Christmas for the Birds ...
Are you taking down a fresh-cut Christmas tree and wondering what to do with it? There's a great way to recycle your old Christmas tree, make a feast for the birds, and treat yourself to a show all at the same time. Stand your Christmas tree in the backyard, where it is visible from a window. (If you don't want to use your tree stand, you can nail boards directly into the trunk to make an x-shaped base.) Then get busy decorating the tree for the birds! If you have kids, get them involved in making the treats too.
String edible garlands by using a strong thread or fishing line, threading it through a needle, and use it to string peanuts in the shell, raisins, cut up pieces of fresh or dried fruits, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, etc. Some birds will eat Cheerios as well. Drape these garlands on your tree.
Slices of oranges and persimmons are especially attractive to many birds and can be hung on the tree. Many birds also like corn. It's a bit more work, but you can use a nail to pierce slices of corn on the cob and hang them as well. (Be careful and protect your hands and work surface. This should be done by an adult.)
Wrap a piece of wire (or string) around a pinecone to make a hanger. Spread peanut butter all over the pinecone, then roll it on a plate filled with birdseed until it is well coated. Hang the finished treat on the tree.
If you want to get more creative, you can make lovely shaped ornaments out of birdseed. Heat 1/2 cup water and dissolve a package of gelatin (like Knox) into it, then add 3 tablespoons of corn syup. Add about 3/4 cup of flour and mix it all together. Let cool a bit, then add 4 cups of safflower, millet, or other seeds (or a mixture). This can be pressed into molds to shape, cut with cookie cutters, or shaped by hand on waxed paper. Allow to dry before removing, then tie a ribbon for a hanger and attach it to your tree. Decorations of cranberries, raisins, etc. can be pressed into the mixture while it is being formed.
There are other recipes for bird treats online. Some things to remember ... if it gets too far above freezing, don't put out a lot of high-fat foods all at once. If they spoil, birds can become sick from eating them. High-fat foods ARE idea for birds in very cold weather, just put out as much as they will eat within a day or so. Also, remember that if you feed birds regularly, they will come to expect it and may depend upon you for a source of food. They may not find enough if you then stop.
