This past winter I experimented with a Nyjer seed feeder, also known as thistle seed. I normally use the "regular" type of bird seed including sunflower seeds, cracked corn, millet, etc. Of course, I routinely used suet cakes as you know from my photos.
Let me start you off with a video of chickadees feasting on this new treat.
So what exactly is Nyjer seed? This seed comes from an African yellow daisy, and is known by several names. It was originally known as Niger, based on Nigeria where it originated. It was trademarked as Nyjer in 1938. It is also called thistle seed but is not related to the thistle plant. It is thought the reason for this is that goldfinches like both Nyjer and thistle seed.
In parts of Africa, this seed is also called blackseed and inga seed. This seed is grown in Africa, mainly Ethiopia and Kenya. In some places it is used in recipes such as in chutneys. It is also grown in India and Nepal.
This seed has excellent nutritional value for birds including high levels of fat and protein.
Even though some house finches and goldfinches visited the feeder, the most persistent visitors where the chickadees.
One advantage to using this type of seed is that it lasts a long time in the feeder. The seeds are so so small, it takes the birds a long time to empty it.
I will definitely use this feeder again next winter, it adds an interesting element to feeding the birds.
Finally, a photo of some female goldfinches on the feeder:
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