Where Can I Find Wild Bird Seed in Northern Virginia?

Types

• Bird seed is sold as a single type, such as pure safflower seed, or as a "blend" or mix of several seeds. Most blends include sunflower and safflower seeds, millet, cracked corn and sometimes peanuts or grains. Some seed mixes will feature dried fruit, such as cherries, raisins and cranberries.

Significance

• At specialty stores, such as Wild Birds Unlimited, and home improvement stores, such as Home Depot, unmixed bird seed is sold in large bags. The bird seed packaging will often specify which birds the seed is likely to attract. In Northern Virginia, it's not unusual to see many different types of birds visiting the feeder, including cardinals, chickadees, titmice, wrens, blue jays and woodpeckers.

Considerations

• Some mixes, particularly those that include seeds with shells, such as sunflower seeds, can make a mess on your patio or in your yard underneath the feeder as the birds pick out what they want and knock the rest on the ground. Those leftover tidbits can be particularly attractive to critters such as squirrel, chipmunks and mice. The debris can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. If you prefer to try to feed only the birds in your area, choose a seed that promises to be "no-mess."