33:13 And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children [are] tender, and the flocks and herds with young [are] with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.
** New information for blog, in orange writing added January 17, 2009 update! ALSO, added nesting material info on March 5, 2009! Nesting material portion added at bottom of blog.
Information in blue writing included in original blog.
Build a bird-feeding snowman. Use millet spray for hair or sprinkle seeds on head. Be creative, think of the items that birds eat and how it could be used for the snowman. Cobs of corn, millet sprigs, suet, Strings of popcorn and dried fruit will work great on trees. Extension hooks can be used to string orange pieces, etc.
One source of grit--Bake eggshells at 250 degrees for 20 minutes to kill any bacteria. After they cool, crush them into small pieces. Egg shells has calcium. They need calcium in the spring, too, when laying eggs. For grit, you can also use broken oyster shells, tiny stones, or bought boxed grit.
Thistle feeders attract many small songbirds, too. Nyger, can be used in thistle (in place of thistle, if desired) feeders. Niger is a black seed that goldfinches seem to love.
Safflower is a white seed, slightly smaller than black sunflower seed.
Get black sunflower seeds, sometimes called oil seeds. They're higher in oil content than the grey-and-white-striped sunflower seeds. Dry pumpkin and gourd seed and put them out for the birds.
Cracked corn, shelled peanuts, and meal worms are also good bird feeding additions.
Also, don't forget to keep water available.
I know everyone is busier than usual during this time and the last thing they want to hear is the suggestion to do something else!! LOL!!
According to the weather reports this year, most of us are experiencing cold weather earlier than usual. There are reports of snow in unusual places (Southern California and even Louisiana). Please remember the birds during the cold, long winter!
Birdseed, fresh water (check to see if frozen), and suet are a lifesaver for the birds. Pre-made packages of suet are for sale but I like making my own. I add different things to the mixture, according to what I have on hand at the time. I add raisins, birdseed, oatmeal, and various other ingredients on hand. I place the suet in a mesh bag and hang the bag from a limb. You can also pack suet on/in pine cones. Remember to place the birdseed/suet so that cats can't get to the birds when they are at the feeder! I have a general list of things you can use included in this blog, plus a video that shows how to make pine cone feeder. VERY GOOD VIDEO.
Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a large bowl.
Allow the suet to cool until slightly thickened.
Stir suet into the bowl of mixture and mix thoroughly.
Pour or pack into molds, feeders, or any
Refrigerate until hardened or freeze.
It's great nutrition for the birds during a time that berries, seeds, and other food supply are limited due to weather. Thank you!
*This site has several suet recipes to try (http://www.birdnature.com/suet.html)
Ingredients you may have or consider getting for suet mix. You must have the lard, shortening, or rendered fat. You then add ingredients you want to for a nourishing mixture. Peanut butter is important to add, for sure, too.
This is a "quick list" so you can easily see some of the ingredients that you can select from. You can use bought wire suet feeder, mesh bag (like oranges or onions come in), a pine cone coated with the mixture, or place it on a flat container such as a baking pan, etc.
lard, shortening, or you own rendered fat from meat fat
peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
cornmeal
leftover cornbread, crumbled
oatmeal (flakes or cooked)
unsalted crackers, broken/crushed
dry bread crumbs
crushed graham crackers
dry cereal
sunflower seed and/or mixed wild birdseed
dry dog food or dry cat food (even a little bit of canned might work)
grated sweet potato
grated carrots
all berries and fruits
currants or dates, chopped
DRIED fruit (will last longer than fresh-but fresh will work, too)
crushed egg shells
grated cheddar cheese
popped popcorn, without salt
you may also add grit, since they need grit for digestion
If you know other things, PLEASE add comment to blog! Thanks!
Video "HOW TO" make pine cone feeder to use with suet mix. I see they only put peanut butter and seed on this video, but the method of filling the pine cone is the same with suet mixture.
I am beginning to gather up things to offer as nesting material for the birds. Even though it's still cold, especially in some areas, it's not too early to get material ready for them.
I plan to put string, yarn, along with some other things out in a square suet feeder. I cut the string and yarn in pieces about 4-8 inches long. The wire suet feeder keeps the material from blowing around but they can still reach it through the wire. There are lots of pine trees in Louisiana and moss that is available for them.
If any of you have other materials to add or ways to present it to the birds, please post a comment. I did not add everything I plan to offer. I thought perhaps the people on MYCHURCH could add some comments with tips. I would like to find even more ideas that I have not thought of.
