thought I might ask in an email, in case
others had the same question.  I have a second story living area, with a wooden deck. I can't place feeders in the ground or in trees, so I have to rely on window feeders.  Are there appropriate feeders that attach to deck railings?  I have raccoons visiting almost every night as it is and it's hard to remember to bring in the bird feeder every evening so they don't get into it.  What do you think would be best for the situation?  I'd like to have more than two window feeders and a feeder I have to remember to bring in at dusk. Thanks again! 

If you have a problem with wildlife at your bird feeders, you can try changing your feeders or food. I have a few recommendations.

Feeder Choices

• Squirrel Buster Plus- This feeder deters squirrels, raccoons and large black birds. You can adjust the tension on the spring mechanism to have the feeder ports shut when unwanted guest attempt to feed. It is also backed by a lifetime guarantee.
• Dinner Bell -  One of the most popular feeders in my yard is the WBU Dinner Bell. You can invite a variety of birds to a delicious meal with this versatile feeder. It can be filled with seed, suet snacks, seed cylinders, fruit or mealworms. If you have a problem with raccoons fill it just enough for the birds to finish by night or use a Safflower seed cylinder. It is also backed by a lifetime guarantee.
• Finch Feeders- I’ve never had a problem with the critters on any finch feeders that are filled with straight Nyjer thistle seed.

Food Choices

• Pure Beef Suet with no seeds or Hot Pepper suet deters most animals but still attracts a wide variety of woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, and wrens.
• Safflower seed: You can start by offering safflower gradually, mixing it with the seed you currently use. Over time increase the amount of safflower until you are feeding straight safflower. The seed looks and tastes different from other bird seed, so it may take your birds some time to adjust. Safflower is a small, white seed that is high in protein and fat. Many favorite backyard birds - including cardinals, chickadees, finches, doves, woodpeckers, titmice and nuthatches- savor safflower. Blackbirds, starlings, raccoons and most squirrels typically refuse to eat safflower seed. Safflower seed cakes and seed cylinders are also available at Wild Birds Unlimited - East Lansing, MI. 
• Nyjer Seed – Nyjer, niger, and thistle are all common names used to identify a tiny black birdseed cultivated in Asia and Africa that is high in calories and oil content, and loved by American Goldfinches and avoided by most raccoons and squirrels.

To check out the Wild Birds Unlimited Advanced Pole System for the deck go to: http://www.wbu.com/products/aps/index.html,

Related Articles:

• Squirrel proof bird feeder reviews http://bit.ly/yhEDUx
• The Dinner Bell is Calling All Birds http://bit.ly/zI0URq
• What's the best feeder just for goldfinches? http://bit.ly/x7loVE
• What’s the best suet for Michigan wild birds? http://bit.ly/xh7LkT
• Nyjer (thistle) isn't related to Canada Thistle http://bit.ly/wXiF3z
• How do I keep squirrels off my bird feeders? http://bit.ly/wFfmuU

Category › Question of the week