For bird lovers in Tennessee, creating a homemade bird food mix can be an exciting and rewarding activity. Depending on the type of birds you wish to attract to your backyard, it’s important that you find just the right ingredients for your mixture.
If you’re looking to bring feathered friends into your backyard, Tennessee has an array of seeds perfect for any bird feed mix. Sunflowers, millet, oats and safflower are some of the most popular options; however, if you want to attract a specific species consider researching their preferred food before purchasing!
If you want to attract a plethora of avian visitors in Tennessee, adding dried fruits and nuts as bird food is an excellent choice. Berries, raisins, apples – whatever floats your boat! But keep it mind that peanuts must be unsalted and unroasted for the safety of our feathered friends.
Suet is a remarkable way to bring birds into Tennessee. Oftentimes, it’s made with either beef or mutton fat and can be located in most pet stores. In addition to your bird food blend, adding suet during colder months will help ensure that the birds have sufficient energy reserves for those frigid winter days and nights.
To entice a variety of birds to come visit Tennessee, adding mealworms is an outstanding choice. Rich in protein and energy-packed, these critters are the ideal snack for migrating avian visitors in need of sustenance.
Mix and match these ingredients to fashion your very own bird food blend! With a little effort, you’ll bring an array of exotic birds from across Tennessee directly to your backyard.
What kind of birds are in Tennessee?

Tennessee is home to many of birds, including the state bird, the northern mockingbird. Tennessee is home to a plethora of feathered friends, such as cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, owls and raptors including hawks and eagles. Not to mention the stunning waterfowl like ducks and geese that inhabit the area! With breathtaking urban areas alongside pristine countryside landscapes you’ll find birding for any skill level in this amazing state! Whether you’re an experienced birder or just starting out on your avian journey – Tennessee has something special awaiting all its visitors.
Birdwatchers, your next destination awaits: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This glorious park is home to 200+ species of birds, including but not limited to warblers and woodpeckers! Moreover, you can find a wide range of hawk, eagle and owl types here too. If that’s still not enough for you bird enthusiasts out there – head on over to the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge where bald eagles and ospreys are just some of the many breathtaking feathered creatures waiting for you!
For nature enthusiasts wanting to experience the lesser-known regions of Tennessee, Norris Dam State Park is a perfect fit with its flock of diverse birds. Whether it’s cardinals, blue jays or woodpeckers; owls, kestrels and other raptors; warblers, vireos, thrushes and sparrows – there are abundant varieties here! The park will not only astound you but also provide an unforgettable bird watching opportunity.
Spend your day in Tennessee exploring the breathtakingly beautiful natural world while discovering its wide variety of bird species through birding. With a bit of preparation and research, you can easily find some incredible spots to observe avian life and marvel at what Mother Nature has created!
Bird feeding tips for beginners

- Start Simple: When beginning your bird feeding, opt for a basic seed mix that includes black oil sunflower, millet and cracked corn to attract multiple types of birds to your feeder.
- Find the Right Spot: Ensure that you set up your feeders in open areas where the birds have easy access and feel safe from predators while they snack away!
- Keep your bird feeders tidy: Make it a point to clean them at least every month or whenever you see that the food isn’t being eaten quickly. This will guarantee that the birds get quality food and stop bacteria from growing.
- Serve an array of snacks: Offer different types of treats to bring in many kinds of winged creatures! Try out specialized birdseed mixes, fruit chunks, suet cakes and even mealworms – this way more species can be enticed compared to just seed alone.
- Refreshment: Offer your feathered friends a birdbath with fresh, clear water so they can bathe and drink whenever they need to – especially during droughts or sweltering heatwaves when natural sources might be scarce.
- Have patience: It may take some time for birds to discover your feeder, but don’t let that dishearten you! With care and forbearance, it won’t be long before all manner of birds are congregating in the vicinity of your birdfeeder!
What type of feeders should I use?

If you’re looking to attract birds to your garden or balcony, there are several types of feeders that might be perfect for the job! Tray feeders, tube feeders, hopper and platform feeders – take a look at all your options so you can find the one that best suits both your preferences and those of the local feathered residents.
How much food should I put in the feeder?
To ensure your feathered friends have plenty of sustenance, the quantity of food you place in your feeder depends on its size and shape, as well as which birds are most commonly visiting. Generally, a cup of seed should suffice for a small tube or platform feeder; whereas larger hoppers would require an initial two cups to start off with.
How often should I fill the feeder?
Depending on the size of your feeder and how many birds flock to it, you should refill your birdfeeder every few days for tube or hopper containers, while a tray necessitates constant replenishment. Keeping food fresh is essential in order to attract more avian visitors while providing sustenance that won’t spoil easily.