Do you have too many coffee mugs crowding your cabinets? Turn one into a treat for the birds! First, gather your materials:
- Coffee mug
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup Crisco
- 2 cups of un-medicated chick start
- 2 cups of birdseed
- 1 cup cornmeal
- Stick
- Twine, wire, or a hook
Make your feeder using the following steps: 1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl 2. Press mixture into mug 3. Add a stick for a perch 4. Attach a hook, wire or piece of twine 5. Hang up on any tree or shrub in your yard and enjoy!
This recipe is just a guideline; you can substitute the dry ingredients to attract different types of birds. Raw peanuts, dried mealworms, raisins and other bird-friendly foods are good alternatives. Just be sure to avoid bread or other “unnatural” foods! (Makes enough bird feed for about 4 to 5 mugs. Refrigerate leftover feed in an airtight container.)
For more great stories like this, check out Green Islands Magazine, a bi-monthly publication from Summit Metro Parks.