The Best Bird Food for Minnesota Twin Cities Suburbs

When it comes to setting up a bird feeder in the suburbs of Minnesota, particularly in places like Eagan, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Rosemount, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, and the surrounding areas, the type of bird food you should use depends on which species of birds you aim to attract. This guide will help you get started with the right kind of bird food for your area, ensuring you have a vibrant and engaging backyard bird watching experience.

Popular Bird Species in the Minnesota Twin Cities Suburbs

Some of the most common bird species in the Minnesota Twin Cities Suburbs include chickadees, nuthatches, finches, woodpeckers, cardinals, and juncos. Each of these birds has its own preferences when it comes to bird feed, making it important to choose the right type of food to invite them to your feeder.

Effective Bird Feeding Methods

Based on the observations from nearby areas, here are some effective bird feeding methods:

Sunflower Seeds for Chickadees and Nuthatches

Chickadees and nuthatches thrive on sunflower seeds, especially those with shells. These seeds are high in energy and are a favorite among these small birds. You can use sunflower hearts or whole seeds, but shells can be messy, so ensure the area around your feeder can handle the accumulation.

Millet for Ground-Feeding Birds

Millet is a good choice for ground-feeding birds such as juncos and cardinals. Scatter this seed on the ground or use a bird feeder designed for ground feeders to keep the area clean.

Thistle Seed for Finches

Thistle seed, also known as nyjer, is perfect for finches such as goldfinches, house finches, pine siskins, and redpolls. Finches congregate in small flocks at feeders and often leave quickly to pop their seeds into nearby cracks in the tree bark, making thistle seed a great choice for these birds.

Suet for Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers are not the largest birds and cannot perch easily on a standard bird feeder while dissembling the suet. However, a suet feeder or a special suet block can be a great way to attract them. Woodpeckers are not the only birds you can invite with suet; blue jays also enjoy it, albeit in larger quantities.

Seasonal Treats: Grape Jelly for Orioles and Catbirds

In the summer, you can also offer grape jelly to orioles and catbirds. This treat is not only a delicacy for these birds but also helps to attract them to your feeder. However, it's important to note that not all birds will take well to this, so it should be offered sparingly.

Optimizing Your Feeder Setup

It's best to have multiple feeders with different types of food to accommodate a variety of bird species. This will ensure that you have a dynamic bird feeding area and that no bird is left out due to the limited food options. Additionally, it's crucial to maintain the feeders by cleaning them regularly to prevent bird health issues.

Protecting your bird feeders from pests is another essential aspect. Squirrels and raccoons are common troublemakers in the Twin Cities suburbs. Use squirrel-proof feeders or baffle systems to keep them at bay. These protectors can make a significant difference in the long-term sustainability of your bird feeding efforts.

Further Reading: State of Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources

To obtain detailed information on bird feeding in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. They provide comprehensive guides on bird feeding, including specific types of food for summer and winter bird species, helping you tailor your feeding strategies to the local bird life.

Note: Always ensure that your bird feed is from reliable sources and is organic or non-GMO to promote the health of the birds and the environment.