Bird Seed Question

[Paul O'Toole]

I have a small group of mouring doves that live on my property each winter and sleep in my fir tree. From what I have read that enjoy eating Safflower. There are squirrels that come by daily and I was trying to determine if they will eat Safflower before I buy it. Some google info shows they don't and others seem to say the squirrels will eat any seed. Any first hand experiences with this.

[Kris Ito]

Earlier this week I threw a few handfuls of safflower & black oil sunflower seeds on my back patio for the juncos and who ever else might be interested. A squirrel came by and ate most of the sunflower seeds but appeared to ignore the safflower. However, the next day there was another squirrel (or maybe the same one) eating the safflower seeds. So, I'm guessing it's simply not their "favourite" but they'll eat them if they are hungry enough!

-kris

[Paul O'Toole]

Good point, better just to setup a separate feeder for them.

[JW Mills]

I'd say our experience is similar to that of Kris.
Generally they don't go after the spilt safflower, but will if there's nothing else for them to eat.