Winter is here, and while many of us are bundled up inside sipping hot cocoa, our feathered friends outside are braving the cold and looking for ways to stay nourished. Birds in your backyard need extra energy to survive the chilly weather, so why not lend a hand by offering them some tasty winter snacks? Plus, making bird treats can be a fun and rewarding activity for the whole family.
Let’s dive into the best winter bird snacks that are simple, easy to make, and sure to delight the birds in your yard!
1.Classic Suet Cakes
Suet is one of the best snacks to offer birds in the winter because it’s high in fat, which helps them stay warm and energized. Suet cakes are easy to make and attract a variety of birds, from woodpeckers to chickadees. You can find suet at most pet stores, but why not make your own?
Ingredients:
1 cup lard or vegetable shortening
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups birdseed (mixed seeds are ideal)
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
Instructions:
- Melt the lard or vegetable shortening in a large pan on low heat.
- Add the peanut butter and stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Stir in the birdseed, oats, cornmeal, and sunflower seeds.
- Pour the mixture into molds (you can use muffin tins or silicone molds).
- Let the cakes cool and harden, then hang them in trees.
- These suet cakes will provide birds with a much-needed fat boost during those cold winter days!
2.Peanut Butter & Seed Pinecones
This classic bird snack is so easy to make, and it’s a great way to get kids involved in birdfeeding! Plus, it’s fun to watch as birds peck at the pinecone, nibbling away the peanut butter and seeds.
Ingredients:
Pinecones (the larger, the better)
Peanut butter (make sure it’s unsweetened and unsalted)
Birdseed (black oil sunflower seeds work great)
String (optional, for hanging)
Instructions:
- Find a few large pinecones from your yard or a nearby park.
- Tie a string around the top of each pinecone if you’d like to hang them later.
- Use a butter knife to spread a thick layer of peanut butter all over the pinecone, making sure to get into all the crevices.
- Roll the peanut butter-covered pinecone in birdseed until it’s fully coated.
- Hang the pinecones on tree branches or a sturdy feeder hook.
- Watch the birds flock to your yard to enjoy these easy-to-make treats!
3.Frozen Berry and Seed Popsicles
Birds love berries, and in the winter, frozen treats can help them stay hydrated while providing some extra nutrition. Frozen bird popsicles are a fun way to offer a refreshing snack, especially when it’s cold out.
Ingredients:
Fresh or frozen berries (cranberries, blueberries, or strawberries)
Bird seed
Water
Silicone molds or an ice cube tray
Instructions:
- Fill your silicone molds or an ice cube tray with a mixture of berries.
- Add a little bit of birdseed into the molds, making sure it’s spread out evenly.
- Pour water over the berries and seeds to cover them completely.
- Freeze for a few hours or overnight until they are fully frozen.
- Once frozen, pop them out of the mold and hang them from tree branches or place them on a feeder.
- These frozen treats not only look adorable but will also keep birds hydrated and well-fed during the winter months.
4.Birdseed Cookies
Why not turn bird feeding into a fun activity with some birdseed cookies? These treats are simple to make and can be shaped into fun forms like stars, hearts, or simple circles. Your backyard birds will love them!
Ingredients:
2 cups birdseed
1/4 cup unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons corn syrup or honey
1/4 cup flour (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix the gelatin with water in a small pot. Heat it over low heat until the gelatin dissolves completely.
- Stir in the corn syrup or honey and continue to heat for another minute.
- Remove from heat and add the birdseed, mixing until the seeds are well-coated.
- If the mixture seems too wet, you can add a little flour to bind it together.
- Spoon the mixture into cookie cutters on a baking sheet or parchment paper.
- Allow the cookies to cool and harden. Once set, tie a string through the top of each cookie for easy hanging.
- These treats make a cute addition to your yard and will have birds flocking to your feeder in no time!
5.Fruit and Nut Garland
A fruit and nut garland is a festive and nutritious way to feed birds throughout the winter. Plus, it doubles as a beautiful outdoor decoration!
Ingredients:
Fresh fruit (apples, oranges, bananas, or grapes)
Unsalted peanuts (in shells or out)
Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
Twine or string
Needle (for threading)
Instructions:
- Cut the fruit into chunks or slices.
- Thread the needle with twine and carefully string the fruit, alternating with unsalted peanuts and dried fruit.
- Once you have a long garland, tie the ends of the string securely and hang it from a tree branch.
- Birds will love pecking at the fresh fruit and nuts, and you’ll enjoy watching them nibble away at this natural winter snack.
Final Thoughts
Providing your feathered friends with nutritious and fun snacks during the winter months is a wonderful way to support them as they weather the cold. Whether you’re making suet cakes, hanging pinecone treats, or creating festive fruit garlands, there are so many simple and enjoyable ways to feed birds this season.
