Recipe#13127

Title: Bird Food

rec.food.recipes archive

2 quarts water
 1 cup margarine
 1 cup peanut butter
 4 cup cereal (any combination of cornmeal, rolled oats, Farina, Roman Meal
 or Cream of Wheat) 
 Chopped fruits (raisins, dates, apples) 
 Sunflower seeds or bird seed 
         In a large kettle, bring water and margarine to boiling.  Slowly
 add cereals and cook, stirring constantly until the mixture is fully
 cooked and thick.  Remove from heat. 
         Add peanut butter and desired amount of chopped fruit, nuts and
 seeds.  Cool and place in plastic containers.  [Personal note:  pack the
 stuff into chopped off chunks of discarded panty hose.] Hang the mixture
 in protected crooks of trees.  You can also spread the mixture onto a
 place (don't use aluminum pans; when it's freezing, little bird feet can
 stick to the metal and suffer injury), set out on ground or picnic bench. 
         By placing the food at different elevations, you will attract many
 species of birds.  The food can be preserved in a freezer (if there is any
 left over).  Just be sure to use it within three to four months. 
         Don't forget:  birds need plenty of fresh drinking water.  A word
 of warning:  DO NOT use additives such as glycerine, oils or alcohol to
 prevent freezing.  These substances may kill bids or make them sick.  Keep
 water bowls from freezing either by changing them frequently or heating
 them with warm water.  There are electrical heating devices    available,
 but we suggest they not be used for wildlife. 
         Call us at 206-794-WILD (9453) for more detailed information,
 preferably between 7 and 10 a.m.   We'll be happy to discuss ways you can
 help animals get through a rough winter. 
 Bon appetit!"