The Official Birdseed Preference Guide

Also in this Issue: Black Heritage Birding Trails | Birds That Mate for Life Trouble viewing this e-mail? Try our [web version](. Birds bring us happiness in so many ways. Whether you're looking for a lift or just in need of a distraction, enjoy this birdy care package, sent monthly from us to you. [National Audubon Society]( The Joy of Birds | February 2024 [Photos from left: Red-breasted Nuthatch, House Finches, Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal.]( [Which Birds Like What Seeds?]( Before U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service scientist Aelred “Al” Geis conducted groundbreaking research on seed and food preferences among wild birds, the ingredients of commercial birdseed mixes were largely chosen as a matter of custom, lore, and convenience. Thanks to the effort of Geis and researcher David Horn’s Project Wildbird, we now have the most comprehensive study of avian food and feeder preferences ever conducted. To attract the birds you love, find out the favorite foods for a variety of feeder regulars and rarities. [Keep reading]( Photos from left: Red-breasted Nuthatch, Betsy Bass/Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC); House Finches, Jennifer Lint/GBBC; Blue Jay, Nancy Tully/GBBC; Northern Cardinal, Laura Stafford/Audubon Photography Awards [Eastern Screech-Owl.]( [How Do Birds Cope With Cold Weather?]( Birds are incredibly resourceful in the face of severe winter weather. While we cozy up with hot chocolate during snow days, you may wonder how your feathered friends fare when temperatures plummet. Here are seven fascinating strategies birds use to stay toasty and energized. [Learn more]( Eastern Screech-Owl. Photo: Michael Cassella/Audubon Photography Awards [Alex Green, owner of Harriet Tubman Tours, leading a Birding the Harriet Tubman Byway in spring 2023, co-hosted by Patterson Park Audubon Center. ]( [Explore Black History at These Birding Spots]( Natural history and Black history are intertwined at three southern birding destinations. Learn more about these standout tours, festivals, and trails. [Keep reading]( Alex Green, owner of Harriet Tubman Tours, leading a Birding the Harriet Tubman Byway in spring 2023, co-hosted by Patterson Park Audubon Center. Photo: Jared Soares [Black Vultures.]( [8 Birds That Mate for Life]( Valentine’s Day may be over, but love is still in the air for these eight birds. Did you know more than 95 percent of avian species are monogamous? Turns out, birds are among the most loyal members of the animal kingdom. Learn more about courtship displays and relationship habits of eight faithful birds. [Keep reading]( Black Vultures. Photo: Susan Murray/Audubon Photography Awards [Eastern Kingbirds.]( [We’d Like to Hear From You]( We’re interested in your thoughts about the content you receive from us. Please consider taking this short survey. It should only take a few minutes to complete but will have a lasting impact on our work. [Take the survey]( Eastern Kingbirds. Photo: Xianwei Zeng/Audubon Photography Awards Did you receive this message from a friend? [Sign up for our emails here→]( CONNECT WITH US [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( [YouTube]( [DONATE]( [ADVOCATE]( [GET TEXT UPDATES]( National Audubon Society 225 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014 USA [(844) 428-3826](#) | [audubon.org]( © 2024 National Audubon Society, Inc. [Update your email address or unsubscribe](