This is bird note.

When buying seed for your feeders,

it may be tempting to get the biggest, cheapest bag.

But not all birdseed is the same.

When considering what to feed your backyard birds, you want to know two

things. The nutritional value of what's in the bag and whether your birds actually eat the seeds.

Birds can require up to 10,000 calories per day

and eat as fast as they can,

but they toss what they don't like.

Black oil sunflower seeds are tops.

Good protein and fat.

Birds seek both.

Don't bother with black and white striped sunflower seeds, the kind that people like to eat.

They're bigger, less nutritiouslet and Niger thistle.

Avoid mixes with red Milo, a livestock grain.

Quail and cow birds might eat it, but it could mold and spoil your feed.

To foster healthy birds, stick with the good stuff, black oil sunflower seeds, white millet, and Niger thistle.

And remember to clean your feeding station frequently to reduce the spread of disease and

the occurrence of rodents. The birds. the birds will thank you.

For bird note, I'm Michael Stein.

For bird note, I'm Michael Stein.