Having placed various types of food around the garden, having read that some bird like apple, so I tried it.Not a bite ,maybe the wrong variety or do the little bxxxxxx expect me to peel it?
Blackbirds like apples, (and sultanas) just cut them in half or quarters and put them in an open place.
To attract small birds you need good quality seed mix, a little scattered for groundfeeders but not too much, you don't want to attract vermin, and some in hanging feeders. Dried mealworms always disappear quickly too.
My Mum puts pears out for the blackbirds and thrushes - they love them ! Like Robinia says, most birds go mad for dried mealworms. I struggle to keep up with the demand !
It also helps if you can put the piece(s) of fruit on a nail or similar, so it doesn't wobble/roll all over the place. Just use a small nail/brad, that way you can also easily provide fruit at more places at the same time.
Avoid places where a cat could hide and pounce on the bird. These feline fiends soon learn where birds come to eat.