Have Birds Outside Your Window this Winter

One of my favorite pastimes has always been to watch nature. Since my childhood days, I was fascinated by the actions of those animals just outside my window.

Chipmunks, squirrels, deer, raccoons, and most particularly, birds; I would never tire of watching any of these creatures live out their daily lives. Perhaps that is why I have many bird feeders outside various windows of my house today.

During these colder months, birds visit the feeders more frequently, as many of their food sources are difficult to find through the winter season. As birds feel the cold, as well, their metabolisms are extremely accelerated.

One way to aid our feathered friends is to provide food that will replenish depleted stores of energy and nutrients, helping them to better survive the long, cold days of Ole Man Winter.

Bird Suet is not only a tasty treat for birds, but it provides more than twice the caloric energy as protein or carbohydrates of equivalent weight, which is important to their metabolisms. This quick source of heat and energy is easy to prepare for birds. Four ingredients are needed in order to make your flying friends happy and content this winter.

Mix four cups of cornmeal with one cup of flour. After thoroughly sifting, add a cup of vegetable shortening along with a cup of peanut butter. Again, mix thoroughly, and ta-da, you have your basic recipe for suet.

Now, your bird friends will eat this right up, with no complaints whatsoever. If you wish, though, you can add some other ingredients to the suet, if you prefer. Many times, I add bird seed to the mix. Other additions can include dried fruits and peanuts.

Your suet can be presented to birds a number of ways. Suet feeders are available at many farm and garden stores, and are relatively inexpensive. You can also present suet in a mesh bag, on a tin plate atop a ledge, or even smeared on tree bark.

Once your suet is prepared and in place, it will not take long for the dinner bell to resonate throughout the neighborhood that your place is now the local hot spot for dining out. Chickadees, woodpeckers, bluebirds, mockingbirds, titmice, nuthatches, jays, wrens, and robins all enjoy the benefits of suet.

Birds also need fresh water during the winter months, just as much as they need it in the summer, as well. In fact, birds need water every day, no matter the temperature. Make sure your bird bath is clean and full each day. If a cold spell freezes the water in your bird bath during the night, simply pour some warm water onto the bath to thaw the frozen ice.

Soon, you will find the birds are not only flying straight to your suet, but to your water source, as well. So, find a comfy chair, place it by the window, and relax; a bird show will soon be at your window side. Enjoy!