Don't Forget...

To feed the little birds now that it's cold outside and their food sources have become limited! I actually feed them all year round here at the cottage and it brings me great pleasure to watch them flit about our trees, or land just within the view of our resident cat who's eyes light up every time they taunt him. They have an "unspoken" game they play with each other and as long as our kitty is tucked safely behind the glass window, I think it will go on for years to come. It is a delight to watch their antics and their songs always bring cheer, even on the darkest days.

Anyone who has purchased seeds and prepared bird seed blocks knows it can be costly to feed these little creatures. Ours here at the cottage have ravenous appetites, but here is a wonderful recipe that was given to me for making your own homemade blocks for your favorite feathered friends.

Give it a try! The birds will love you for it! They also make perfect gifts for other bird lovers in your life.

You'll Need:
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup water
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
3 tbsp. corn syrup
4 cups birdseed
molds (muffin tin, cookie cutters, etc.)
nonstick spray
drinking straw
waxed paper
ribbon/twine

1: Combine the flour, water, gelatin and corn syrup in a large mixing bowl. Stir until well-combined.

2: Add the birdseed to the mixture, stir until well coated.

3: Spray your mold (or molds if you're making small ones) with cooking spray, and spoon birdseed mixture into each mold. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to pack it down and make the top smooth. Place a straw in each bird block so that you can slip a ribbon through them when they are dry.

4: Leave the birdseed mixture in the molds for two to three hours. Then, remove the straws and lay out a sheet of waxed paper. Gently remove the hardened ornaments from the mold, and place them on the wax paper upside down. Allow them to dry for at least two to three more hours, or overnight.

6: Package them for a wonderful little gift or hang them in the tree for your feathered friends!