{"id":19693,"date":"2023-01-04T08:55:31","date_gmt":"2023-01-04T13:55:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meadowsfarms.com\/great-big-greenhouse-gardening-blog\/?p=19693"},"modified":"2023-01-04T08:55:31","modified_gmt":"2023-01-04T13:55:31","slug":"national-bird-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meadowsfarms.com\/great-big-greenhouse-gardening-blog\/national-bird-day\/","title":{"rendered":"National Bird Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

This Thursday, January 5th, is National Bird Day, so let\u2019s talk about feeding them. Because there aren\u2019t many insects available over the winter, most of the birds that winter here are seed eaters. Some seeds are better than others, however. Seeds and nuts with a higher fat content are best for winter feeding\u2014black oil sunflower seeds and even peanuts.<\/p>\n

You can use bird seed mixes but do read the ingredient label and try to avoid too many fillers like red millet and wheat. A good mix should contain black oil sunflower seeds, white millet, even cracked corn and\/or peanut bits. Remember, too, black thistle seed (Niger) to attract goldfinches.<\/p>\n

Suet, rendered beef fat, is a great energy source. You can buy prepared suet cakes or make your own and add bird seed, chopped peanuts, etc. To make\u00a0 your own, ask the meat department at your local grocery store if they have leftover beef fat trimmings you can \u201cmelt\u201d down. Here is a suet cake recipe from the Audubon Society:<\/p>\n

Homemade Suet Recipe<\/h3>\n