Q: I want to attract the good, pretty birds this winter. I’m new to this. What do I do?

• Joan from Greenford

A: Our connection to nature is often limited to the summer months with outside activities, but what better way to spend time during the winter than observing birds in our backyard? Great idea.

The best way to attract birds is to feed them, thus bringing them closer to you.

Birds vary in their tastes just as we do, so the seed of choice is important in attracting the species you prefer.

Sunflower seeds, which come either striped or black oil, are the preferred choice. With a high fat content and shells, both are a high caloric food needed for a bird’s fast metabolism. Because striped sunflower seeds have a thicker shell to crack, the black oil seed is more popular. There is little “filler” so even though it is more expensive, there is little waste. The seed shells drop on the ground, but that problem is easily solved by raking them into your garden in the spring.

Squirrels love this seed and watching their antics is always entertaining.

Safflower seed with its thick shell is hard to crack open, but cardinals, chickadees and sparrows are attracted to it.

When you purchase seeds that are labeled as thistle, it is actually Nijer (Guizotia abyssinica). This plant has a similar seed and oil content to thistle. It is imported and sterilized to avoid germination, yet the nutrition is retained. Do not harvest thistle from the invasive species we have here in the valley.

Unsalted peanuts in their shell will attract blue jays, crows, chickadees, titmice and woodpeckers. Be sure not to leave them out long as wet, humid weather can cause decay. Mealworms, either dried or fresh are a treat. Suet is a great way to attract these birds as well.

Some people talk about oranges cut in half or quarters can be offered as well as grapes or raisins, but the birds that eat these are summer birds. If you leave these out this time of year, they will attract unwanted wildlife.

Types of seed that are generally not recommended include millet, milo and cracked corn. Some disagree about milo and millet, though. All are attractive to ground feeding birds, but you could also find unwanted visitors loitering in your yard.

Milo is generally for Western birds, which we do not have here. Millet is good for some species we desire to watch, but also attracts house sparrows and other nonnatives.

Cornell states that cracked corn contains toxins that are poisonous to wildlife. Always read the ingredients before purchasing mixed seed because of the ‘fillers’ included that birds will leave uneaten.

A frequently asked question is whether birds really need us to feed them. Birds have survived without us quite well, but during the harshest winter days, extra food for them is welcomed.

We feed them primarily for our own enjoyment, but we also like to help them survive the winter. It is a commitment, so the feeders must consistently be refilled.

Many books are available to help with identification and learning correct terminology. Journaling is a wonderful way to keep records on birds. When parents and children can share interests and conversations, the family unit can be strengthened through our natural world.

Shipka is an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist and Master Gardener volunteer in Mahoning County. Call 330-533-5538 to submit your questions. Live clinic hours are held 10 a.m. to noon every other Thursday on Zoom at go.osu.edu/virtualclinic.