Stop Buying Bird Seed Birds Throw on the Ground: What Ontario Backyard Birds Actually Want

You fill the feeder.

The birds arrive.

And a surprising amount of the expensive mix ends up scattered across the ground.

That does not always mean the birds are messy.

Sometimes they are searching through the mixture for the seeds they actually want.

One seed consistently stands out as an excellent starting point: black oil sunflower.

Cornell Lab's bird-feeding resources describe black oil sunflower as one of the best all-around feeder seeds because its relatively thin shell is manageable for many small birds while its kernel provides valuable energy. 

Why black oil sunflower is so popular

Compared with thicker striped sunflower shells, black oil sunflower is easier for many smaller birds to open.

It attracts a broad variety of feeder visitors.

Depending on your Ontario location and habitat, your feeders may attract chickadees, finches, cardinals, nuthatches, grosbeaks and other seed-eating species.

No seed can guarantee a particular species—the birds available depend on habitat, geography, season and feeder design.

But if someone asked:

“I only want to buy one bird seed. Where should I start?”

Black oil sunflower would be one of the strongest answers.

Why cheap mixes can create more waste

Buying the lowest-cost bag is not necessarily cheaper if birds toss much of it aside.

Cornell notes that some inexpensive mixes contain ingredients that many feeder birds find less attractive, increasing the potential for sorting and waste. 

Look at the actual ingredient mix rather than only the bag size.

Black oil sunflower vs mixed bird seed

Choose black oil sunflower when:

• you want a simple single-seed option; 

• you want broad feeder appeal; 

• you do not mind sunflower shells under the feeder; 

• you want an energy-rich winter option. 

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Choose a quality mixture when:

• you want a variety of seed sizes; 

• you are feeding several types of birds; 

• you use platform or hopper feeders; 

• the ingredients match species you commonly see. 

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Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies currently carries both a 50 lb bag of Black Oil Sunflower Seeds and several No Corn Wild Bird Seed options. 

What about mealworms?

Bird seed does not have to be the only food offered.

Dried mealworms provide another feeding option and can attract insect-eating birds depending on season and local species.

Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies currently carries dried mealworms for wild birds and poultry. 

Your feeder matters almost as much as the seed

Different birds naturally prefer different feeding positions.

Tube feeders, hopper feeders, platform feeders and ground-feeding areas attract different visitors.

Cornell recommends using multiple feeder types and foods when the goal is to attract a wider variety of birds. 

Keep the feeder clean

This section is important.

Wild-bird feeding should include responsible feeder hygiene.

Current Canadian avian-influenza guidance recommends cleaning backyard feeders and bird baths regularly; federal guidance describes cleaning at least every two weeks with a one-part household bleach to nine-parts water solution, followed by proper rinsing and drying. It also recommends minimizing contact between domestic poultry and wild birds. 

That is particularly important for farms that keep poultry as well as wild-bird feeding stations.

Where should you put a bird feeder?

Aim for an area that:

• gives you a good viewing position; 

• offers nearby natural cover; 

• allows spilled seed to be cleaned; 

• keeps feed reasonably dry; 

• does not create unnecessary contact with domestic poultry; 

• allows feeders to be cleaned easily. 

The best bird seed is the seed your local birds actually eat

There is no magical bag that attracts every bird in Canada.

But you can dramatically improve your setup by watching what disappears first and what remains on the ground.

Start with good ingredients.

Watch your visitors.

Adjust the feeder.

Keep everything clean.

Then build your feeding station around the birds that actually live in your area.

Shop wild bird seed in Ontario

Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies offers black oil sunflower seed, no-corn bird mixes and dried mealworms for bird lovers, farms and rural properties across our service area. 

Shop online or visit us in Blenheim, Ontario.

Call/text 226-774-0933.

FAQs

What is the best bird seed for Ontario backyard birds?

Black oil sunflower is an excellent starting seed because it appeals to a broad range of feeder species. 

Why do birds throw seed out of my feeder?

Birds may be searching for preferred ingredients, although feeder design and normal feeding behaviour also contribute.

Do cardinals eat black oil sunflower seeds?

Black oil sunflower is eaten by many common feeder birds, including cardinals where they are present.

Is no-corn bird seed better?

Not universally. A no-corn mixture can be attractive when you specifically want a seed blend without corn. Ingredient quality and the birds in your area matter more than the marketing phrase alone.

How often should bird feeders be cleaned?

Canadian federal avian-influenza guidance recommends regular cleaning, including at least every two weeks.