Like much of the country, SunDog House is suffering from a winter blast. We feed birds all year, but in winter our yard is especially busy. Extreme cold snaps can make it challenging for birds to find the calories to stay warm, but we can help them out! Here are four high-protein bird treats you can make at home to help our feathered friends survive these bitter temperatures.

I am no chef, so I sought the assistance of ChatGPT for these recipes. You’ll see many variations of similar recipes across the internet, so exact measurements are not particularly important or necessary. You can be creative and use the ingredients you have on hand. The basics are to have a variety of unsalted seeds, nuts, berries, whole grains (like oats), and/or mealworms, and something like suet or peanut butter to stick them all together. You can hang these treats in your yard, stick them to tree branches, or toss them on the ground. The specifics aren’t as important as just getting the high-calorie treats out there. Your birds will find them and love them. Hopefully, the recipes provided will provide you with some inspiration to make your own.

Peanut Butter Nut Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted peanuts
• 1 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
• 1 cup chopped unsalted almonds
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsalted peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey

Instructions: a. In a food processor, blend the peanuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, and rolled oats until you achieve a coarse mixture. b. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add peanut butter and honey. c. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until you have a sticky consistency. d. Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a tray. e. Refrigerate for an hour to let the balls set. f. Hang these peanut butter nut balls in your garden or from a tree branch for the birds to enjoy.

Suet Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rendered suet (beef fat)
• 1 cup birdseed mix (unsalted sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn)
• 1/2 cup unsalted peanut butter
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

Instructions: a. Melt the suet in a saucepan over low heat until it becomes liquid. b. In a bowl, mix birdseed, peanut butter, and whole wheat flour. c. Pour the melted suet over the birdseed mixture and stir until well combined. d. Allow the mixture to cool slightly. e. Form the mixture into balls and place them in the refrigerator to harden. f. Hang these suet balls in a suet feeder or tie them to tree branches.

Mealworm Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mealworms
• 1 cup quick oats
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped dried fruits (such as apricots or cranberries)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (unsalted)
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil

Instructions: a. Combine mealworms, quick oats, raisins, and chopped dried fruits in a bowl. b. In a separate bowl, mix peanut butter and melted coconut oil. c. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until well incorporated. d. Spoon the mixture into muffin cups or molds. e. Freeze the mealworm muffins until they solidify. f. Place the muffins in your garden or on bird feeders for a protein-packed treat.

Conclusion: By providing these high-protein snacks, you’ll be helping your local bird population endure the challenges of extreme cold weather. Remember to place these treats in accessible locations, ensuring the safety and well-being of the birds that visit your garden during winter. Your efforts as a wildlife gardener play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and creating a welcoming environment for our avian friends.