“This month is for the birds...”

...I might be heard mumbling as I weave my way through crowded stores, trying to finish up holiday shopping. But when the sun is shining and the air is crystal clear, “for the birds” takes on a whole new meaning. That’s when, while I’m decorating inside and out for the holidays, I take some time to create decorations that our feathered friends will enjoy. It’s also the kind of project kids love to get their hands into, and watching the birds enjoy their handiwork is a great reward for their efforts.

For my ‘bird tree’ I use a lilac tree that grows right outside my window where I can watch the action from close range. If you have nothing growing in a good spot for viewing, consider cutting a small evergreen and setting it up outside. I fill the tree with anything I can think of that the birds would enjoy, like a popcorn/cranberry garland, peanut butter pinecones and balls, and sprigs of millet, all decorated for the season with red bows. Small mesh bags of seed tied with a bow are festive, as are seed pods gathered from the garden and bunched with a ribbon.

To make a popcorn/cranberry garland, simply string popped corn and fresh cranberries using a needle and heavy thread, like upholstery or quilting thread. Be sure to make a bowl of popcorn for yourself while you’re at it!

Peanut butter pinecones are a big hit with the birds. I’m afraid I don’t remember where the recipe came from. It’s just one of those things that hang around forever on a little slip of paper. To make peanut butter pinecones, tie string or wire around the top of the cone for a hanger, then stuff the seed mix under the scales of the cone. Feel free to adjust the mixture with more flour if it’s too sticky or more peanut butter if it’s too crumbly to hold together. Once it’s stuffed, roll it in more birdseed. The birds won’t mind a bit if you decorate your creation with a ribbon. When you run out of pinecones, place leftover mix into a mesh bag to hang on the feeder, or roll it into small balls, cover with mesh and decorate for your tree.

You can also use the mix to make a bird log. Just drill 3/4” holes around a piece of firewood (about 4” diameter works well), and stuff the mix into the holes. Hang the log from a tree branch and watch the woodpeckers and nuthatches have a feast.

A bird wreath is a quick way to decorate a garage or barn wall. Mine is a store-bought wreath decorated with millet sprigs from the pet store, a couple of plain pinecones and some popcorn and cranberries. Seed heads from the garden and seed sachets could also be used. However you choose to decorate your wreath, I suggest you don’t hang it on a door, because the birds can make quite a mess of things with seed hulls, wreath bits and occasional droppings.

This season, on a bright sunny day, take a break from the stress of the holidays to remember that December is “for the birds.”

Peanut Butter Birdseed Mix

1 part peanut butter

1 part vegetable shortening

3 parts cornmeal

1 part flour

1 part finely cracked corn or mixed bird seed

Mix everything together in a large bowl. If too sticky, add more cornmeal or flour. If too crumbly, add more peanut butter.