I think we humans have a natural affinity for birds because they sing and have wings.  We, too, are born to sing, and as long as we trod this earth, we've yearned to fly.  In watching them, we vicariously satisfy that longing. What's more soul-stirring than birds in flight?  For me, birds are poetry in motion...they inspire, comfort, amuse and please us aesthetically. They lift our spirits and touch our hearts. Feeding birds is a tangible way to connect with them. It is a labor of love with earnings that far exceed the cost of time and effort, suet and seed.

                                                                           Leslie Gentry, Fairfield, OH
                                                                           April/May 2009, Birds & Blooms

I hope you have been feeding our feathered friends all summer, as I have.  What a joy to see the many baby birds being taught to feed themselves at my feeders.

The goldfinches are fading from their summer bright clothing as they molt for winter.  Northern birds are migrating through to their winter homes. . . so be on the look out.

This year we are seeing pine siskins and red-breasted nuthatches in our area, better stock up on nyjer and peanuts for those two at your feeder.

This will be a good time to think about what new seed you might want to try, remember the greater variety of food choices and types of feeders = the greater variety of birds you will attract to your own back yard!

Birdfeeding 101

Black-oil Sunflower Seed  -  Attracts widest range of birds, high in protein and fat . Best feeder to use is a wire mesh feeder, birds have to pick it out one seed at a time, no waste method of feeding!

Striped Sunflower - Largest meatiest kernels

Nyjer (thistle) -  Goldfinch magnet! High in fat for winter feeding.

Safflower -  Good energy source for most birds, cardinals love it!  Not eaten by squirrels and grackles or blackbirds! 

Songbird Deluxe - Good inexpensive blend of white proso millet, sunflower seed, safflower seed, peanut hearts and nyjer seed.  Great food for ground feeding birds and to offer on a platform feeder. White-throated sparrows, cardinals and indigo buntings love this blend.

Sunflower Kernels -  Great choice for patio, deck or balcony. . . no waste, no empty hulls to clean up.  Favorite of all birds, even Eastern Bluebirds.  Always the # 1 choice of all birds that come to my yard!  Good seed to offer in hopper or tube feeder because  the birds will not rake it out as they do in mixes. We also have a new mesh feeder that is great for kernals or safflower seed.

Peanuts in the Shell -  Favorite of blue jays, offer these and the jays will stay off your other feeders allowing smallers birds to feed.  Red-bellied Woodpeckers and titmice love them too!  Lots of fun to watch in action!  Offer whole peanuts on platform feeders or specialized peanut feeder.



Coles Specialty Blends

Blue Ribbon Blend - Formulated to attract the greatest variety and number of birds. A traditional mix done right.   

Coles Special Feeder -  Unique blend is a high energy treat for woodpeckers, nuthatches, cardinals, goldfinches, bluebirds, titmice, chickadees, wrens & the list goes on and on.  I have not had a bird turn up their beak at this premium mix!!!

Nutberry Suet Blend  - More of the fruit and nuts that birds really crave, plus nutritious insect suet kibbles.  This blend combines all of nature's best in one delicious blend. Attracts unusual birds to your feeder... pine warblers, ruby-crowned kinglets and more.(Another bluebird favorite.)

Blazing Hot Blend - A traditional blend of highly desired seeds made even more appealing by adding hot Habanero chilies. Beautiful songbirds will go crazy for this super spicy taste but send your squirrels running for water!

Coles Hot Meats -  Nutritious sunflower meats infused with hot chilies.  Birds love it . . . but it is "fire in the hole, baby" for our furry friends!

Coles Peanuts -  This is also one of my busiest feeders.  No mess, no empty shells left behind, just good food that is high in fat and protein to keep birds in top condition.  Favorite of woodpeckers, nuthatches, titmice, blue jays, carolina wrens and cardinals. Eastern bluebirds too!

Seed Cakes -  Many shapes and sizes, offers a convenient  and economical way to feed a variety of birds.  "Mr. Bird " seed cake have been a favorite of the birds at my house!

Mr. Bird Seed Cakes

Bugs, Nuts, and Fruit - A delectable feast for an amazing variety of wild birds. This formula is sure to attract your favorite feathered friends with its fantastic blend of mealworms, pecans, sunflower hearts, raisins, and cranberries. BUG APPETIT!

Flaming Hot Feast - This 100% seed cylinder will feed the birds while keeping the squirrels away. What makes this product special is the formula; sunflower hearts, peanuts, golden safflower, mealworms and it is extra spicy.

Golden Safflower Feast - Golden Safflower cylinder, cakes, and bells attract a greater variety of birds than regular safflower due to the thinner shell. Squirrels generally DON’T like safflower.

Woodpecker Feast - A feast of tree nuts, peanuts, raisins and black oil sunflower keeps beautiful and interesting woodpeckers coming back for more. Contains the rich food that woodpeckers love.

Pecan Feast - An amazing variety of birds will visit Mr. Bird’s pecan feast. There is nothing more attractive to chickadees, titmice, and nuthatches. Four parts pecans and one part peanuts make these cylinders the richest available.

Suet 



 Suet -   Comes in many flavors and styles from square blocks to plugs and suet balls that fit specialized feeders.Suet should be served year round as it offers a high fat and protein source that is easy to digest for winter feeding and babies in the nest all summer. Suet is the number one Baby Food!!! Try the hot pepper suet  to keep squirrels and raccoons at bay.

 Suet nuggets -  High energy suet in small nugget form.  It works well in a peanut feeder or a platform feeder.  We stock Bluebird nuggets, Hot pepper nuggets and berry nuggets.  This was my newest addition to my backyard buffet.  Bluebirds loved the berry nuggets and  woodpeckers loved the bluebird nuggets, go figure!!!!