How to Make a Wild Bird Garland or Suet Feeder

Contributor

By Kathy Bruins
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (4 Ratings)

Make a Wild Bird Garland or Suet Feeder

During the winter months, it is more difficult for the birds to find food. If you have made it a habit to feed the birds, there is a fun and decorative way for you to provide for your feathered friends. This may also be a way to get you and your family into the Christmas spirit. The act of giving always gives the giver more, don’t you think?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Peanuts in the shell,fruit such as oranges, apples, cranberries and grapes,popped popcorn,slices of bread, peanut butter
Cookie cutter
Twine (not wire or fish line because birds may get tangled in it)
Tapestry needle
Suet from a butcher or bird supply store
Mesh bag
Birdseed and nuts

Step 1

Using the cookie cutter, cut shapes out of the slices of bread (whole wheat works well), using the needle make a small hole on the top of the bread shapes, and let them dry out. Spread peanut butter on dried shapes and sprinkle with birdseed.
Step 2

Cut the length of the garland as long as you want. Cut the oranges and apples into small chunks. Using the tapestry needle, carefully string the fruits, nuts and bread into a decorative pattern. When you have completed your garland, use it to decorate an evergreen outside or another tree or bush that the birds frequently visit. If you have squirrels, they may also want some of this garland, so be mindful of the destruction squirrels may do to the tree.
Step 3

Suet is also a favorite for the birds. You can either buy prepackaged suet at a store that sells bird products or get suet from a butcher. Suet can be melted in a pan, poured into fun-shaped molds, letting the suet harden. Birdseed and nuts can also be added to the suet before it cools.
Step 4

Suet can be placed in mesh bags (the type onions and oranges come in) and hung on branches or bird-feeder hooks. Watch your feathered friends enjoy the great treats you have made for them. Their enjoyment will bring you great satisfaction…and joy.