Welcome to my Bird Blog!

Welcome to all my fellow bird lovers and gardeners! I'm so glad you stopped by.

Migratory bird populations have taken a nose dive in the past 40 years. But you can help bring their numbers back by creating beneficial, beautiful and fun habitats in your own backyard. Discover favorite plants and environments that shelter and feed colorful songbirds, as well as how to make them feel welcome by offering their preferred natural foods.

Grandma Pearl
(Connie Smith)

Monday, January 21, 2013

Easy Treats for Your Backyard Birds

There are lots of creative alternatives to expensive bird seed.  They are just as nutritious, and the birds adore these occasional treats as supplements.


Make a Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich for your Birds!
Spread generic peanut butter and or jelly (any kind) on 2 end crusts of bread, and cut into cubes for a treat your birds can't resist. I first cut the sandwich in half in one direction, and then thirds in the other direction. After that you can cut each section once more. I also do this with day old sliced bread or stale donuts, rolls, etc. The birds will think they've found a gourmet restaurant!

Bring Home a "Birdy Bag"
If you eat out, as many of us do on occasion, any leftover bread,rolls, etc. can be added to a take home bag for the birds.  They love baked goods, which are a good source of energy and much-needed calories, especially in winter and spring.  Nestlings need lots of care from their parents, but the parents need an energy boost from the starch and fat in rolls or day-old doughnuts.

So the next time you eat at a restaurant and there are extra rolls, don't forget about your backyard birds!


Cardinals love melon seeds!

Save and easily dry seeds from your own fruits and veggies, like apples, pears, peppers and pumpkins:
If you eat fresh produce, it is easy to dry the seeds from peppers, apples, melons, squash, pumpkins, etc. (Remove the seeds before cooking or baking any of the produce.) Lay a piece of waxed paper or freezer paper out flat in a dry place that will be undisturbed for about a week. Place your seeds in a single layer on top of the waxed paper. I allow at least a week for the seeds to become thoroughly dry. If they are not totally dry, they will mold and spoil.

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