A nut and berry mix is set out for woodpeckers and a sunflower/safflower mix attracts cardinals, wrens, doves and blue jays. Valley News/Courtesy photo
TEMECULA – For many nature enthusiasts, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing wildlife right in their own backyard. Providing several different types of foods can be the first step to welcoming a variety of birds to one’s yard.Bill Askenburg, a backyard birding enthusiast and maker of custom birdhouses, said he offers thistle seed to attract finches and chickadees. A nut and berry mix is set out for woodpeckers and a sunflower/safflower mix attracts cardinals, wrens, doves and blue jays.A few different feeders placed at various heights or hung from branches on a property can attract an abundance of wildlife.Feeding birds is one way to enjoy their company. Offering other features can increase the chances that birds will nest and raise young in a backyard habitat.[
