Over the last 15 years bird feeding has become the most popular wildlife recreational activity in the United States, with some estimates of more than 55 million Americans feeding birds around their homes. As the bird feeding public has become more serious and educated about this activity, they are not only buying more total product but also becoming more familiar with the product and are requesting specific ingredients as well. Safflower seed has unique characteristics that meet the increasing higher quality demands of today's more selective and sophisticated bird seed buyer.

Often referred to as "the problem solver seed," safflower helps discourage unwanted visitors, such as grackles and squirrels, while maintaining an active feeding station for your favorite songbirds.

Safflower is much less attractive to squirrels than other seeds and great for discouraging grackles in the summer months. Safflower's thin, small shells require minimal clean-up making it ideal for use in window feeders, on decks, and in other spots where baffles can't reliably control squirrels.

Of special significance, the high oil content of safflower seed (generally in the 35-40% range) makes it a valuable source of energy in the diet of birds. Birds have a high body temperature and a high rate of metabolism. These are traits, which require birds to consume an amount of food that is relatively high in proportion to their total body weight. Some species actually require food in the excess of 50% of their body weight per day. High-energy seeds such as safflower will permit the bird to survive on relatively smaller amounts of food. These high-energy foods are especially important during cold weather and when adult birds are raising their young.

More suppliers are increasingly recommending that for best results, 100% safflower seed is the bird feed of choice.