Save to Pins A vibrant, nutritious platter designed for garden songbirds, featuring a colorful array of seeds, nuts, and fresh berries to attract a variety of feathered friends.
This is my go-to treat for attracting a wide range of songbirds to my garden throughout the year.
Ingredients
- Seeds & Grains: 1 cup black oil sunflower seeds, 1 cup white millet, 1/2 cup safflower seeds, 1/2 cup cracked corn
- Nuts: 1/2 cup unsalted, chopped peanuts (no salt, no seasoning)
- Berries & Fruit: 1/2 cup fresh blueberries, 1/2 cup fresh raspberries, 1/2 cup halved seedless grapes (red or green)
- Extras (optional): 1/4 cup dried mealworms (for protein, optional), 1/4 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Choose a large, shallow platter or tray and clean it thoroughly with hot water (no soap residue).
- Step 2:
- Spread the sunflower seeds, millet, safflower seeds, and cracked corn evenly across the platter.
- Step 3:
- Sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the seeds.
- Step 4:
- Scatter the fresh berries and halved grapes evenly across the platter for color and variety.
- Step 5:
- If desired, add dried mealworms and unsweetened dried cranberries for extra nutrition.
- Step 6:
- Place the platter in a safe, elevated spot away from predators, and ensure it is accessible for birds but difficult for squirrels to reach.
- Step 7:
- Clean and refill the platter daily to maintain freshness and avoid mold growth.
Save to Pins This platter has brought many joyful mornings, watching the variety of birds gather and feed together.
Required Tools
Large shallow platter or tray, measuring cups, knife (for halving grapes and chopping peanuts)
Allergen Information
Contains peanuts and other tree nuts. Some seeds may be processed in facilities that handle common allergens. Always check packaging if concerned about cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Calories, fat, carbohydrates and protein information are not applicable as this recipe is designed for wild birds.
Save to Pins Enjoy watching your garden come alive with song and color as your feathered friends enjoy this healthy feast.
Questions & Answers
- → What seeds are best for this platter?
Black oil sunflower seeds, white millet, safflower seeds, and cracked corn create a nutritious base favored by many songbirds.
- → Can I add nuts to the seed mix?
Yes, unsalted chopped peanuts are included to boost protein without adding salt or seasoning.
- → Why include fresh berries and grapes?
Fresh blueberries, raspberries, and halved grapes provide natural color and sweet vitamins that attract a wider variety of birds.
- → Are dried mealworms necessary?
Dried mealworms are optional but offer an excellent source of additional protein which many birds appreciate.
- → How often should the platter be refreshed?
Clean and refill the platter daily to maintain freshness and prevent mold or spoilage.