How to make bird baths – For Dragonflies And Me

“There is an unreasonable joy to be had from the observation of small birds going about their bright, oblivious business” – Grant Hutchison, The Complete Lachlan.

I have always enjoyed the quiet stillness that resonates while observing these little feathered friends flirt about. I feel very fortunate to have been visited by so many varieties here with our five acres of woods. We have been able to observe several bird species including Baltimore Orioles, rose breasted grosbeaks, ruby throated hummingbirds, and the elusive pileated woodpecker. My personal favorite is the little garden wren who comes and sings while sitting on one of my plant hangers on my deck. I just know they are saying, “Good morning Jean, thanks for the yummy bird seed!”

I’ve always loved watching the birds and teaching my children their species name & different qualities. Feeding the birds has been something I’ve done with my children for many years. I thought why not share a few easy recipes for suet’s & other treats they love!

Bird feed and treats can get a bit expensive, although I feel it is money well spent for the reward of being able to watch such intricate & beautiful creatures so closely.

*PRO TIP:* The territorial Blue Jay can be very defensive around bird feeders, so I grow a row of sunflowers on the edge of our garden just for them. I also have a special dried corn cob holder I put in a tree away from the other feeders. They are very happy and I believe they feel a bit spoiled by me!

I have a beautiful Sweet Autumn Clematis growing on my pool deck, and the birds just love these vining havens. They gather for shelter as well as nesting! Last week I put a bird house in the inside corner… I can’t wait to see who makes it a home!

My good friend Pam, Owner & baker extraordinaire of Cookie Cutter Tweets & Treat the Dog can be found at The Farmington Farmers Market on Saturday & at The Birmingham Farmers Market on Sundays. Be sure to check to make sure she will be there! Besides bird & dog treats, she has super cool pet swag, lovely bird themed décor she creates, and gobs of other cool stuff. Check her out at her Facebook page!

Pam & me at The Birmingham Farmers Market. Pam is the owner & creator for Cookie Cutter Tweets & Treat The Dog!

Bird Feeder Recipes

If you enjoy feeding birds, here are some super easy bird feeder recipes you can make.

Basic Bird Feeder Recipe:
1. Mix together
1 TBSP of white corn syrup with approximately 1 cup of bird seed. Make as much as you want by multiplying this recipe.
2. Using a rolling pin, roll out onto counter or table until about 1/2 inch think.
3. Using cookie cutters, press firmly to cut out shapes.
4. Repeat the process with any remaining seed mix until you have used it all.
5. Using a thin dowel, no larger than a pencil make a hole about 3/4 of an inch below the top edge of the bird treat; using yarn, thin wire or twine make a loop about 12 inches or so long to hang it out with. You can also form into suet size to put into your suet holders.

Suet Cakes:
1. Mix together
2 cups smooth peanut butter with 2 TBSP organic white flour; add 1 cup bird seed of your choice until well blended. Adjust as needed to make a firm consistency.
2. Form mixture into 4″ x 4″ cakes and fill your suet containers.
I only use these in the cooler months as they melt too quickly in the summer.
3. You can store these in the freezer for up to 3 months, so have fun and make ahead when the peanut butter is on sale and you have time!

Save your suet containers for molds.

Hummingbird Nectar: Although you can purchase this rather inexpensively, it is so super easy to make.
1. Add 1 cup of organic sugar to 4 cups hot water;
stir until sugar is completely dissolved then add 2 drops of red food coloring if you want to, but it is not necessary.
3. Store in fridge to cool down and then fill your feeders.
Hang them out and enjoy the flock that will definitely come.

Pro Tip: You can make large batches easily. Simply use the ratio of 4 parts water to 1 part sugar.

Pro Tip: Save the plastic containers from the purchased suet’s to use as forms.
You can also add bacon grease. Adjust recipe to 1 1/2 cups smooth peanut butter & 1/4 cup bacon grease!

Bird Guides

I recommend you find a good birding book in order to learn different species. I have used The Sibley Guide To Birds for years. I always put the date next to the bird the first time I spot it!

Other Ways To Feed The Birds!

Be sure to plant a row of Mammoth or Giant Grey Striped Sunflowers in your veggie garden or somewhere in your gardens. You will be entertained in the fall by many birds looking for food!

Bird baths are essential in the summer, especially if you live in more arid climates. If you don’t have room for a large bird bath, you can use large terra-cotta or plastic plant saucers for them. Simply place them on the ground next to a large shrub so they have somewhere to fly to.