Cardinal Food Preferences: The Top Choices
The key to attracting Cardinals lies in understanding their dietary preferences. Cardinals are primarily seed eaters, but they also enjoy fruits, berries, and insects. Offering a variety of food options will greatly increase your chances of success.
Sunflower Seeds: The Cardinal’s Favorite
Black oil sunflower seeds are, without a doubt, the most reliable way to attract Cardinals. These seeds are packed with oil, providing Cardinals with the energy they need, especially during the colder months. Their thin shells are also relatively easy for Cardinals to crack open with their strong beaks. Opt for black oil sunflower seeds over striped sunflower seeds, as Cardinals generally prefer the higher oil content and thinner shells.
To serve sunflower seeds effectively, consider using a hopper feeder or a platform feeder. Hopper feeders provide a sheltered space for birds to feed, protecting the seeds from the elements. Platform feeders, on the other hand, offer a more open feeding area, allowing multiple birds to feed at the same time. You can also use tube feeders specifically designed for sunflower seeds, featuring larger ports that accommodate the seed size. Ensure the feeder is sturdy and well-maintained to prevent seed waste and keep it clean.
Safflower Seeds: A Squirrel-Resistant Option
If squirrels are a persistent problem in your yard, safflower seeds are an excellent alternative to sunflower seeds. Cardinals readily consume safflower seeds, but squirrels and many other bird species tend to avoid them. This makes safflower seeds a strategic choice for targeting Cardinals without attracting unwanted guests.
Safflower seeds can be served in the same types of feeders as sunflower seeds – hopper feeders, platform feeders, or tube feeders with appropriately sized ports. Experiment with different feeder types to see what works best in your yard. The key is to provide a consistent supply of safflower seeds and give the Cardinals time to discover them. Once they do, they will become regular visitors to your feeders.
Peanuts: A High-Energy Treat
Peanuts, especially shelled peanuts or peanut hearts, are another excellent source of energy for Cardinals. They are rich in protein and fat, providing Cardinals with the calories they need to thrive, especially during the demanding breeding season and the challenging winter months.
When offering peanuts, be sure to choose unsalted and unroasted peanuts. Salted peanuts can be harmful to birds, and roasted peanuts may have lost some of their nutritional value. Peanut feeders, which are designed with wire mesh that allows birds to peck at the peanuts, are a great option for serving peanuts. You can also offer peanuts on platform feeders. Always monitor the peanuts for mold or spoilage and replace them regularly to ensure they are fresh and safe for the birds.
Cracked Corn: An Economical Choice
Cracked corn is a relatively inexpensive bird food that can attract Cardinals. It’s a good source of carbohydrates, providing birds with quick energy. However, it’s important to use cracked corn judiciously, as it can also attract unwanted birds, such as starlings and pigeons, as well as rodents.
Cracked corn is best served on the ground or on platform feeders. Avoid using it in enclosed feeders, as it can become damp and moldy. When using cracked corn, be sure to clean up any uneaten corn regularly to prevent spoilage and discourage unwanted visitors. Due to its potential to attract pests, consider it more as a supplementary food rather than a primary offering.
Berries and Fruits: Natural Food Sources
In addition to seeds and nuts, Cardinals also enjoy berries and fruits. Providing natural food sources in your yard can significantly increase your chances of attracting Cardinals. Planting berry-producing shrubs and trees is an excellent way to supplement the food you offer in feeders and provide Cardinals with a diverse and nutritious diet.
Consider planting native berry-producing plants such as dogwood, serviceberry, hawthorn, and elderberry. These plants not only provide food for Cardinals but also offer shelter and nesting sites. Choose plants that are well-suited to your local climate and soil conditions. Providing a variety of berry-producing plants will ensure that Cardinals have a steady supply of food throughout the year.
Beyond the Food: Creating a Cardinal-Friendly Habitat
Attracting Cardinals is not just about providing the right food; it’s also about creating a welcoming habitat. Cardinals need water, shelter, and nesting sites to thrive in your yard.
Water Sources: Essential for Survival
Birds need water for drinking and bathing, especially during hot weather or when natural water sources are frozen. Providing a reliable water source is an essential component of a Cardinal-friendly yard.
