K-State expert shares way to attract birds to winter gardens

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Outdoor gardening may fall to the wayside in the winter months, but some bird species stick around through the cold weather. Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham says food is the resource most lacking for birds during the winter, and they will flock to your feeder. Upham says different bird species do prefer different grains, but black oil sunflower seed has universal appeal for most species." Upham also noted that winter’s cold means that water will freeze, making it unavailable to birds. A heated birdbath attracts birds in droves when all other water is frozen. He says if the heated birdbath contains a built-in thermostat, the energy usage is far less than people expect Best food for different birds:  PRESERVED_BLOCK_0