Bird seed wreaths are a popular craft for decorating homes and gardens, especially around the holidays. But do birds actually like eating from these wreaths? Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons for birds when it comes to bird seed wreaths:
Pros
Bird seed wreaths can provide an easily accessible source of food for birds during cold winter months when natural food sources may be scarce. The wreaths concentrate seeds, nuts, dried fruits, etc. into one spot, allowing birds like chickadees, titmice, nuthatches and woodpeckers to conveniently feed. Wreaths hung near feeders may attract more shy, woodland bird species that avoid the feeders.
Wreaths can also provide shelter and warmth for birds on cold days. Birds may hunker down in the nooks and crannies of the wreath out of the wind. Greenery, pinecones and decorative elements on the wreath provide cover.
In urban and suburban areas with less natural habitat, a wreath can create a temporary source of food to help sustain bird populations over winter.
Cons
Bird seed wreaths may not provide balanced nutrition compared to commercial bird feeds and seed mixes. Wreaths emphasize seeds over other important foods like suet, peanuts, dried insects or fruit. Birds need a varied diet.
Bird wreaths don’t provide a constant food source. The seeds and nuts quickly get eaten off a wreath, unlike bird feeders which can be continually refilled.
Wreaths hung outside are exposed to rain, snow and wind. This can cause the wreath to deteriorate quickly and seeds to be lost. Within a few weeks, a wreath may be depleted of food value for birds.
Moldy, spoiled seeds or fruits on a old wreath can potentially spread avian diseases. Birds feeding at a wreath may also transfer illnesses to each other more readily than at a feeder.
Some wreath decorations like ribbons, plastic fruits, dyed seeds or toxic plants may be harmful if birds ingest them.
Do Birds Actually Like Bird Seed Wreaths?
Given the pros and cons, most wild birds seem to appreciate bird seed wreaths in moderation. The wreaths offer a supplemental source of food but cannot replace balanced bird feeds and proper feeders. Here are some signs birds like wreaths:
- Active feeding on the wreath by multiple species of birds
- Birds pulls apart decorations to reach the seeds
- Flocks of small birds like chickadees, nuthatches and titmice may linger on the wreath
- Larger birds like woodpeckers, blue jays and cardinals also feed
- Birds take seeds or fruit back to their nests or perches
- Bold birds may come up close to the door or windows near the wreath
- Food disappears quickly from the wreath as birds consume it
Birds tend to be opportunistic and will take advantage of any easily available food sources they find. But it’s a good idea to continue providing dedicated feeders and preferred bird foods along with the wreath. Rotate old wreaths out before they become soggy, moldy or depleted. And remove any non-edible decorations that could harm the birds by accident.
How To Make Bird Seed Wreaths
Making your own bird seed wreath is a fun craft and gives you control over the ingredients. Here are some tips:
Base
Use a sturdy circular base wreath from grapevine, rattan, willow or other plant material that will hold up in winter weather. Metal wreath frames with mesh can also work.
Bird Seed and Food
Use a variety of seeds, nuts and dried fruits that appeal to a wide range of bird species:
- Black oil sunflower seeds
- Nyjer/thistle seeds
- Safflower seeds
- Millet
- Chopped peanuts or shelled sunflower seeds
- Dried cranberries, raisins or currants
- Chopped dried mealworms
- Finely crushed eggshells for calcium
Binding
Bind the food tightly to the wreath base using a biodegradable material:
- Fine metal wire or florist wire
- Natural jute, twine or hemp string
- Corn husk ties
Decorations
Natural decorations that birds can nibble on or pick apart:
- Dried flowers like roses, strawflowers, statice
- Pinecones
- Berry stems like curly willow, cotoneaster
- Grapevine
- Cedar sprigs
- Large seeds like acorns, lotus seed pods
- Fruit slices – orange, apple, lemon
Avoid
- Dyed or treated bird seed
- Salt dough decorations
- Plastic fruit or decor
- Ribbons, string or netting that could tangle birds
- Toxic plants like mistletoe, holly, ivy, poinsettia
Where To Hang Bird Seed Wreaths
Location will impact how long your bird seed wreath lasts and which bird species visit it:
- Near trees or shrubs where birds perch and take shelter
- Close to existing feeders to supplement them
- Under eaves or porches to protect from weather
- On shepherd hooks, posts or walls where critters can’t reach
- Visible from indoor windows for birdwatching
Avoid hanging wreaths in direct heavy rain or snow. And relocate ones that aren’t getting bird traffic to try a new spot.
Maintaining Your Bird Seed Wreath
Check wreaths regularly and replace them when needed:
- Brush off snow buildup so birds can access the food
- Rotate to a fresh side or location if one area is depleted
- Discard if wreath gets waterlogged, moldy or damaged
- Remove any faded decorations that could detach
- Freshen up with new seed and fruits if old food is gone
- Take down after winter or once bird activity decreases
Conclusion
Bird seed wreaths can be a fun seasonal project that also helps out your wild birds. Making your own allows you to customize with nutritious ingredients that birds will enjoy. Place them thoughtfully in your yard and be diligent about monitoring and replacing them. Maintained properly, wreaths offer birds a natural supplementary food source during harsh weather. Just be sure they don’t replace properly balanced feeders and bird food as the main nutrition strategy on your property.