Many homeowners like to set out feeders in their backyards to attract songbirds, hummingbirds and other spring migrants. Attracting the species of bird that you want to watch is a matter of putting out the right seed in the right kind of feeder.

"It’s always a good idea to consider what type of bird you want to come to your feeders," said Shawchyi Vorisek, a bird biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. "Then you can consider what types of feed and feeders you would like to put out."

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife bird biologist Kate Heyden recommends black oil sunflower seed to attract the widest variety of birds.

"Cheaper seed mixes may contain a lot of corn and grain fillers which are either wasted or can attract pest species," she said. "Desirable species will often push filler seed, like milo, to the ground and ground-feeding birds will not eat most fillers either."

Safflower seeds can also help keep pests away, while bringing in more desirable songbirds.

"A lot of people have problems with blackbirds on their feeders," said Vorisek. "So I use safflower seed because your cardinals and chickadees still like them, but blackbirds don’t tend to like them."

Thistle seed attracts finches to the feeders and sparrows to the ground below. Bird watchers who want to see nuthatches, chickadees and woodpeckers can also put out suet. But suet can go rancid in the summer, so purchase an all-season variety or limit suet feeding to the cooler months.

Now is a good time to put out hummingbird feeders. However, the red dye solution sold in some stores for hummingbirds has been found to cause tumors and is not safe to use. Mix your own sugar water instead.

"Mix one part sugar to three parts water," said Heyden. "Heat it up to dissolve the sugar, and be sure to let it cool before putting it in the feeder."

The type of feeder you choose can also affect which birds you attract to your yard. Vorisek noted that platform feeders will allow all species of birds to get to the food - even those you would rather avoid.

"Feeders without long perches and trays keep the larger birds out, if you want the smaller birds like tufted titmice and chickadees," she said. "If people have problems with squirrels, they make specific feeders to keep squirrels out. You can even put baffles on feeders to keep out raccoons. A raccoon can totally destroy a feeder."

Keep feeders clean to prevent the spread of disease in birds. "Every two weeks or so, you should take your feeders down and either soak them or scrub them in bleach solution or dish soap," said Heyden. "Don’t use harsh chemicals or other household cleaners because they could contaminate the food."

Bleach should be diluted with water to 10 percent. Be sure to let the feeder dry completely before filling it with food.

Birds can also get sick from eating moldy food. Keep feeders out of the rain by choosing a domed or tube feeder, or a platform feeder with a built-in roof. Store food in a dry area and keep rodents out.

Residents in southeastern Kentucky, especially in the Pine Mountain area, may want to avoid the use of birdfeeders in spring. The seed in birdfeeders can attract black bears.

An alternative for all bird lovers is growing native plants to provide a food source. Backyard habitat kits, available through the Salato Wildlife Education Center, include information on the best plantings for wildlife. Call 1-800-858-1549, ext. 4445 for more information.

Landowners should remember that it is illegal to feed wildlife with grain, seed or manufactured animal feed outside the curtilage of the home March 1 - May 31. The curtilage is the area immediately surrounding a home or group of homes. This law does not apply to bird feeders set up around a house or yard.

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