I think this is an interesting thread. Over the past few years, I have
heard people say that certain birds won't eat certain seeds. And yet, in my
yard, things are totally different.

I've been told to put out sunflower seed in a platform feeder, since house
sparrows won't generally eat sunflower seed. Well, my house sparrows
apparently haven't been told, as they flock to the seed, as do the mourning
doves and juncos. I know they probably all like millet and corn better, but
they'll sure eat the sunflower seed, as will the starlings.

My jays (both scrub and steller's) will also eat the sunflower seed,
although they do prefer the corn and peanuts when they are available.

Abby
Beaverton, OR

> C. Anderson wrote:
>
> > [info on Steller's jay with deformed beak]... I watched him
> > yesterday with a sunflower seed and he had considerable
> > trouble trying to crack it, and finally just swallowed it,
> > shell and all.

> Have you noticed if the other jays in your area eat sunflower seeds? If
> so, that's an interesting difference from the ones here. If not, I
> wonder if your jay is so handicapped by its bad beak that it has to be
> less choosy about food to get enough.
>
> Mya Bell