A Decorative Treat for the Birds

Dress up your landscape with a decorative suet feeder and the colorful birds that are sure to visit.

Make your own suet from this or your favorite recipe. Simply melt and mix 1 cup of shortening and 1 cup of peanut butter in a saucepan on low heat. Stir in 2 cups of oatmeal, 2 cups of yellow cornmeal, 1 cup of all purpose flour and 1/3 cup of sugar. Stir in raisins and bird seed as desired.

Now comes the fun part. Pour into a small Bundt pan, jello mold, or other circular mold. Allow to cool.

Or break out the metal cookie cutters. Place the cookie cutters on a waxpaper covered cookie sheet. Press the warm suet into the cookie cutter. Use a chop stick to punch a hole in the top for hanging.

Once cool, add a colorful ribbon or yarn for hanging the decorative suet feeder in a tree for the birds to enjoy.

A bit more information: Follow this advice from the Audubon Society. Place birdfeeders in sheltered areas out of the wind, with good nearby cover and minimal hazards.