Energy Bars for Wild Birds

I was going to add a few wild bird pictures to my collection so I’d have more to share here but it’s been so cold lately I haven’t been willing to leave the kitchen door and window open. Next week looks much warmer so I plan to be out photographing birds and more.

Extra fat, calories and protein help the birds get through days like today when a blizzard blows through. The only birds at the feeding station this morning are European starlings, and they’re feasting on this energy bar.

Some measurements are approximate.

2 cups peanut butter
1/2 cup lard
Enough peanuts (shelled), dried fruit and bird seed to make a sticky ball. Lard will make the bar solid when it cools.

Melt the lard and peanut butter together. Turn heat off. Add nuts, seeds and fruit and stir well. Continue to add bird seed until a solid, sticky ball forms in the pan.

Fill molds or containers and place in the freezer or fridge until cold enough to handle without being a mess. Place in mesh bag or wire holder and hang for the birds.

Robin Follette

About Robin Follette

Maine Press Association award winner, 2013. Robin's Outdoors, Bangor Daily News, third place in Sports blogs. I grew up with a fishing pole in my hand and have always loved the outdoors. From gardening to hunting and fishing, kayaking, camping, hiking and foraging, most of my time is spent outdoors. I teach outdoor skills as a volunteer instructor for Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs and Becoming an Outdoors-Woman. Pro-staff at The Limb Grip. My personal blog is here. I'm currently working on my first book, a collection of short stories based on my outdoors experiences.