Last year I know of one nest that Carolina Wrens built. I could see the parents building the nest in a hanging plant pot and I got to see some of the babies when they fledged the nest. I was so excited! :)
I love to know the birds feel welcome to build a nest here!
Addition: (March 27, 2009)
I found this youtube of hummingbirds in slow motion, here is link:
That is great advice! Ur reminder comes at a timely time as my feeder ran out of bird feed just before the snow flew...and the snow has stayed. I havenèt seen the little birdies since. I do not know what suet is to make my own recipe. Is is some kind of fat. (sorry my question mark and apostrophe are not working).
I use lard or shortening, in can, from the grocery store. Some people want to render their own--I'm too lazy for that. Thanks for asking about it though!
You can trim excess fat off beef cuts and store in the freezer until enough fat is achieved or you can purchase beef fat from the grocery store or your nearby butcher.
Grind the beef fat with a meat grinder or finely chop the fat. Heat the fat over a low to medium flame until its liquefied. Strain by pouring melted suet through a fine cheesecloth. Let cool to harden. Repeat steps 2-3. If the fat is not rendered twice, the suet will not cake properly. Let cool to harden and store in a covered container in the freezer.
I use bacon grease I set aside for such, as suet (you can get some from the local breakfast/fast food breakfast menu restaurants too). and one can use ham drippings and meat/poultry drippings, they harden in the cold... (I freeze them early and wait for really cold weather before putting out the mesh bag).. the other ingredient absorb the grease... stale bread/cracker/cereal crumbs can be added in place of or with corn meal... I too add other ingredients such as oatmeal, (even cooked) stale fruit of all kinds, birdseed, harvested flower seeds, nuts and crunchy off brand peanut butter, I hate to waste... I do use fresh ingredients too. Good article sis... thanks
LOL, that's a good one GraceAlone. If they are living here where I am, most of them are pampered pets so they will get the finest organic food known to cats :-)
Thanks for reminding me. I have not put up my feeder yet this year. I have a suit feeder. But the big black birds get after it and spoil it for the little guys. So, I bought a long tubular one that the big ones can't get on. I used to have five feeders when I owned my home. The kids used to help make the kind you talk about. But, half the time they ate all the peanut butter, ha, ha. They had a good time making them and helping put them up. But, I had four other types with different kinds of feed. I'll put one or two up today. We are supposed to have a big snowstorm. About 12 inches. There is very little room in Salem to park your cars. So we have to get them off the road when there is a big storm. Most roads are about as big as what a horse would be able to pass in the old days. They kept it that way because they want to keep it just like it was when Washington used to visit his friend "Pickering". There's a wharf called "Pickering's Wharf" nice places to get dinner also.
I know the regular "bird feeders" will probably remember the little birds, even during this busy time--but it would be nice to encourage awareness and a new hobby, possibly for those who really never thought about it!
It always helps to have advice from people such as yourself, for GREAT time savers and tips that work!
THANK YOU for taking the time to share!!! I appreciate you!If you think of something else, please feel free to add your comments.
I agree, I hope everyone is pampering their cats and keeping them indoors--for the cat's own comfort--and the birds!!
GraceAlone, we know you are just helping us have fun!! Serious subject, but we can enjoy getting the message out, too!
This very weekend, we are expecting temps in Louisiana to be in mid 20's or lower, which is very unusual for this time of year.If it's doing this in Louisiana, all of the other states that have really SEVERE winter weather--must be a real challenge for birds to find life saving foods. I suppose that is why I feel the URGENCY to keep this blog going--since it seems to be a early, really cold winter that likely will be a long one, too.
I am all about feeding the birds in the winter even though they are not harsh here. That flying bird startled me joyful servant, then made me laugh. hugs and peace/juanita
Interesting facts about the streets of Salem!!! I certainly did not know the streets were so narrow up there!
Thanks for saying that you would put out a couple of feeders! I am sure the birds will APPRECIATE YOU!!! I can just imagine the fun the children had helping prepare the feeders AND helping themselves to the peanut butter, as you say! Great memories, I am sure.
Wow!!! A FOOT of snow!!! In JUST ONE SNOW???? I would not know what to do in that kind of snow! LOL! Thanks for your comment!
I wanted to go to Home depot to get some seed and another feeder. But, if I leave I'll end up parking my Jeep at the Hawthorn Hotel and walking back. It's not far. But, in the snow. It's a bummer. I have no idea why I am not able to copy and paste here. I tried. I have several photos of Salem in the Winter. Most are "copyrighted" but these are OK. I made one my profile photo, and have a couple more on my photo list. This was a couple years ago around Salem, Massachusetts. Hope you like. Ronnie
That bird startled me, too!!!!! LOL! But, I sent it some help! Ha! Thank you so much for your comment! That's what blogs are for!! Share information with each other!
