What to Feed Birds Using a Smonet birdfeeder – Best Tips for Backyard Birders

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May 13, 2025
Smonet

Setting up a birdfeeder is a rewarding way to invite nature into your backyard. But once it’s installed, the next big question is: what exactly should you feed the birds? Whether you’re using a basic tray feeder or a modern smart birdfeeder with a camera, the right food can make all the difference in attracting a variety of species and keeping them coming back.

Here’s everything you need to know to keep your feathered guests well-fed and happy, especially when using a Smonet birdfeeder.

1. Choose the Right Seeds for Your Region

Different bird species prefer different types of seeds. Here are some of the most popular and effective options:

Black-oil sunflower seeds– A favorite among many birds, including cardinals, chickadees, and finches.
Nyjer (thistle) seeds– Best for small birds like goldfinches and siskins.
Safflower seeds– Loved by cardinals but ignored by squirrels and grackles.
Millet– Great for ground-feeding birds such as sparrows and doves.
Cracked corn– Attracts blackbirds, jays, and quail.

When using a smart birdfeeder, variety is key. Try mixing different seeds to see which species visit most often, then adjust your blend accordingly.

2. Offer Specialized Food for Hummingbirds and Orioles

If you want to attract more than seed-eating birds, consider offering nectar or fruit:

Hummingbirds: Use a sugar-water mix (1 part sugar to 4 parts water). Never use red dye.
Orioles: Offer orange slices, grape jelly, or nectar.
Woodpeckers: Suet cakes, especially in cooler months, provide essential fats and proteins.

A solar birdfeeder with camera functionality can help you monitor these visits more closely, even spotting when supplies run low.

3. Avoid Processed or Harmful Foods

Not all kitchen scraps are safe for birds. Avoid these items:

Bread or crackers – They offer little nutrition and can harm birds.
Salty foods – Too much salt can be toxic.
Spoiled or moldy food – This can lead to illness or death.
Raw rice – Can swell in birds’ stomachs and cause harm.

Stick to bird-safe options and clean your feeder regularly to prevent mold or disease buildup.

4. Match Food Type with Feeder Design

The type of birdfeeder you use determines what kinds of food you should offer:

Tray or platform feeders– Versatile and good for most seeds and fruits.
Tube feeders– Great for small seed blends like Nyjer and sunflower.
Hopper feeders– Work well with mixed seeds and keep food protected from the elements.
Suet cages– Ideal for fat-rich suet blocks.
Birdfeeder cameras– Best paired with consistent, less messy seed types to keep the lens clean.

A birdfeeder camera, like the one built into the Smonet smart model, lets you observe exactly what birds prefer, helping you fine-tune your offerings.

5. Adjust Seasonally for Better Results

Birds’ dietary needs change throughout the year:

Spring & Summer: Focus on high-protein foods like insects and mealworms to support nesting and young.
Fall: Transition to foods rich in fat to prepare birds for migration.
Winter: Offer calorie-dense foods like suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts to help them stay warm.

If you’re using a solar birdfeeder, don’t worry about the colder months—Smonet’s feeder stores energy during daylight, so your camera still works even when daylight is short.

6. Don’t Forget Water

Even the best birdfeeders can’t replace the need for fresh water. A shallow birdbath or water fountain can draw in more species and support their hydration, especially during dry or freezing weather.

Birds often seek out feeders that also offer a safe place to drink or bathe, so combining a solar birdfeeder with a water source can greatly increase bird activity in your yard.

7. Keep It Clean and Consistent

Cleanliness and consistency are crucial. Moldy or spoiled seeds can make birds sick. Wash your feeder every two weeks (more often in damp weather), and refill it with fresh food regularly.

Birds are creatures of habit. Once they know your birdfeeder is reliable and safe, they’ll return again and again—often bringing friends.

Why a Smart Birdfeeder Makes Feeding Even Easier

If you’re serious about birding, a smart birdfeeder like the one from Smonet makes the experience even more engaging. With a built-in birdfeeder camera, you can:

Watch birds live from your phone, day or night.
Get alerts when new birds arrive.
Store video clips of rare visitors.
Identify over 10,000 species with AI recognition.
Even scare away squirrels using two-way audio or an alarm.

Whether you’re new to birding or a seasoned backyard naturalist, tools like these offer a deeper connection to the wildlife just outside your door.

Final Thoughts

Feeding birds isn’t just about scattering seeds—it’s about understanding their needs, behaviors, and habits. With the right food, clean setup, and a bit of patience, you can create a thriving bird haven right in your backyard. And if you’re ready to take your birdwatching to the next level, a Smonet smart birdfeeder might just be your new favorite companion.