Calling all bird lovers! Are you looking for a simple and rewarding way to show your feathered friends some love? Look no further than homemade bird food. Not only is it a fun and educational activity, but it's also a great way to attract a variety of birds to your backyard. From classic suet cakes and energy balls to innovative seed bells and fruit skewers, this article offers a delightful collection of homemade bird food recipes that cater to the diverse dietary needs and preferences of our avian neighbors.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover a treasure trove of easy-to-follow recipes that utilize simple, wholesome ingredients. From the classic suet cakes made with a blend of oats, peanut butter, and lard, to the energy balls packed with seeds, nuts, and dried fruits, each recipe is a culinary delight for birds. Explore the art of creating colorful seed bells, adorned with a symphony of seeds, dried fruits, and nuts, that bring a touch of vibrancy to your garden. And for those who want to indulge their feathered friends with something truly special, there are recipes for delectable fruit skewers, adorned with fresh fruits and berries that provide a burst of flavor and essential nutrients.
Indulge in the joy of nurturing your local bird population with homemade bird food. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or simply looking for a fun and educational activity to enjoy with your family, this collection of recipes is sure to delight you and your feathered companions. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your kitchen, and embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the beauty and diversity of the avian world right in your own backyard.
HOMEMADE BIRD FOOD AND BIRD FEEDER
Provided by Valerie Bertinelli
Time 30m
Yield 2 bird feeders
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Slice the orange in half through the equator. Hold one half of the orange over a mixing bowl and use a spoon to scoop the flesh into the bowl, catching the juices and avoiding breaking through the peel. Repeat the process with the other half of the orange. Use kitchen shears to cut the pulp into smaller pieces.
- Add the almond butter, oats, dried cranberries, pepitas and 1/4 cup sunflower seeds to the bowl with the orange. Use a rubber spatula to mix until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Use a wooden skewer to pierce a hole through an orange peel about 1/2 inch below the cut. Continue to thread the skewer through the orange to reach the other side. Pierce through the orange, creating 2 holes directly across from each other. Remove the skewer and repeat the same process crosswise on the orange, so that you now have 4 holes. Repeat the same process with the other orange half.
- Take one piece of kitchen twine and use the skewer to help the ends of the twine through two of the mirroring holes. Tie a knot at either end of the twine to secure it to the inside of the orange. Repeat the process with the remaining twine. Use one of the wooden skewers to poke from one side of the orange to another, creating a perch. Repeat the process with the remaining skewer, creating an X. Repeat with the second orange half.
- Fill the oranges with the almond butter mixture. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup sunflower seeds. Hang the bird feeders outside on a sturdy branch.
- Any leftover almond butter mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days to refill the feeders. Alternatively, it can be eaten by humans with green yogurt or on toast.
HUMMINGBIRD FOOD
This is such an easy recipe. I don't add any food color to this as I've heard it's not good for the little birds. Do not use honey or other types of sugar, the birds cannot digest them. Also if you have trouble with ants you can now get a little item that has ant repellent in it that doesn't harm the birds. I have one on my hummer feeder.
Provided by Chef Joey Z.
Categories Beverages
Time 10m
Yield 1 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Take the water off the heat and add the sugar.
- Stir to dissolve completely.
- Let the nectar cool.
- Place in a clean hummingbird feeder and hang outside for the birds.
- Note:.
- Change the food at least every three to five days with a new batch to keep it fresh. Remember don't use food coloring.
- Check the bird feeder regularly and every time you change the food to see if any gray mold has formed inside the feeder base, or, any ants have crawled inside to get at the sugar water.
- If you see any take the feeder down and throw the bird food away. It's not good for the birds to drink this. Chances are they won't drink it anyway.
- Clean the hummingbird feeder by rinsing with warm water. Then, put a few drops of bleach into the water inside the feeder and clean with a bottle brush.
- Once clean, rinse thoroughly with fresh water and let dry.
- Fill up with new food and place outside.
- The birds will love you for it!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 774, Sodium 30.4, Carbohydrate 200, Sugar 199.6
BIRD BREAD (BIRD FOOD)
This recipe is from Bird Watcher's Digest. I prefer using peanut butter because it doesn't melt outdoors in the summertime like grease does and birds love it! Cooking time does not include overnight refrigeration.
Provided by txgammi
Categories < 15 Mins
Time 15m
Yield 1 pan
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Slowly melt peanut butter, grease or fat over low heat.
- Add cornmeal or stale cereal crumbs.
- Slowly add enough warm water to make a stiff dough.
- Add birdseed and raisins, nut meats or chopped peanuts.
- Pack mixture into small foil pans or a large flat pan.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Cut into pieces for tying onto tree branches.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 3917.4, Fat 268.8, SaturatedFat 54.3, Sodium 2453.8, Carbohydrate 288.5, Fiber 48.8, Sugar 49.1, Protein 149.3
Tips for Making Homemade Bird Food:
- Use fresh ingredients: Birds prefer fresh food, so use the freshest ingredients you can find.
- Avoid using processed foods: Processed foods are often high in sugar and salt, which are not good for birds.
- Make small batches: Bird food can spoil quickly, so make small batches that you can use up within a few weeks.
- Store bird food in a cool, dry place: Bird food should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Offer a variety of foods: Birds have different preferences, so offer a variety of foods to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need.
- Keep bird feeders clean: Dirty bird feeders can harbor bacteria and mold, which can make birds sick. Clean bird feeders regularly with a mild soap and water solution.
Conclusion:
Making homemade bird food is a great way to attract birds to your yard and provide them with the nutrients they need. By following these tips, you can make bird food that is healthy, nutritious, and delicious. So next time you're looking for a way to give back to nature, try making your own homemade bird food. The birds will thank you for it!
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