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Scarce food sources can be hard on birds that over-winter in Kansas. Most insects are dead or dormant. And, as winter deepens, seeds and fruit gradually disappear or get hidden by snow.

But that's only one reason Kansans like to provide bird feeders during cold weather. The other is the chance to witness a colorful, daily nature show --- the antics of visiting birds can be very entertaining.

According to Chuck Otte, agent with K-State Research and Extension in Geary County: "Birds have to maintain a consistent body temperature, no matter what the temperature is outside. So, they also have to maintain a high metabolic rate. That's why most backyard birds will seek out high-calorie, energy-rich foods to stay healthy through winter."

According to Otte, who is also a board member of the Kansas Ornithological Society, commercial bird seed mixes vary in how well they meet those needs. And, as the weather gets colder, many bird species begin to need suet, too.

"To keep costs down, some seed mix companies include grains that lots of birds will simply ignore," he said. "So, the more you spend, the more likely you are to get a quality mix. The best will be straight black-oil sunflower seeds and white proso millet."

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service studies have found other foods that are not backyard birds' No. 1 choice but will get eaten. For example, birds' second and third choices among sunflower seeds are the black- striped and the gray-striped.

White proso millet has a larger array of "also-ran" alternatives. Among the millets, red proso is No. 2, and golden or German millet is the least preferred. Wheat attracts the same birds that like black- striped sunflower seeds (mostly the tufted titmouse and blue jay). Cracked corn gets eaten about a third as often as white proso millet.

Note: Canary seed not only attracts fewer birds but also costs about 70 percent more.

Only starlings find oats and peanut hearts highly attractive, but many species like peanut kernels. Native thistle seed also is a crowd- pleaser, but Niger thistle seed will attract finches and their relatives.

Just a few species think safflower seed is acceptable. Feeders stocked with rape (canola), milo (sorghum) or flax seed tend to rate the bird version of turning up your nose.

# posted by Medical Information : 5:07 AM