Birdfeeders

The most economical way to feed birds in your yard is by giving them leftovers from your kitchen. I tend to limit this to only baked goods during the warm months for other foods quickly spoil or attract ants and flies at least. However, during the cold winter months when food is scarce and birds need more food to keep warm, I add many other items to the list. First of all, it is important to use either a suet feeder or a hanging platform feeder . If these kitchen scraps are just scattered on the ground, you are quite likely to invite rats, raccoons and other unwanted creatures to your yard. I like using my hanging platform feeder just because it is easier than regularly opening the suet feeder to put in scraps. The leftover bread crumbs, broken cookies, leftover cake and stale donuts are always enjoyed, but during the winter I add dried cheese (only mild varieties - not blue, etc.), cooked rice and pasta, even a whole baked potato. Meat products should only be put out when it is really cold, for they can turn rancid quickly. Fat trimmed from meat, bacon rinds and cooked hamburger may all be offered during those really cold days, but are best offered in a caged suet feeder. When you cook that morning bacon, pour the leftover grease over a tree branch or pine cone. Birds are even fond of dog and cat food, so that can be added as well. Instead of throwing away those scraps, experiment with what your bird visitors like and don’t like.