Serving Up Suet

Female Red-bellied Woodpecker

Variety is the spice of life, and it should always be considered when feeding wild birds as well.  In addition to traditional feeds like black oil sunflower, safflower, nyjer seed and quality mixes, suet can add a whole new dimension to your birding experience.

Suet is inexpensive to provide, and will bring a variety of birds that you may not be attracting with other feeders, including:

• woodpeckers
• nuthatches
• wrens
• warblers
• creepers

  

  Pine Warbler at Suet Feeder
  

Traditionally, suet is the fat from the kidneys and loins of beef.  It can be offered raw, but is safe to use only when temperatures are cooler.  In recent years, manufacturers have created rendered suet recipes that prevent melting and make it safe to use all year long in many climates.

That is where the variety comes into play.  In addition to blends that offer a mix of seeds, there are suet mixes available that include a variety of different nuts, berries, citrus and even insects to attract more species of birds.  The Pine Warbler (above) was a welcome surprise to my suet feeder and allowed me the opportunity to observe a bird that normally would not come near a traditional feeding station.

Like me, if you have a yard full of squirrels where a suet cake will last only a few days, try offering suet that is mixed with hot pepper.  Unlike mammals, birds do not have the taste receptors to detect the capsaicin in peppers that makes them hot. The birds will love it, while squirrels and other mammalian pests will leave it alone.

Having issues with starlings at your suet feeder?  Then switch to a feeder that has a "roof" over the top.  Starlings do not like to feed upside down, and therefore, will be discouraged from a feeder that allows access only at the bottom.

Want to attract some of the larger species of woodpeckers?  Then look for a suet feeder that has a tail prop to help support them while feeding.  There are several varieties on the market that are environmentally friendly and made from 100% recycled plastic (below right), as well as sustainable bamboo.

Plastic Tail Prop Feeder

Downy Woodpecker

Want to blend in with your environment?  Why not offer suet in the form of a log feeder (left). This provides the most natural setting for woodpeckers and other birds that routinely feed off of insects on dead or dying trees.

Manufacturers now offer suet to custom fit these log feeders in a variety of mixtures, including "hot pepper".

If you are not already offering suet, you need to do so today!  Not only will it bring more birds, but will provide them with needed nutrition throughout the winter months.

Happy Birding!

I am available for birding presentations for your business, club or organization. For more information, visit my website at:  Belinda's Website