Feeding birds is not difficult.
This is because they eat a number of different foods.
In fact, they can easily eat many of the same foods that we do.
Given a preference most would probably choose to dine on insects.
In many cases, however, insects are scarce and they have to find alternative sources of food.
This is especially true in winter when insects have either died out or burrowed deep into the ground or trees to hibernate.
When setting up feeders in your back yard or garden, you can easily put together a menu that will attract birds to your garden throughout the year.
Peanuts are a great food to feed birds.
But don't give them the roasted and salted ones you find at most stores.
Buy raw and uncooked peanuts.
In addition, you will probably find peanuts in a variety of sizes - from jumbo to small.
Get the smallest size that you can.
This way they will be suitable for all sized birds, large and small.
And, when you buy them, stock up so you won't have to keep going back to the feed store.
When you get them home, store them in a cool, dry place and they will last through the season.
Now, other nuts are good as well.
But there are hardly any birds that won't find peanuts appetizing.
Another treat that most birds love is sunflower seeds.
Just as with peanuts they should be unsalted and uncooked.
Sunflower seeds are some of the most nutritious foods around - for humans and birds.
If you order through a supplier, you will find that some of them differentiate between sunflower seeds that are best for winter feeding versus those that are best for summer feeding.
Others, will make no distinction whatsoever.
Just go with the flow of whatever supplier you are ordering from.
The birds will probably not care in the least.
It should come as a surprise to nobody that birds love many of the foods that we eat as well.
City parks around the nation are flush with retirees sitting on park benches and feeding breadcrumbs, cereal, snacks, and so on to birds.
Surprisingly, in addition to bread, birds love dog.
Buy a bag of good quality dry dog food, set it out on one of your feeders, and you will be surprised at how fast it disappears.
And, birds love fruits as well.
If you have a fruit tree or bush in your yard, you have a natural food source that will attract birds from all around.
But, even if you do not have a fruit tree, you can cut up an apple or peach, or lay out some berries on the feeder, and the birds will love it.