I buy from Wild Birds Unlimited, or a local feed store. I rarely buy mixes, but use both Black Oil Sunflower and millet. Peanuts, in and out of shell, are a hit with too many birds to count. At times, I put out dried meal worms and dried cranberries. For the cool months, I buy and/or make suet blocks for the Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, etc. I like seeing them year round, but cut back in the warm months so they feed the right foods to their young and they eat more of the pests.
In the spring, I put out orange halves and jelly. A wide variety like that. It's interesting seeing the American Robins and Orioles interact. I even take care of my Swallows by saving our duck's moulted feathers and throw a few out in the morning when I know they are nest building. I've nearly been hit by excited Barn Swallows as they swoop to grab the feathers. Not food, I know, but they need them just as much as my other birds need seed. They would have to travel a ways to find the white feathers they prefer.
Honestly, I cringe at buying bird seed. I have learned that some companies spray pesticides on the seeds to keep the bugs from eating it while it is in storage. Some companies, such as Morning Song (if I remember the name), actually used a pesticide harmful to the birds, until some government entity fined them and the public became aware of it. I wish companies would label their seed to let people know if it was treated or not. I never know until I open the bag. There is a distinct smell the pesticide has. And what is that doing to humans coming in contact with this?
I've been planting more natives to feed the birds. Our American Goldfinches like the greens and the seeds of Maximilian Sunflowers. We have a large prairie patch out back that I suspect kept the birds away from the feeders this winter as our numbers were down until later in the season. We have since planted a new prairie patch visible from the house, so if the birds are feeding there we can't miss them. :) I also have a newly planted Serviceberry that flowered right by a window. I hope to see what birds like the berries.
