Winter Birds: Homemade Bird Food and Suet
Chicken scratch, bacon grease & peanut butter
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As I sit here watching the snow blow sideways, I can’t help but think about how challenging winter must be for our feathered friends. With icy winds and scarce food sources, it’s a tough season to endure. While I bundle up inside by the fire, the birds are out there braving the elements, searching for nourishment wherever they can find it. That’s why I love making suet this time of year—a simple, nourishing treat to help them get through the cold months. It’s not just about providing food; it’s about offering a little kindness to the wildlife that brings so much beauty to our world, even in the heart of winter. Let’s dive into how we can lend a hand to our backyard birds and keep them thriving all season long.
5 grain chicken scratch with dried mealworms
Why Should you feed Birds in the Winter?
Winter can be a tough season for birds. Natural food sources like insects, seeds, and berries are often scarce, and the cold weather means birds need extra energy to stay warm. Providing food during this challenging time can:
Help local bird populations thrive.
Offer essential nutrients that support their survival.
Create an opportunity for you to observe and appreciate wildlife up close.
What Ingredients Do you need for Winter Bird Food?
You might have some of this already. Crafting a homemade mix of bird food and suet is easy and customizable. Here’s what to include:
High-Energy Seeds: Chicken Scratch Mix Link
Black-oil sunflower seeds: A favorite for many species, rich in fat and easy to eat.
Millet or cracked corn: Great for ground-feeding birds such as sparrows and juncos.
Nuts:
Peanuts (unsalted, shelled or crushed): Packed with protein and healthy fats.
Dried Fruits:
Raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apples: Add natural sugars and extra energy. Check your pantry!
Suet:
Made from rendered animal fat, suet provides dense energy for cold weather.
Optional Add-Ins:
Mealworms (dried or fresh) or black fly larvae for insect-eating birds. Many seed mixes may have these mixed into them.
Unsweetened shredded coconut for additional fat.
6. Suet Feeders - I have purchased 2 of these from Amazon
7. Link to suet cakes if you still want to feed birds, but don’t want a mess in your kitchen!
Pinecones dipped in peanut butter mixed with bacon grease and rolled in seed mix.
How to Make Your Own Suet Mix
Creating homemade suet blocks is a fun and rewarding activity—and it’s an especially great project to do with kids! Children will love mixing the ingredients, pressing them into molds or pan, and seeing their creations enjoyed by birds in the backyard. Here’s a simple recipe to get started:
Ingredients:
1 cup rendered suet, lard, bacon grease
1 cup chunky peanut butter
2-3 cups birdseed mix (sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn)
1 cup chopped nuts or dried fruits
Instructions:
Melt the suet or lard over low heat until fully liquefied.
Stir in the peanut butter until smooth.
Remove from heat and mix in the birdseed, nuts, and dried fruits.
Pour the mixture into molds, muffin tins, or a lined baking dish. Let kids press the mixture into cookie cutters for fun shapes.
Allow to cool and solidify. Once firm, cut into blocks or shapes as needed.
Store in the fridge or freezer until ready to use.
Suet mix ready to be put in the freezer
Setting Up a Bird Feeder
Once your homemade bird food and suet are ready, it’s time to set up a feeder:
Location: Choose a safe spot, away from predators like cats, and near trees or shrubs for shelter.
Feeder Types:
Platform or tray feeders for loose mixes.
Tube feeders for seeds.
Cleanliness: Clean feeders regularly to prevent the spread of disease among birds.
Ready to cut
Tips for Attracting More Birds
Diverse Food Options: Offer a variety of seeds, suet, and nuts to attract a wide range of species.
Water Source: Provide fresh water, even in winter. A heated birdbath can prevent freezing.
Shelter: Plant evergreen shrubs or trees nearby to give birds a place to rest and stay warm.
Consistency: Keep feeders stocked throughout the winter so birds can rely on your yard as a food source.
Suet bars cut
Observing and Enjoying Winter Birds
Feeding birds in winter brings the beauty of nature to your doorstep. Keep a journal to record the different species you see or set up a camera to capture their visits. Common winter birds include:
Chickadees
Cardinals
Woodpeckers
Blue Jays
Sparrows
Juncos
Here is a link to the Missouri Department of Conservation Bird Field Guide: Bird ID
A Winter Gift for Your Feathered Friends
By mixing bird food and suet, you’re not only supporting local wildlife but also inviting the vibrant world of birds into your backyard. It’s a simple act of care that transforms the harshness of winter into an opportunity to connect with nature. Whether you’re new to feeding birds or have been doing it for years, your homemade offerings will be a lifeline for your feathered neighbors—and a source of joy for you and your family. Plus, involving children in making suet cakes can turn this into a fun, educational activity that they’ll love seeing come to life in your yard. I finished this blog post and I’m still watching it snow!
Ready to brave the snow and go hang up!
