Garden Walks and Birds – Bird Treats and Crafts

The Canadian Geese are leaving the swamp and creek behind the house and the last of the summer and fall birds are migrating. We keep several types of birds here in the Winter months and its nice to hear their songs and watch their activity.

My favorite are the Cardinals. They have such bright color against white snow and grey skies. It’s a promise of spring and the return of nice weather.

There is quite a bit of wild bird food in the shrubs near the creek, in the fields of weeds and Shoemack trees on the hillside. but I like to put birdfood out to help in the coldest winter weather. Many people have stopped putting food out in this area for the birds because it attracts bears. It has made times difficult for the birds in the coldest part of winter.

I just place any bird food treats away from the house and too high for the bears to want to work for. I enjoy watching the birds too much to miss out on watching their antics.

Here is one recipe that is easy to make, healthy for the birds and can be stored until needed.

• 2 tablespoons corn oil,
• 1/2 cups rolled oats,
• one cup peanut butter,
• one cup sunflower seeds,
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flower,
• 1/2 cup crushed egg shells,
• cornmeal, and
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil.

Combine all the ingredients and keep adding the cornmeal until the mix hold together well. Shape into balls and coat with cornmeal. Freeze these until you need them.

When I am ready to use these I place then in netting and hang very high in the trees.

• If you don’t have a problem with bears and other wild animals you can make a Birdfood Wreath or Pinecones. Mix peanut butter, birdseed and suet together until it holds together well but you can still work with it. Spread the mixture on a pinecone or small grapevine wreath. Hang them on a tree outside.

Its fun to watch the birds. One word of caution. If you start to feed them, please continue to do so. They do become dependent on the food and if the weather becomes bad its much harder on them if they loose one of their sources of dependable food.