Starlings and house sparrows, both introduced from Europe, have seriously taken over nesting sites of numerous native birds. In summer, I put up hummingbird feeders and feeders of sunflower seeds for smaller birds. Late in fall, when temperatures drop again and the undesirables depart, I replace the large feeders. Bird feeders come in a vast array of shapes and sizes and most feeders are designed to easily store and distribute various types of seeds. A seed mixture will attract the greatest variety of birds.
Sunflower seeds are a favorite with feeders designed just for that seed.
Other popular seeds and foodstuffs include cracked corn, peanuts, thistle, millet, suet and peanut butter. I also like the suet baskets for chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers. Another favorite of our feathered friends is the peanut butter cake. Mountain quail, Oregon juncos, and Mourning doves like to ground feed, so toss some seed out for them in safe open places, where cats won't be lurking about. It's a good idea to put a collar with a bell on your cat to warn off birds.