A good site to see example of three suet feeders (not the free orange/onion bag you can use from grocery store--bags aren't as fancy as the bought kind--but they keep the birds from starving!), go to: http://www.drsfostersmith.com
Yes, I know you are a bird lover--AND that you love the little squirrels! You are right, the little squirrels need some food, too!
Boy! It got cold in Louisiana last night! Even sleet and freezing rain in parts of the state. I KNOW it's got to be even worse in the Northern states. If the little birds are so hungry here--I KNOW they need the extra food in other states that are much colder with heavy icing/snow/sleet, etc. I looked at my feeders and sure enough, those little birds were eating away!!! Made me feel good to know I'd helped them! They are so much fun to watch, anyway.
Just trying to keep folks aware--since everyone is so busy--and may forget the little birds! Thanks for you compliments, Brenda. I do appreciate it!
That dancing penguin is going to need those cranberries and whatever else it can get after expending all that energy dancing!
It is sleeting here in the DEEP SOUTH! Very early for us to have temps in mid to upper 20's! I KNOW it's much, much colder in other states, with lots and lots of ice and snow! Please remember the birds need extra food for extra energy during all of this harsh weather. Pass the word around to your family, friends, and neighbors.
I know many of you already feed the brids and know about the value of suet mixtures--however--some people may never have thought about doing it or may be younger--without recipes for suet! I am just trying to be helpful to them and to the birds!
Thank you Yahschild for all your suggestions and reminders. I just picked up the suet (already mixed with flour), peanut butter and seeds yesterday so will be sure to put it out. The temperatures have warmed up here but there is well over a foot of snow outside my front window. This is much more than we ever get and this is the warm part of the country! The cranberries will be sure to come in handy too!
Thanks for your comment. I looked at your snow photos on your site. Gosh! Snow almost covering up park benches! Whew!!!! I realize those photos were made a couple of years ago but I'm sure with a foot of snow expected in your area, earlier in the week--that you may get as much as shown in the photos this year, too.
Can't you just imagine how hard it is for birds to find food in all of that. Even squirrels build a nest and store acorns and such somewhere, but the birds don't do that!
I heard on the news this morning that weather is wintry, more so than usual, all over the USA. Lots of snow, ice, rain, and COLD temps. Looks like we are in for the long haul this year.
PLEASE readers, PLEASE remember to feed the wild birds. Thanks!
A foot of snow around here is nothing. This is New England you know. Ha ha, like we have the only right to have snow. They have over five hundred inches of snow in Alaska at this time of year. That's a bunch!!
Alaska gets 100 inches of snow!!!!????!!!! WOW!!! I suppose I never thought about it enough to read up on that. Whew! I knew they got a lot, but that is a LOT, LOT, LOT!!! Thanks for your comment! Louisiana is excited to see a few flakes, even if they usually don't stick! LOL!!! Boy, the folks in Louisiana REALLY get all excited if even a little bit sticks--I mean REALLY, REALLY jumping for joy excited!
Anyway, I am glad you plan to feed the birds in New England. I know they will appreciate it--and so do I. I only hope this blog brings attention to folks all over that the little birds need help!
We hope Delbert doesn't try the suet! :) :( :) :)Whew!
Thank you for helping the birds!!! I appreciate you and I KNOW the birds do, too! We are having cold, wet temps here in Louisiana--so, I KNOW we are not the only place that the birds need help!!!
Thanks for your comment and star and helping me bring awareness of the need to feed the little birds!
I am beginning to gather up things to offer as nesting material for the birds. Even though it's still cold, especially in some areas, it's not too early to get material ready for them.
I plan to put string, yarn, along with some other things out in a square suet feeder. I cut the string and yarn in pieces about 4-8 inches long. The wire suet feeder keeps the material from blowing around but they can still reach it through the wire. There are lots of pine trees in Louisiana and moss that is available for them.
If any of you have other materials to add or ways to present it to the birds, please post a comment. I did not add everything I plan to offer. I thought perhaps the people on MYCHURCH could add some comments with tips. I would like to find even more ideas that I have not thought of.
Last year I know of one nest that Carolina Wrens built. I could see the parents building the nest in a hanging plant pot and I got to see some of the babies when they fledged the nest. I was so excited! :)
I love to know the birds feel welcome to build a nest here!
