For The Birds

Feeding the bird is a kind act in this harsh winter weather.
They reward you with quite a show as they feed. Once you start feeding the little creatures, they do become dependant on your feeders to stay alive.

Plan your site. Place your feeders so they are is easy to get to when there is snow on the ground. That is a critical time in their little lives. You might find the feeders need to be refilled each day.Ideally, we need two seed dispensers. One for wild bird seed mix and the other for sunflower seeds. I have a third for thistle, as there are many wild finch in our area.Here's a recipe to make suet patty for the finches.

Finch Fries

Raw beef suet (ask the butcher...that's beef tallow) and put through grinder or have butcher grind it for you.
1/2 Cup American cheese
1 cup millet
1/2 cup bread crumbs
Sand for grit

Save tuna or cat food size cans.
Cube the cheese, add millet, bread crumbs and sand ~ devide this into four of the little cans.

Melt the suet in double boiler and set aside to cool.

When hardened slightly and then re-heat again to make it smoother.

When it is in liquid form the second time pour over the mixture you have in the 4 tins. Fill to the top and then refrigerate to harden.

Nail to trees with 6 inch nails. Cover the end of the nails with tape to make a
safe perch for the birds.

The finches turn all brown in the winter time and spring, you will see them change to their bright colors.