January 29, 2007

I sure enjoy watching the birds, don’t you? Especially in the winter. Looking out my backyard, I often see cardinals, blue jays, finches, woodpeckers, and a slew of others I have yet to identify. Watching birds is a great pastime of mine, and I enjoy the feeling of relaxation, as I watch them snack on birdseed and suet. The snow in the trees creates a whole new setting for me to watch because the backdrop has changed so much. The colors of birds are intensified so much with the white powder surrounding them as they store up energy.

Looking for great projects that will help you enjoy your winter? Try making Winter Treats for the birds. The recipe comes from Anne Dion, Our Resident Garden Gourmet, who also has many other recipes on our website for everyone to enjoy.

Winter Treats
10 Oranges, cut in half with pulp removed
Suet, chopped into bite-sized pieces (available at Butcher shop)
Black sunflower seeds
Peanut butter
Heavy twine cut into 12” lengths

Knot length of heavy twine at one end. Poke a small hole in the middle of the bottom of the orange half. Insert the twine with the knot on the outside of the orange. Mix together suet, sunflower seed, and peanut butter, using enough peanut butter to hold mixture together. Fill the oranges with the mixture and freeze until hard. Then tie the oranges on tree limbs for the birds to enjoy! And for you to enjoy because you’ll be watching the birds!

Happy Gardening!

Wendy Jasper
Horticultural Advisor

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