Best Easy Bark Butter Recipe for Birds
Bird watching is a popular pastime for many nature enthusiasts. If you enjoy observing these beautiful creatures in your backyard, then you probably want to attract them with delicious treats. One of the best and easiest treats you can make for birds is bark butter. Bark butter is a homemade bird food that is incredibly simple to prepare and is loved by a wide variety of bird species. In this article, we will share with you the best easy bark butter recipe for birds.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of unsalted, natural peanut butter
– 1 cup of cornmeal
– 1 cup of quick-cooking oats
– 1/2 cup of rendered suet or lard
– 1/2 cup of white or whole wheat flour
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, cornmeal, oats, suet or lard, and flour.
2. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and form a thick, sticky dough.
3. Place the dough in the refrigerator and let it chill for about 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Once the dough has firmed up, remove it from the refrigerator and shape it into small patties or spread it onto tree bark or pine cones.
5. Hang the bark butter patties or pine cones in your backyard trees or place them on bird feeders.
6. Sit back and enjoy watching the birds feast on your homemade bark butter!
Now that you have the recipe, let’s move on to some frequently asked questions about bark butter for birds:
1. What birds will be attracted to bark butter?
Bark butter is a favorite among various bird species, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, and titmice.
2. Can I substitute the peanut butter with another nut butter?
Yes, you can experiment with different nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter. Just make sure they are unsalted and natural.
3. Is it safe to use suet or lard in the recipe?
Suet or lard is safe for birds and provides them with essential fat and energy during colder months.
4. Can I add other ingredients to the bark butter?
Absolutely! You can add dried fruits, chopped nuts, or even birdseed to make the bark butter more enticing to birds.
5. How long does bark butter last?
Bark butter can last for several days if stored in a cool and dry place. However, birds usually devour it quickly!
6. Can I freeze bark butter?
Yes, you can freeze bark butter for long-term storage. Just make sure to thaw it before serving it to the birds.
7. Are there any precautions I should take when feeding bark butter to birds?
Make sure to hang the bark butter away from windows to prevent birds from colliding with them. Also, ensure the bark butter is not exposed to direct sunlight, as it can melt and become messy.
Now that you have the recipe and answers to some common questions, it’s time to gather the ingredients and start making your own bark butter for the birds in your backyard. Enjoy the delightful sights and sounds of these feathered friends as they indulge in your homemade treat!