Seed cylinders are one of the simplest and least expensive ways to feed backyard birds. Made with a wide variety of seed combinations, there's a seed cylinder available to attract almost any species of bird to your yard.

If you are unfamiliar with seed cylinders, they are simply bird seed held together with a bird-friendly binder in the shape of a cylinder. Formed with a hole through the center to accommodate a cylinder holder, they can be hung just about anywhere including from a shepherd's hook, an eavestrough or soffit for up-close views from your favourite window, or even a tree branch.

Seed cylinders can be used year-round and stay together in all weather conditions including the hot summer sun, snow, and even rain.

I've been using seed cylinders in my yard for several years with great success. Wanting to attract more woodpeckers, the first seed cylinder I tried was the Garden Friendly Cylinder Log from Mill Creek Seed Co. This cylinder is made from peanut halves, hulled sunflower seed, and cut corn. To my delight, it didn't take long for the woodpeckers to find it. Other birds that visited this cylinder were nuthatches, chickadees, Carolina Wrens, and goldfinches. Another bonus of the Garden Friendly cylinder is none of the seeds it is made with contain shells so there is no mess beneath where you hang it making it great for over a deck or patio.

The next cylinder I tried was the Safflower Feast from Mr. Bird. I was sure Northern Cardinals would be drawn to this cylinder as safflower is one of their favourite foods. Sure enough, not long after hanging this cylinder a beautiful red male cardinal found it. Chickadees and House Finches also love safflower, and I was treated to these birds feeding daily. Not only is safflower enjoyed by the colourful male cardinals and House Finches it's also less desirable to blackbirds including starlings and grackles. Squirrels too turn their noses up at safflower seed.

Speaking of deterring squirrels, I was intrigued by the Flaming Hot Feast seed cylinder by Mr. Bird. claiming "birds love it, squirrels don't." This cylinder contains a hot pepper kick that squirrels find unpalatable, but the birds don't mind. I had read previously about various hot pepper products in the
past to foil squirrels but had never tried any in my yard and to be perfectly honest was a bit skeptical.

Made from sunflower hearts, peanut halves, golden safflower, and meal worms this cylinder is loaded with seeds the birds love. I gave this cylinder a try where I was staying for the summer not far from Algonquin Provincial Park. Gray squirrels, red squirrels, and even flying squirrels all inhabit this area and I'm happy to report I didn't see a single squirrel on this cylinder. Like the Garden Friendly cylinder, the Flaming Hot Feast has no shells so again no mess beneath it. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, and Blue Jays all visited this cylinder.

If you are looking for a super easy and inexpensive way to feed the birds in your yard or perhaps add another feeder without spending a lot of money, I highly recommend giving a seed cylinder a try.

Happy birding,
Paul Roedding

Urban Nature Store