Winter is quickly approaching, and it’s important that when the cold temperatures hit, we don’t forget about our bird friends! Many varieties of birds, squirrels, and other wildlife don’t hibernate come winter, so it’s crucial that we give them a tasty snack to get them through the winter. Break out that bag of cranberries…you’ll need them to create a winter wildlife food buffet!
Fruit
Birds love to eat fruit! Slice up apples, oranges, grapes, cranberries, or melon rinds and hang them where the birds have easy access. I love the idea of providing the animals with fruit, but I like the thought of using the feeder as a festive piece of yard decor. They’ll even eat popcorn! Make your garland here.
Salt
Just like us humans, our flying friends can crave salt from time to time. Especially in the winter months! Line the edges of your bird feeders with a hint of salt. Kind of like you would a margarita. Winter wildlife will love you for it!
Black Sunflower Seeds and Millet
Make a mix of black sunflower seeds, and inexpensive millet. Millet is found in a large variety of bird seed mixes, and black sunflower seeds provide a high amount of oil that birds seem to love!
Suet
I’m not super familiar with Suet, but it is a high calorie treat that birds love. Composed of hard animal fat, the mixture will melt in hotter temperatures, so plan accordingly! Suet can be purchased for relatively cheap, and you can learn how to flavor your own here!
Peanuts
Birds of many species LOVE the high-fat, high calorie content of peanuts. In fact, it’s many bird’s favorite snacks! String whole peanuts, and popped popcorn on a garland for a tree decoration “for the birds!” TIP: You can use peanut butter as well, and sometimes, they enjoy this even more!
Nyger
Unfamiliar with this kind of seed? I was, too! Nyger is also called a “thistle” seed, and it is a favorite of many winter birds. Nyger is another high calorie, oily seed that the birds can’t get enough of. Here’s how to add this seed to your wildlife buffet!
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