Thistle Feeders…Not Just for Finches!

You can attract a great variety of songbirds with thistle feeders.  Thistle, also called Nyjer seed resembles grains of wild rice, and is coveted by American Goldfinches for its high fat and protein content.  Other songbirds who will feast at your thistle feeders include: House and Purple Finches, Towhees, Pine Siskins, Juncos and vibrant Indigo Buntings, as pictured at left.  Another great benefit of feeding thistle seed is that it has been heated to prevent germination, so sprouting weeds and grass below your feeder is not even an issue!

Mixing Nyjer with finely chopped sunflower hearts reduces mess in the yard and patio.  Also, Pine Siskins and others prefer this to straight thistle seed.  Commercial Finch mixes are readily available as well for use in thistle feeders.