Scattering food at ground level lures doves, quail, sparrows and juncos. Consider using a feeding platform positioned just above the ground to discourage the growth of mold and bacteria. Most birdseed mixes contain safflower seeds and cracked corn. To this base you can add any combination of the materials listed below, which can be found in bulk at hardware stores, pet stores or nurseries. Store birdseed in steel garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.
Sunflower seeds are economical and provide a good source of protein.
They attract chickadees, juncos, sparrows and cardinals. Millet, a grain culled from forage grasses, is found in almost all prepackaged seed mixes. It attracts mourning doves, song sparrows, house sparrows and white-crowned sparrows. Thistle is a small seed enjoyed by goldfinches, sparrows, juncos and doves. Peanut hearts are very high in protein and are eaten by sparrows, house finches, doves and grackles.