Many species of birds receive nutrition from backyard feeders, so when you choose to provide wild bird food for the birds in your Illinois garden, you are not only receiving personal enjoyment from being able to observe the birds as they frequent your garden, but you are also helping them to receive the important nutrition they need and to assist them in their health and survival.   Though birds appreciate the wild bird food source year round, it is particularly important in the winter when natural food is not as readily available. 

Different types of wild bird food are available to choose from, and the various types attract different species of birds.  Black-oil sunflower seeds provide high energy for birds.  Thin-shelled sunflower seeds are packed with nutrients and are easy for birds to eat. 

Another high-energy food source for birds is suet.  Suet is not an actual bird seed but is beef fat product that is mixed with bird seed, peanut butter, and/or berries.  There are several different types of suet available to choose from.  Some suet contains a bit of hot pepper which the birds don’t mind that helps keep squirrels away.  Visit LGYP.com to find an Illinois lawn and garden center or bird supply store near you where you can purchase wild bird food, suet and other birding supplies.