Homemade bird food is an economical alternative to store bought bird foods. If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed that the cost of bird foods, like black-oil sunflower seed, have gone up about 50% over last year. Many of my readers have contacted me with concerns about being able to afford the cost of feeding wild birds this winter.
If you want to reduce the cost of feeding birds this winter, consider supplementing store bought birdseed with homemade bird food. You may be surprised to know that there are several common foods in your kitchen that can be used as bird food.
You can use bread, cornbread, donuts, bagels, oatmeal, cornmeal, peanut butter, peanuts, mixed nuts, cheese, fruit, dried fruit, shortening plus many other items. Try different items, mix some together and see what works best for you. You may be surprised at all the wild birds that are attracted to your creations.
If you need some help getting started try one of these homemade bird food recipes.
When making your own bird food JUST HAVE FUN! It can be very satisfying when you discover a blend that attracts wild birds that you have never had at your feeders. If you have a successful bird food recipe, please share it with us here. To show my appreciation for your entry I will give you a free copy of my ebook, “Easy to Make Homemade Bird Foods and Bird Feeding Tips“.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
This is a question I hear a lot this time of year. The answer depends on several things including where you live.
One answer I often hear is:
“You should stop feeding hummingbirds in the fall so that they can begin their southern migration.”
This is actually a myth. The urge to migrate is activated by several factors, but the most significant one is the number of hours of sunlight. No matter how much food is around, when the days get shorter, the hummingbirds will move on.
I recommend leaving your feeders out for a few weeks after your see your last hummingbird. Occasionally an individual hummingbird doesn’t migrate on schedule, due to illness or injury. These late migrants will appreciate having a reliable source of food when only a few natural flowers remain in bloom. The added food source will provide the extra energy needed to complete their migration.
When will you see your last hummingbird? Well that depends on where you live. Here in New Hampshire it is around the end of September, but in southern areas of the United States it may not be until mid to late November. If you plan on feeding hummingbirds year after year, you may find it helpful to mark your calendar when you take your hummingbird feeders down. This will serve as a reminder for years to come.
For more information about hummingbirds check these links:
Hummingbird Migration
Hummingbird Migration Map
Hummingbird Feeder Recipe
Facts About Hummingbirds
Best Hummingbird Feeders