A bird bath is a simple and effective way to provide water for birds. Choose a bird bath that is shallow and has a textured surface so that birds can easily grip it. Clean the bird bath regularly to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria. In the winter, consider using a heated bird bath to keep the water from freezing. You can also use shallow dishes of water, ensuring they are regularly filled and cleaned.
Shelter and Cover: Protection from Predators and Weather
Cardinals need places to escape predators and weather. Providing dense shrubs, evergreens, and thickets in your yard will give Cardinals a sense of security and encourage them to stay.
Planting dense shrubs such as junipers, spruces, and hollies will provide excellent cover for Cardinals. These plants offer protection from predators such as hawks and cats, as well as shelter from wind, rain, and snow. Thickets of brambles and vines can also provide valuable cover.
Nesting Sites: Providing a Place to Raise Young
Cardinals typically nest in dense shrubs and vines, building their nests close to the ground. Providing suitable nesting sites in your yard can encourage Cardinals to breed and raise their young.
Consider planting native shrubs and vines that provide good nesting cover. Avoid pruning these plants heavily, as Cardinals may build their nests in them. You can also provide nesting platforms or baskets, although Cardinals are more likely to nest in natural vegetation.
Reducing Hazards: Creating a Safe Environment
Creating a safe environment is just as important as providing food and shelter. Reducing hazards such as window collisions, cats, and pesticides will help ensure that Cardinals thrive in your yard.
Window collisions are a common cause of bird deaths. To prevent window collisions, apply decals or stickers to your windows to break up the reflection. You can also install screens or netting over your windows. Keep cats indoors or supervised outdoors, as they are natural predators of birds. Avoid using pesticides in your yard, as they can be harmful to birds and other wildlife.
Tips for Successfully Attracting Cardinals
Even with the best food and habitat, it may take time to attract Cardinals to your yard. Here are some additional tips for success:
Feeder Placement: Location, Location, Location
The location of your feeders can have a significant impact on their success. Place your feeders near trees or shrubs to provide Cardinals with cover. Avoid placing feeders in areas with heavy traffic or where they are easily accessible to predators. Consider the height of the feeder and choose a height that is comfortable for Cardinals to use.
Feeder Cleaning: Preventing Disease
Regular feeder cleaning is essential for preventing the spread of disease among birds. Clean your feeders at least once a month, or more frequently if they become dirty or moldy. Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the feeders, and rinse them thoroughly before refilling them with seed.
Consistency: Providing a Reliable Food Source
Cardinals will learn to rely on your yard as a food source if you consistently fill your feeders. Try to maintain a regular feeding schedule and avoid letting your feeders run empty. The more consistent you are, the more likely you are to attract Cardinals.
Patience: It Takes Time
It may take time for Cardinals to discover your yard and start visiting your feeders. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see Cardinals immediately. Keep your feeders filled and your yard well-maintained, and eventually, Cardinals will find their way to your backyard.
Troubleshooting: Why Aren’t Cardinals Coming?
Sometimes, even with the best efforts, Cardinals may not visit your yard. Here are some possible reasons and solutions:
Competition: Other Birds Dominating
Other birds, such as house sparrows or starlings, may be dominating the feeders and preventing Cardinals from accessing them. Try using feeders that are designed to exclude these birds, such as feeders with weight-activated perches.
Predators: Scaring Cardinals Away
The presence of predators, such as hawks or cats, may be scaring Cardinals away. Try to reduce the presence of predators in your yard by keeping cats indoors and providing dense cover for birds to escape.
Food Quality: Old or Moldy Seeds
Old or moldy seeds may be deterring Cardinals from visiting your feeders. Be sure to use fresh, high-quality seeds and replace them regularly. Clean your feeders frequently to prevent the growth of mold.
Seasonal Changes: Natural Food Abundance
Cardinals may be less visible during certain times of the year, such as during the breeding season or when natural food sources are abundant. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see Cardinals as frequently during these times.
Conclusion
Attracting Cardinals to your yard is a rewarding experience. By providing the right bird foods, creating a welcoming habitat, and following these tips, you can significantly increase your chances of attracting these beautiful birds. Remember to focus on sunflower seeds and safflower seeds as primary food sources, provide water and shelter, reduce hazards, and be patient. So, go ahead and create a Cardinal-friendly oasis in your backyard. Share your success stories and photos with fellow bird enthusiasts. The joy of watching these vibrant birds grace your yard is well worth the effort.
