Feeding the Flock: The Best Seeds, Feeders, and Plants for Virginia Birds

The Best Seeds for Virginia Birds

Not all birdseed is created equal! Some options attract a wide variety of species while others are more specialized.

• Black-oil Sunflower Seed – Packed with energy and loved by cardinals, chickadees, finches, and woodpeckers.
• Safflower Seed – A favorite for many songbirds and less appealing to squirrels and starlings.
• Thistle Seed – Tiny seeds that draw in goldfinches, pine siskins, and purple finches.
• Millet – Scattered on the ground or in platform feeders, millet attracts sparrows, doves, and juncos.
• Suet – High-energy food for cooler months, especially popular with woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees.
   

Feeders That Work Best

Matching the feeder to the type of food helps bring in the widest variety of birds and reduces waste. (I will use mike recommended affiliate links here)

• Tube Feeders – Perfect for sunflower or thistle seed, ideal for small songbirds.
• Hopper Feeders – House-style feeders that hold plenty of seed and draw cardinals, grosbeaks, and more.
• Platform Feeders – Best for ground-feeding birds like doves and sparrows.
• Suet Cages & Cone Stands – Easy to hang and excellent for insect-eating species.

Tip: Place feeders near shrubs or trees for cover, but not so close that predators can hide. Clean feeders regularly to keep visiting flocks healthy.

Bird-Friendly Plants for Year-Round Appeal

Native plants provide natural food and shelter, helping birds thrive beyond the feeder.

• Berry-Producing Shrubs & Trees – Dogwood, serviceberry, spicebush, winterberry holly, and Eastern red cedar provide food in fall and winter.
• Seed-Bearing Perennials – Black-eyed Susan, purple coneflower, Joe-Pye weed, and goldenrod feed seed eaters and attract pollinators.
• Native Grasses – Switchgrass and little bluestem provide seed and cover well into winter.
• Evergreens – Cedars, hollies, and pines offer nesting space and shelter from weather and predators.
   

Creating a Backyard Bird Haven

Feeding the flock goes beyond filling a feeder, it’s all about creating a balanced habitat. With the right products, your garden can become a lively sanctuary for Virginia’s birds all year long. To stay inspired and grow with us online, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to dig into the joys of gardening.