Tossing a mix of seeds on the ground is an easy way to feed birds. Just
about every seed-eating bird in your neighborhood will stop by. So will
squirrels, chipmunks, mice and rats. Any bird can feed on the ground,
but in the wild few birds other than turkeys and quail find all their
food there. Contrary to popular wisdom, large birds like the cardinals
and doves are not "ground feeding" birds per se.

All birds will use an elevated feeder. The larger birds, with their
larger feet and bodies, require large perches. Cardinals and doves will
visit tube feeders, if you add a tray.

And it's healthier for these songbirds to feed at a feeder, not on the
ground. Any cage bird owner and zookeeper will tell you that the ground
below bird roosts and bird feeders is not where you want your birds to dine.
It's very difficult to sterilize the ground below your feeders.

So resist the temptation to toss food on the ground. Put it in a feeder
where it's dry and protected from contamination.