We love to watch the birds feeding in the garden. Whether it’s greenfinches on the seed feeders, blue tits hanging from the fat balls or redwings feasting on cotoneaster berries, our daily encounters with garden birds are uplifting and life-affirming.
Gardeners can help keep birds fed in winter by growing plants that offer berries, fruit and seeds, and by putting out food and water on a regular basis. High-energy foods, such as suet cakes, are ideal to help birds maintain their fat reserves in cold weather and they are so easy to make. Great as a family project in the run up to the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch (see below for more details).
1Н
Collect the ingredients together: suet or lard; bird seed and raisins or sultanas, using a ratio of one third fat, to two thirds dry ingredients. Put the cake cases in a tray. Melt the suet gently in a pan.
3Н
Mix the bird seed and raisins/sultanas together in a bowl and add the melted suet. Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2Н
Pierce a hole in the bottom of each cake case with a skewer or scissors. Thread the twine through the hole and tie a knot inside the cake case.
4
Spoon the suet mix into the cake cases and press down. As the fat hardens, the knot will be held in place. Place in the fridge overnight to set. Can be frozen.
5Н
Remove the paper cases and hang the cakes from a branch, preferably visible from a window so you watch the birds. Don't use in summer as fat can become rancid.
During the winter months, it can be hard for birds to find enough food, so gardeners can play a vital role in providing sustenance