Bird feeding is an activity popular amongst bird watchers and enthusiasts who would like to take a step further and attract the wild birds to their own homes or spaces that they create. This would require setting up a feeding station for the birds and providing the necessary bird feed. Bird feed usually consists of seeds, 
peanuts, fat, mealworms, kitchen scraps, fruits, suet or other readymade food mixes bought off a shelf. Bird species visiting your yard would change according to the seasons and hence feeders and food should suit them accordingly.
For beginners, it may be take a while before the birds discover the feeding stations, especially if it is the first one in the area or if it is springtime when natural resources are in plenty. But every hobby needs patience and one needs to keep at it before the results show.
Bird Feeding Tips
Tips to be kept in mind while setting up bird feeders are as follows: Tubular feeders are common. You may either purchase a feeder or construct one at home. There are many designs available on the Internet but the main idea should be that the birds should have an easy and safe access to the food and water. The success of a bird feeder attracting different birds depends on where it is placed and the kinds of foods it offers, as different species have different preferences.
Always keep the feeders at a place where you can enjoy watching the birds fly in and out. Bird feeders must be kept away from windows to avoid window collisions and safe from cats and their hiding places. Feeders near trees and shrubs enjoy more visits. Nest boxes, water and habitat ensure the birds continue to visit all year round. It is practical to put up a bird feeder that is close to a water source or a bird bath. Keep food minimal in the beginning to avoid spoilage and wastage, as the birds would not frequent the place as much until it becomes their popular rendezvous!
The kind of feed that can be kept in a bird feeder can vary according to the bird species and the seasons in which they visit.
Common Types of Feed Used in Bird Feeding
- Black-oil sunflower in a tubular feeder is very effective in attracting large numbers. They are a good source of fat and energy and are recommended for winters. It can also be mixed with hulled sunflower and whole peanuts and served in a hopper or a platform feeder.
- Millet, safflower, rapeseed, canola seeds also attract seed-eating birds.
- Alternate foods like fruits and nectar would attract birds that do not frequent feeders such as robins, bluebirds, hummingbirds and orioles. Garden birds love to feed on other seeds, peanuts, coconuts or fat served using different types of feeders.
James Fischer wrote that a monk in the 6th century was the first person to tame a robin by feeding it. In 1910, UK declared bird feeding as a national pastime. Bird feeding in the United States is considered second to gardening and is gaining wide popularity. To celebrate this interesting hobby, February was announced as the National Bird Feeding month in 1994.