Add an Indigo Bunting to the story. I have only seen them in the wild in Southern Missouri. Feels like I will have to extend my budget for another bag of at least sunflower seeds and a smaller mixed one.

Finches and Buntings will eat the Thistle and the Grosbeaks and others will love the sun flower seed. Add some suit for a real blast! Be careful of the mixed seed it will often bring birds you do NOT want to your yard.

I have never understood about bring birds I don't want. I like all birds, big flocks of blackbirds can be a problem but even them I allow to eat for a time before sending them on. Which birds should I not like? Even the sparrows here travel in mixed groups of lark, chipping, song, english and others so if I want one type I will feed all.

I always feed through the year, but less in late summer and fall. Seeds and berries do not appear until then and there are lots of baby mouths to feed now. Suet is especially good for the babies and fledglings. Don't stop feeding just because winter is over!