Humans and birds share more culinary preferences than you might think. That common ground will help you attract the colorful creatures to your backyard.

Swipe through to find out what oddball things you can feed your backyard birds.

Peanut Butter and Jelly

In sandwich form it might not be ideal, but peanut butter and jelly are separately considered tasty by various birds. Birds that like nuts, seeds and insects, like woodpeckers and blue jays, will be thrilled with a smear of peanut butter on a tree trunk. Other birds that favor high-energy food, like orioles, will appreciate a dish of grape jelly.

Unbuttered Popcorn

Birds consider popcorn a special treat. Don’t feed them microwave popcorn, however; just pop up some kernels and serve it plain with no salt or butter. Start up an outdoor showing of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds , and your feathered friends will be in heaven.

Eggshells

It might seem odd that birds would eat the casing that holds their young, but they do. Crush shells up very finely, and sprinkle on a bird food tray. The calcium is good for them, and the small particles help with digestion.

Shredded coconut

Delicious and nutritious, shredded coconut is a fantastic treat for backyard birds. Be sure to choose plain, unsweetened shredded coconut. Desiccated coconut is too powdery and could dangerously bloat their insides.

Melon seeds

After scooping out the seeds and pulp from a cantaloupe or pumpkin, carefully rinse the seeds to remove all the gunk, then spread the seeds on a couple of paper towels to dry. Once the seeds are dried, offer them to backyard birds such as northern cardinals. They’ll love ‘em!

Fruit

Unsurprisingly, the same birds that enjoy jelly love a piece of fruit. Put out half an orange, a couple slices of apple or even a banana and see who shows up for a snack!

Cheese

Once in a while, you can offer your backyard buddies some types of cheese. They love the taste and the protein and fat is healthy for the birds. Grate cheddar, Swiss or Monterey jack cheese and offer, in moderation, to your hungry friends. Soft cheeses such as brie, ricotta and cottage cheese, aren’t appropriate bird food.