Feed birds in winter

Red house finches are partial to thistle seed and in the winter thistle feeders may also attract more rare species, such as the American goldfinch, lesser goldfinch, and pine siskin.

Doves, white-crowned sparrows and juncos will benefit from sunflower seed and millet. Any mixed seed blend containing these will draw these birds in.

"Some hummingbirds, such as the Anna's, stay around through the winter so keep a hummingbird feeder up," said Rita Schlageter with the Red Rock Audubon Society. "You may also see some little yellow verdins visiting it. It's also a good idea to leave some winter flowers in the landscape, especially brightly colored, tubular ones."

Nuthatches, those birds that climb up and down the tree trunks and the Say's phoebe look for insects to eat. For these birds there are feed blends containing dried insects available from specialty stores.