Accidentally feeding the birds

I've been putting together a lot of different wildflower mixes to broadcast in different areas. I typically mix the seeds with soil and compost before spreading them. I've been doing all the mixing in a metal tray that I keep outside.

Just yesterday, I was outside when I saw a bird fly over to the area where I keep my gardening gear. It went into the metal tray and started pecking around for seeds! I guess since I've been leaving the tray out there, this bird has learned it can find whatever seeds get stuck to it. Hopefully some of them will survive the trip through his digestive system!

Have you ever unintentionally fed animals while working on other things?

Think about creating seed balls.
Essentially they are seeds encased with clay that you can create yourself.
When you cast them out they sit protected from ants and birds until enough moisture is around.

Then they sprout.


I have used a concrete mixer to make many of them.

I think seed balls are great, but there are a couple limiting factors for me.

1. I have to buy the clay. Living in a condo means I can't just go dig up soil to use.

2. It's often foggy here, which makes them difficult to dry out properly so they won't immediately sprout. Drying them inside creates unpleasant smells in a contained space...

I usually try to time the planting so that it's before a forecasted rain.