Backyard bird feeding is sometimes a balancing act – putting out the right mix to attract the birds you want while keeping more gluttonous critters away can take some trial and error. Fortunately, one of the staple seeds found in many of Wild Birds Unlimited blends can, on its own, be a useful deterrent for squirrels, starlings, and grackles.
Safflower seeds are high in protein, fat and fiber and therefore provide superior nutritional value. Its outer shell is hard which makes it difficult for starlings to crack; so difficult that they will likely bypass the feeder…especially if you’re feeding pure safflower.
The second feature of safflower is that squirrels don’t like its bitter taste. In tough times, squirrels will eat anything, but given a feeder full of safflower, they might opt to forage elsewhere. It could be texture or taste; common Grackles will also not stay long if safflower is all they find.
In recent years, golden safflower, a new hybrid seed has been introduced into the market. It can be found in Mr. Bird products at WBU.
It offers the same features as white safflower and may even provide slightly more fat and protein. Combined with capsaicin (pepper) and found in Mr. Bird blends, it’s a surefire way to deter squirrels.
You’ll find less mess with safflower too – the shells are “chewed” by birds more so than black oil sunflower so they decompose quicker. The best feature of these seeds is not the birds that eat them, but the birds that WON’T!
Available in five-pound bags, 20-pound bags, and cylinders! Save 15% on bird food year-round by joining WBU’s Daily Savings Club. Free delivery on all online orders over $75. www.wbu.com/buckingham.
PHOTO CAP: Lisa Mergen displays Safflower Seed available in cylinders and five or 20lb. bags.