Hello TWEETERS!
Seasonally Adjusted Greetings From Northern Ontario.
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I am new to this list, but am on a few others. If I may impose, I have
some questions that perhaps some of you can help me with.

This all started a few weeks back when I happened to buy a 50 lb bag of
striped sunflower seed at the same time as a 50 lb bag of black (oil)
seed. Both were the same weight, both the same cost. I began wondering
which as best for the birds, and which would yield more seed etc. The
more I thought about it, the more questions I had.

I am looking for responses primarily from scientific or industrial
sectors, lab study data, and controlled test results, as opposed to
opinion. What I have discovered so far is that we all have a lot of
opinions, and while they are truly interesting, they are not always
supported by fact.

So here are my specific questions for anyone who would like to take a
stab at answering any or all of them, or steering me to known available
data sources. I will try to reach as many birders across the country as
I can and will be happy to share any information obtained.

I WOULD LIKE TO KONW:

* Which is the best seed nutritionally for birds - striped or oil,
and why? Is there a nutritional analysis of sunflower seed available
for each type?

* Which type of seed when hulled has the highest yield by weight,
and provides the most birdfeed? For example: If you shelled a 50 lb.
bag of striped, and one of black oil, what would the actual seed weight
of each, and what would be the percentage of waste (by weight) in hulls
from each?

* What plant packaging processes are applied to, or chemicals used
if any, in the processing of sunflower birdseed. Do all commercial seed
plants have similar processing procedures? Are there any known harmful
effects that can or should be associated to these processes?

* What toxins are released by decomposing sunflower seed hulls. Is
there any difference in the toxic levels of striped and black oil seed?
There seems to have been some research in 1994 indicating
decomposing hulls leach toxins harmful to grass and other plant life.
This has ramifications in cleanup around feeders, and methods of
disposing of hulls, and their use (or not) in composting.

* What are the ramifications of toxins if any, in relation to
health of insects, birds, and animal life?

* What is the dollar value of sunflower seeds sold annually in USA
and Canada?, Which of the major producers have the highest quality
product? Are all sunflower seeds processed as birdfood created
equal?... if not, what are the differences? Is it possible we should be
more discerning in the selection and purchase of sunflower seeds we are
feeding our birds?

It seems to me if this information can be reliably gathered, it
would/could/should, if properly communicated, assist birders firstly, to
do what is best for the birds, and secondly, what is best for birder
pocket books (by obtaining higher quality product for money spent).

I don't believe all seed is created equal. Price is not the only
determining factor. The amount of birdseed sold in Canada and the USA
has to be a staggering sum. I think collectively it would be wise for
us to look at our feeding practices - what exactly are we buying and
feeding and why? Do we really know? Are we taking a lot for granted?
Are we doing the right thing? For that matter, what is the right thing?

I don't have an agenda... or a complaint about any product. I am just
interested and think it is worth examing to understand what is best for
the birds.

Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

_________________________________________________
Paul, Northern Ontario <pgparlee at onlink.net>
* My opinions may have changed, but not the fact
that I am right. -- Ashleigh Brilliant