Bird Watching: Show Me Your Feeders Pt. 4, 1 by beckygardener

beckygardener wrote:
Thank you, Murmur! :-)

Since I am really, really new at bird feeding and watching, I need some serious advice.

I noticed that I have a lot of no-waste seeds left in all my feeders from when I filled them over 2 weeks ago. In fact, so many seeds, that I haven't had to add to the feeders. So one question is: How often should I change out the seed mix?

I walked out this morning and "added" more fresh seed mix to the feeders and a handful of peanuts in the shell. No sooner had I walked inside than I saw a male Cardinal swoop through the feeder and grabbed something. (Not sure what.) Then about 3 minutes later, a Blue Jay landed for just a few seconds and grabbed a peanut. He then flew off. And then the green bird above flew in, sat on the perch for about 10 minutes before finally flying down to the feeder. She took her sweet time eating. And then flew off. After that, no activity.

So do birds only feed in the morning for a brief time? And do they prefer "fresh" seeds?

What else can I add to my feeders to entice more to come. I saw folks here using cherries and fruit. Here's what is currently in my feeder.