Bird Feeding
Sunflower seeds are attractive to many bird species because of their high oil content that provides energy for feather replacement, migration, and winter survival. Birds prefer sunflowers seeds over other oil seeds because the seed coat is easily hulled or removed by most bird species.
There are two different types of sunflower seeds that are used in birdseed mixtures
In mid- to late May, plant a row of 'Mammoth' sunflowers in a sunny, well-drained location near your school. Water as needed and control the weed competition around the plants. A think layer of mulch can help manage weeds and keep the soil moist around the sunflower roots. When you return to school in the fall, harvest all but two of the heads and extract the seeds. Observe the plants that remain in the garden to see if birds or other animals harvest the seeds. Dry the harvested seeds by placing them in single layers on cookie sheets or trays. After a week or two, place the seeds in air-tight plastic bags and use later in the fall or winter as bird seed in a feeder outside your class window. Observe and record the species of birds that visit the feeder.
There are two different types of sunflower seeds that are used in birdseed mixtures
- Oil-type sunflower seeds are preferred by many species. These small black seeds have a thin shell or seed coat that is easy for most species to hull. Most commercial birdseed blends include some black oilseed sunflower.
- Gray striped sunflower seeds are larger than the oil-types and are commonly roasted and salted for human consumption. Although the birds eat it, they prefer the smaller, oil-type seeds. Some bird seed blends contain hulled pieces and sunflower kernels, which are preferred by smaller birds, such as finches and white-throated sparrows.
In mid- to late May, plant a row of 'Mammoth' sunflowers in a sunny, well-drained location near your school. Water as needed and control the weed competition around the plants. A think layer of mulch can help manage weeds and keep the soil moist around the sunflower roots. When you return to school in the fall, harvest all but two of the heads and extract the seeds. Observe the plants that remain in the garden to see if birds or other animals harvest the seeds. Dry the harvested seeds by placing them in single layers on cookie sheets or trays. After a week or two, place the seeds in air-tight plastic bags and use later in the fall or winter as bird seed in a feeder outside your class window. Observe and record the species of birds that visit the feeder.
