what is the best birdfood to use to attract songbirds to yard in southeast U.S.?

My toddler adores birds. I want to attract birds to our backyard, but need guidance as to what birdfood to use and what birdfeeder types would be best. We live in the Southeast United States.

sunflower seeds will attract a large group of birds (cardinals and other grosbeaks, blue jays, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, finches. but also normally unwanted pests like cowbirds, grackles, and squirrels).

Mixed seed (in a feeder and on the ground esp.) will attract a different group of birds (sparrows mainly, doves, finches. If you’re targeting mourning doves, use the mixed seed with cracked corn)

Use beef suet to attract nuthtaches, woodpeckers, chickadees and titmice.

Thistle seed will attract goldfinches, depending on your location.

Where you place the feeders makes a HUGE difference. Make sure you place them near trees or shrub so the birds have a safe place to retreat to if necessary.

I don’t like squirrels and always had trouble with them but I like the “squirrel proof” bird feeders.

http://wildbirdmart.com/wildbirdmart/squirrelproof.html

Finally, I’ve always had atleast three feeders. One large for larger birds with sunflower seeds. One for the smaller birds (mixed seed) and one for other types of seed like thistle. Just so you know, I have 20+ years experience birding and these methods have always brought me more than 50 birds at a time in the yard (I once counted 180+). I lived in the country but nowadays you can still attract alot of birds even in the city (I saw a loggerhead shrike at bush gardens tampa. hmmm.)

Happy birding!!

Henderson, MN Song Birds

birds Venda 1985 * Songbirds * Stamp set MNH $4.00

Song Bird II Art Poster Print by Carol Robinson, 8×20 $9.99

PROMOTIONAL COPY Margo Smith : Song Bird Music Record $10.00

Songbird Lantern Bamboo (Bird Feeders) $63.75

Songbird Birdfeeder (Bird Feeders) $39.00

Warbler in Yellow Roses & Lilacs, Song Bird Original Oil Painting ACEO $15.50

Song Birds I Art Print by Amy Melious, 12×12 $9.99

Song Birds II Art Print by Amy Melious, 12×12 $9.99

Song Birds III Art Print by Amy Melious, 12×12 $9.99

Song Birds IV Art Print by Amy Melious, 12×12 $9.99

GRIFFIN,FRANCINE – SONG BIRD [CD NEW] $13.49

Song Birds Wind Chimes $21.99

12 PC SONGBIRDS BIRDS CARDINAL CHICKADEE BLUEJAY GOLDFINCH MELAMINE DINNERWARE $49.95

6 Pimpernel Traditional Coasters Acrylic w/ Box AMERICAM SONG BIRDS And Flowers $9.99

Russia 1981 MNH set of 5 SONG BIRDS B i R dS beautiful set – cat £4 $0.99

RARE AMAZING VICTORIAN PAINTED SONG BIRD STAINED GLASS WINDOW $1,949.35

EMMA DRAWSTRING POUCH PURSE HANDBAG in “SONG BIRD” by CHERYL LINN *fast ship* $26.50

Lampwork Glass Bead Set-YELLOW SONG BIRDS (6) $2.99

JOHNNY CLARKE REGGAE COVER ROCK WITH ME KEITH COLE SONG BIRD 12″ ♫ $10.00

NICE SONG BIRD;COVER STE CIRC 1971,ROMANIA $3.50

Sheet Music: They Needed A Song Bird In Heaven $4.95

EVERGREEN BIRD BATH SONG BIRDS GLASS BIRDBATH $33.77

AUDUBON WILD REPUBLIC GYRFALCON GRYFALCON SONG BIRD FREE 3″ CARDINAL W/3 BIRDS $9.69

AUDUBON WILD REPUBLIC ROCK PTARMIGAN SONG BIRD FREE 3″ CARDINAL W/3 BIRDS $9.69

AUDUBON WILD REPUBLIC WHOOPING CRANE SONG BIRD PLUSH FREE 3″ CARDINAL W/3 BIRDS $12.99

Songbirds of Europe GERMAN Plate TITMOUSE Ursula Band Bird $24.95

Songbirds of Europe GERMAN Plate CHAFFINCH Ursula Band Bird $24.95

Window Bird Feeder One Way Mirror Duncraft Super Songbird Free Shipping $59.99

VINTAGE AVON IN BOX SONG BIRD 1971 – 1972 $7.99

KEULEMANS NAUMANN PRINT ZOOLOGY SONG BIRD LEAF WARBLER FOREST SCENE WOOD SCENERY $24.99

Song Bird Miniature Dollhouse Doll House Picture $8.95

Song Birds English Edition 1974 $10.00

Birds of the Air Songbirds and Wildflowers Fabric Fat Quarter $2.75

New SONG BIRDS MINI WALL HANGING PATTERN TO CUT PANEL w/HANGING TABS + Extras $0.99

Quilting Treasures ~ SONG BIRD ~ Apple Blossoms ~ 100% Cotton Quilt Fabric BTY $12.99