Birds Make Good Neighbors

Early January, 2010, we had a light dusting of snow here in Knoxville, TN; roughly an inch. The birds came out of the woodwork, desperate for food. At the time I only had one feeding station, so I added a second feeder, about 30 yards away, in the brushy area of our backyard. Several “new to me” birds introduced themselves, including an Eastern Towhee, a Dark-eyed Junco, a Woodthrush and the ever-so-frisky Carolina Wren.

Eastern Towhee

I dug out several of my backyard birding books looking for what particular foods these “new” birds ate; I wanted to keep them around! One bird in specific, I noticed the Carolina Wren constantly hopping around my main feeder. The wren’s diet is mainly made up of insects, but they will eat seeds and berries, although rather infrequently. Reading that many birds love suet – and I figured it being winter - what a perfect time to try a homemade version!

There are several suet recipes readily available online as well as cheap suet blocks for sale in almost every local grocery store; however, I simply used whatever I could find around the house, since I didn’t want to wait to go to market. Plus, I was iced in and couldn’t drive for the day.

Easy, Simple Peanut Butter Suet

1.)  Place 1/2 cup Criso (or shortening of your choice) and 1/2 cup peanut butter in a saucepan and melt on low heat, stirring occasionally.

2.)  Add 1 & 1/2 cups plain cornmeal.  I used the Jiffy Cornbread from the box.  Stir until combined.

3.)  Next I added a handful of Quaker Oatmeal, sunflower seeds, craisins and some dried blueberries.  You may also add raisins, apple chunks, bread crumbs, bird seed, mixed fruit, nuts, grated orange peels or any other bird friendly foods.  Stir again until combined.

4.)  Pour into a plastic container lined with aluminum foil (I used a cool whip container).  Place in the fridge to cool.  It won’t take long to harden.

5.)  Once cooled, cut into squares and place directly into your suet basket or cage.   Refrigerate any leftovers.  Double recipe for an extra winter supply.

Melted Homemade Suet

Hardened Homemade Suet 

Not only did this recipe attract Carolina Wrens, but the Downy Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse and several chickadees enjoyed snacking on it as well!  Not only was it a treat for them, but a treat for me to watch!

I’ve posted a short (not so great quality) video of a Carolina Wren happily enjoying some sunflower seeds, as well as the homemade peanut butter suet.  So fun!