The seed sold as “thistle” for finches is not true thistle seed. It comes from Guizotia abyssinica, an African member of the daisy family whose common name is niger; Nyjer is the trademarked spelling widely used by the North American bird-feeding industry. Imported niger seed must receive an approved phytosanitary treatment before U.S. entry, commonly … Read more
Nyjer is a useful specialty seed for attracting small finches, but it needs more freshness management than many beginners expect. If birds suddenly stop using a nyjer feeder, stale or wet seed is one possibility, not the only explanation. Local finch numbers, season, natural food, feeder condition, and placement can all matter too. The practical … Read more
Safflower bird seed is a useful option when you want to feed cardinals and other seed-eating birds while making the feeder less attractive to some squirrels and blackbirds. It is not a guaranteed pest-proof seed, and Cornell notes that most birds still prefer sunflower when both are available. If feeder activity drops after a switch, … Read more
Sunflower seeds and sunflower chips are the same basic food in two different forms: whole seed still inside the hull, or the edible kernel sold shelled as hearts or chips. Whole black oil sunflower is usually cheaper per pound, handles wet weather better, and gives birds a seed they can carry away and open themselves. … Read more