When winter rolls around and the temperatures drop, our feathered friends need a little extra help finding food. Providing suet cakes filled with rich nutrients helps birds stay warm and energized during the cold months. This Woodpecker Suet Cake recipe is easy to make and will attract a variety of bird species to your backyard. Hang it on a sturdy branch or feeder to enjoy the lively sights and sounds of birds feeding. Let’s get cooking!
Woodpecker Suet Cake
Ingredients:
– 1 cup lard
– 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
– 2 cups cornmeal
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup sunflower seeds
– 1 cup chopped peanuts
– 1/2 cup dried fruit mix
– 1/4 cup sugar
– Optional: dried mealworms for extra protein
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the lard and peanut butter together. Stir gently until well combined.
2. Add the cornmeal and rolled oats into the saucepan, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and forms a dough-like consistency.
3. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before adding the sunflower seeds, chopped peanuts, dried fruit mix, and sugar. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. If using dried mealworms, gently fold them into the mixture at this point for an added protein boost that will attract insect-eating birds like woodpeckers.
5. Line a baking dish or mold with parchment paper and carefully press the suet mixture into it, making sure to pack it tightly and smooth the top.
6. Refrigerate the suet cake for at least 2-3 hours or until it hardens completely.
7. Once the cake is firm, remove it from the mold and cut it into smaller portions or leave it as one large cake, depending on your preference.
8. Using twine or string, create a loop at the top of the suet cake for easy hanging.
9. Hang the Woodpecker Suet Cake in a cool, shaded area of your garden or backyard. Ensure it is secure and at a height where birds can easily access it.
10. Sit back, relax, and enjoy watching a variety of birds, including woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, and more, feasting on the nutritious treat you’ve provided.
By making this Woodpecker Suet Cake, you’re not only helping birds survive the winter but also creating a peaceful and vibrant environment in your outdoor space. Remember to check and refill the suet cake as needed, especially during colder months when birds require more energy to stay warm. Get ready to witness the beauty of nature up close with this simple and effective DIY suet cake recipe.
