As winter sets in and temperatures drop, backyard bird
enthusiasts face the challenge of keeping birds well-fed and active.
Fortunately, there’s a simple, inexpensive treat that bird lovers are using to
attract a flurry of feathered visitors each morning, turning cold December days
into vibrant displays of wildlife.
The Secret to a Busy Bird Feeder
The treat that has bird enthusiasts buzzing is plain,
natural suet or peanut butter-based snacks, often mixed with
seeds, oats, or dried fruits. These high-energy foods are ideal for winter
because birds need extra calories to maintain their body heat in chilly
weather. Unlike some commercial options, this treat is inexpensive, easy to
prepare, and highly effective at drawing a variety of species.
Why Birds Love It
Birds are naturally attracted to high-fat, high-calorie
foods in the winter. Suet and peanut butter provide essential nutrients that
help them survive freezing temperatures. The texture and aroma of these treats
also stimulate foraging instincts, keeping birds coming back to the feeders
repeatedly. Species commonly seen enjoying this treat include woodpeckers,
chickadees, nuthatches, cardinals, and titmice.
How to Prepare and Offer the Treat
Preparing these winter treats is simple:
- Suet
Cakes: Mix suet (or hardened vegetable fat) with seeds, nuts, and
dried fruits, then press into molds or store-bought feeders.
- Peanut
Butter Treats: Blend peanut butter with oats, sunflower seeds, and
cornmeal to create balls or pressed blocks that can hang or sit on trays.
Placement is key: feeders should be hung or set in a
sheltered location to prevent spoilage and protect the birds from harsh winds.
Refilling daily ensures that the birds can rely on a steady food source.
Benefits Beyond Attraction
Feeding birds during the winter doesn’t just bring joy to
observers—it also supports local wildlife when natural food is scarce.
Consistent feeding can improve survival rates and maintain healthy populations
in your area. Additionally, winter birdwatching fosters an appreciation for
biodiversity and can be an educational experience for families and communities.
A Simple Joy for Winter Mornings
With a little preparation and a small investment, this
December treat can transform your backyard into a lively haven for birds. From
the cheerful chatter of chickadees to the striking plumage of cardinals, bird
lovers can enjoy daily entertainment while providing essential support to their
feathered friends.
Feeding birds in winter is more than a hobby—it’s a way to
connect with nature and make a tangible difference in the survival and
well-being of local wildlife.
References
- Audubon
Society.
Winter Bird Feeding Tips
Provides guidance on what foods attract birds in winter, including suet, seeds, and high-energy treats.
Source: Audubon Society - Cornell
Lab of Ornithology.
Feeding Birds in Winter
Explains which foods are best for different species during cold months and how to prepare suet and peanut butter treats.
Source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology - National
Wildlife Federation (NWF).
Providing Bird Food in Winter
Discusses the importance of high-calorie foods like suet for helping birds maintain energy and survive winter.
Source: NWF - Fry,
D. M., & Dingle, C. (2009).
Winter Feeding of Birds: Nutritional and Behavioral Considerations
Studies the effects of supplemental feeding on bird behavior and survival in cold months. - Stokes,
D., & Stokes, L. (2010).
The Bird Garden: Winter Feeding and Care
Provides practical advice for backyard bird feeding, including recipes for suet cakes and peanut butter treats.
Boston: Little, Brown & Co. - Royal
Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
Winter Feeding: How to Help Garden Birds
Offers guidance on safe, nutritious, and effective foods to feed birds during winter, emphasizing high-fat options.
Source: RSPB
