- 1). First, it's important to understand that if you want to attract native birds you will be well advised to plant some native plants in your garden. The typical imported garden flowers are more likely to attract the imported pests like starlings, pigeons and house sparrows.
- 2). In addition to growing native plants that provide the natural food of indigenous birds, there are a number of other plants that render seeds that attract really interesting birds.
- 3). A favorite of the hummingbird is the Hyssop (Agastache). Many fascinating birds will love to dine on seeds from flowers like the Coneflower (Echinacea), Blazing Star (Liatris), Indian Grass (Sorghastrum), Black-eyed Susan(Rudbekia), Evening primrose (Oenothera), Globe Thistle (Echinops), Guara, Bee Balm (Monarda), many different sages and Giant fennel (Silphium). There are more, too, depending on the climate of where you live.
- 4). As the flowering parts of these plants dry, the base of the flower ovum swells and fills with a seed or seeds. Once dry, this part of the plant splits open to spill out the seeds. You can keep an eye on your plants and gather dried flower heads to save seed. Some seed you may want to retain for next year's planting, some you may leave on the plant to attract birds to the garden, and the rest you can set out a little at a time into a bird feeder to attract interesting birds during the times of year they would not ordinarily be able to find this seed. You can store your collected seed in glass jars.
- 5). For more in-depth information on how to grow your own bird seed in the garden, please check the links below under Resources.
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