This brings back memories! We used to have a picture window in our living room & my mom would hang up those little spikey things from (I think) sweetgum trees -- she had slatered them in peanut butter & birdseed and hung them along the porch for the cardinals. We'd have the prettiest view from our window!
Living in the country we find our birds using the string from the big bales of hay and bits of decaying feed sacks used to line their nests. They share in all the feed we put out for the cattle and horses, too. My personal favorites are the barn swallows because they "escort" us around the pastures to do the feeding.
Hey sis... as I sat in my hot tub praying this morning... I noticed the birds were gathering nesting material and thought of this blog. We have lots of nesting material around here... Our circular Drive is lined with huge ornamental grasses... my hubbies workshop where he builds Handcrafted Cedar Log Furniture www.RusticCharlie.com has lots of scraps they pick up and take away... our Food garden is mulched with straw and newspapers... and our neighbors have horses... for horse hair. They are well provided for naturally it seems... (we even have seeds in the Ornamentals and Berries on the Trees they eat off of all year); one of Charlie's projects this Spring is to make extra feeders and birdhouses. We so love seeing nature... and the beauty Father has surrounded us with... Thank You Lord! \o/
Great blog... am gonna link it to www.LivingASimplifiedLife.com so others can find it and read the rest of the comments here... Love you sis!!! Good seeing you there by the way!!!
Thank you for visiting this blog. I appreciate your star! I just noticed that I had not thanked you and that just won't do. Always appreciate hearing from you.
Preston Pittman,
I am glad you enjoyed my blog! Thanks for printing it out to share with your parents. I hope they find the information useful. Bless them for feeding everything that lives!
Yeah, you never know on my blogs--anything can happen! I like to share comments with my readers and have fun, too. Bird and cat lovers are welcome--even on the same blog. LOL! Thanks for your star and comment.
Your mother had a great idea. I know the birds appreciated her. The view, from the picture window, sounds wonderful. That's good memories. Thanks for sharing your memories!
Sounds as if the birds around your place have some good materials to line their nests with.(string from dog and cat food bags are good, too) The birds are resourceful, aren't they! The little bits of string from the hay bales and decaying feed sacks are nice for them to use. I would think they might also sneak in a little hay, here and there, too.
Now, the barn swallows do sound great. How nice to have them "escort" you as feed the cattle and horses. I'm sure they hope to snack on the feed as you go! :) Oh, that's right, you did say they did! LOL!
Thank you so much for reading the blog, the star, and for your great comment.
Thanks. I looked at your husband's site that you mentioned in your comment on here. That is BEAUTIFUL work he does! Absolutely beautiful!
Boy! You named off some excellent things the birds find for nesting material, at your place. I KNOW they are greatfull for every single, wonderful thing you have available. Even the horse hair is useful, as you say, the hay and newspaper used for mulch.
Yes, our wonderful FATHER has provided us with remarkable and beautiful things.
I found your simplifiedliving site VERY informative. Thank you for mentioning it in your comment here. I've enjoyed reading through it and will be visiting it.
THANK YOU for linking my blog to your site. As you say, the people you refer from your simplifiedliving.com site can visit this MyChurch site and review everyone's comments and suggestions. I appreciate you very much!
I just added a link to this "Help Our Feathered Friends blog". (it's at the bottom of the blog area, not in comments) The link takes you to a YouTube video of hummingbirds in slow motion. It's neat to watch.
Thanks for bringing my attention that HSW left out the blogspot portion of the http address when she posted the link in comment, above. I'll post the link here, for her. She has links TO guide readers to MyChurch on her site, as well as many thrifty tips, recipes, etc. So, some folks might be doing a search on recipes, find her site and find MYChurch, too, via a link there!
Thanks, I may let our children make a bird feeder. I love the birds. I have a huge pine tree outside my window, and when I wake up I can see the birds come and go; it amazes me the different birds. The bird feeder is right beside my window; I always think of how the birds do not fret about anything; I want to be like that.
Sorry, I did post HSW's link with the blogspot missing in my comment. I'm sorry. I copied it from the orginal which did not have it either. I did correct it a couple of comments above this one, but did not realize that I also posted it wrong in my comment to HSW. Everyone, please note, the correct address is: www.LivingASimplifiedLife.blogspot.com
Thanks!
We are expecting severe thunderstorms any minute so I have to get off of here. I will address the other comments a bit later. You all know I APPRECIATE your reading my blogs and for participating by leaving your comments!
Follow this blog
= (eat) 
, 
, & cat food ! 
! 
