How to Attract More Birds with Sunflower Seeds, Bluebird & Oriole Feeders

July 29, 2025 ︱ By Willfine

Looking to turn your backyard into a birdwatching paradise? Whether you’re trying to attract bluebirds, orioles, or simply a wider range of feathered friends, the right combination of bird seed and specialty feeders makes all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• What types of birds love sunflower seeds
• How to feed bluebirds and orioles the right way
• And how to capture every moment using smart birdwatching technology

Why Sunflower Seeds Are Bird Feeding Gold

Bird seed sunflower, especially black-oil sunflower seeds, are a favorite among many species. They’re high in fat and easy to eat—even for small beaked birds.

Birds that LOVE sunflower seeds:

• Cardinals
• Chickadees
• Finches
• Nuthatches
• Woodpeckers
• Grosbeaks
• Titmice

3 Common Types of Sunflower Seeds:

• Black-oil – Thin shells, high-fat, most popular
• Striped – Larger seeds with harder shells; preferred by jays and grosbeaks
• Hulled (Sunflower hearts) – No mess, no shells—but more expensive and spoil faster

Downside to Watch:

• Shell mess under feeders
• May attract squirrels or non-target birds
• Needs regular cleaning to prevent mold in wet weather

How to Attract Bluebirds with the Right Feeder

Bluebirds won’t eat traditional birdseed—they prefer protein-rich food like:

• Mealworms (live or dried)
• Crumbled suet
• Soft fruits (like chopped raisins)
• Peanut butter blends (in small amounts)

Choosing a Bluebird Feeder:

• Enclosed or caged design: Keeps out larger birds and squirrels
• Mealworm tray or cup: Easy refill and cleaning
• Place feeder in open space, around 5 feet off the ground

Tip: Pair with a bird bath heater in winter to increase visits!

Feeding Orioles the Right Way

Orioles love sweet, juicy food—and their feeder should reflect that.

What to offer orioles:

• Orange halves
• Grape jelly (no artificial sweeteners)
• Oriole nectar (similar to hummingbird nectar but less concentrated)

Best Oriole Feeder Designs:

• Pegs or prongs to hold orange slices
• Jelly cups that are easy to clean
• Nectar reservoirs with bee guards

Place your oriole bird feeders in a sunny but quiet area, near shrubs or trees where they like to perch.

Want to See Who’s Visiting While You’re Away?

Birds don’t wait for you to pull out your phone. That’s why more backyard birders are using smart observation tools like the Willfine BK750 birdwatching camera — built for real-time, high-definition, AI-enhanced bird monitoring.

Why BK750 Is Perfect for Bird Enthusiasts:

• Self-Trained AI Model: Identifies 10,000+ bird species, including bluebirds and orioles
• Smart Filters: Focuses only on birds — no squirrels, no shadows
• 4K Video & 32MP Photo Capture: Every feather, every flutter, in crystal-clear slow motion
• AI App Alerts: Get notified when a bluebird appears. See it, save it, share it — all from your phone
• Effective Squirrel Deterrent: Built-in siren alarm helps protect your feeder

Final Tips for Smart Bird Feeding

• Use squirrel-proof feeders for sunflower seed to reduce waste
• Offer mealworms only in clean, covered feeders to avoid spoilage
• Keep jelly and fruit fresh and away from ants
• Always provide clean water — a bird water fountain or heated bird bath adds extra attraction

Don’t Just Feed the Birds. Watch Them. Learn from Them.

By combining smart feeding strategies with smart observation tools like the BK750, you can truly connect with nature—and never miss a moment worth remembering.

Ready to see what shows up at your bluebird feeder today?
Get the Willfine BK750 and start your smart birdwatching journey now.