Birding is a popular hobby, and it is not uncommon for enthusiasts to travel great distances to see beautiful birds in serene settings. However, individuals also can entice birds to come to them using backyard bird feeders.

After choosing a bird feeder, novices may not know which food to fill it with. The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) has provided guidance.

Individuals who want to attract hummingbirds can do so with nectar, which the NWF describes as colored sugar water. Nectar must be placed into a hummingbird feeder and might also attract orioles to the backyard.

Black-oil sunflower can attract an array of birds, including blue jays, cardinals, chickadees, and sparrows. Novices may like that black-oil sunflower seed can even be found at many grocery stores, which may appeal to individuals who live in remote locations without specialty bird stores nearby.

Seed mixes also can be found at grocery stores and appeal to a variety of birds. Individuals who want to keep their feeders close to their decks or patios may want to look for mixes described as "no-mess." The NWF indicated that these mixes have been de-hulled, which means there will not be as big a pile of unwanted seeds beneath the feeder. When examining regular mixes, birds choose the seeds they want and discard the others, often dropping them to the ground beneath the feeder. The NWF reported that mixes tend to attract ground-feeding birds, such as doves and sparrows.

Suet is sought after in winter by bird lovers who want to help birds stay healthy and strong during times of year when food sources may be less available. Suet requires a suet feeder, which is unlike most bird feeders. Suet comes in squares and not in seed form, though seeds are typically mixed into the gelatinous cake. Despite its appearance, which can seem like a square block of fat, suet is an excellent source of protein for birds in winter.

The NWF noted that goldfinches love thistle, or nyjer, a small, high-quality seed. Because thistle is something of a specialty seed, birders who want to put it out will need to purchase a finch feeder.

Birding has millions of devotees across the globe. Knowing what to feed birds can be a great way for birding enthusiasts to attract these beautiful creatures to their backyards.