Homemade
Bird Bells
This recipe for adorable bird bells will put a song
in the heart of a hungry winter bird! They are easy to make, very inexpensive
and can be made in minutes.
YOU WILL NEED:
Birdseed – this can be a
combination of things, such as sunflower seeds, nuts, dried fruits – be creative.
Imagine what you’d like to eat if you were a hungry little bird.
Syrup
Wax Paper or Non-Stick Spray
Microwave proof containers.
Large bowl and a spoon for
mixing.
MIX IT UP!
That’s it! Mix with
enough syrup to barely coat your birdseed. I put my bird mix into a large
bowl and slowly add the syrup. After you’ve mixed it thoroughly, pack
it very tightly into your microwave container that you’ve either sprayed with
non-stick spray, or lined with wax paper. Wax paper tends to work best
for me. I also use wax paper to press it tightly into the container before
cooking. If you plan to hang up your bell/block you can insert hangers
into them right after they come out of the oven. The seed will tighten
around your hanger as it cools. Use any ‘bird safe’ object as a hanger.
BAKE IT UP!
Bake on high, checking every
2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid scorching. You’ll know that
the ‘bell or block’ is finished when it’s glossy and all the seeds have bonded
together. Thoroughly cool before emptying. Place bird bells/blocks on
feeder. Be sure to also provide plenty of water for all your wild critters.
How to Spot Birds
Set out very early in the morning,
before sunrise. The best areas for spotting include those that have bird
blinds - a partition of sorts where you can 'hide' from the birds. Scatter
a bit of seed and fruit about the viewing area before you settle in behind the blind.
You'll have to remain extremely
quite. Any sudden sounds or movements could scatter the birds. Exercise
patience, and you will be rewarded! Enjoy the beautiful sunrise while
you wait.
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Dressing for the Occasion
Autumn tends to be very unpredictable,
so be sure and don warm layers of clothing. You'll want to wear some water-proofed
shoes or boots that have non-skid soles. If you plan to enter a wooded
or grassy area, wear boots. If you are exploring the wetlands, a pair
of rubber boots would be a wise investment.
The sun can be especially bright
during Autumn, so don't forget those sunshades, and the sunscreen to block out
harmful rays.
Other items you might want to include
are a hat, gloves and a water-proof cushion to sit on.
Your Gear
A few simple pieces of gear will
add some magic to your journey without weighing you down. A canteen is
a must; dehydration can occur in the coldest of months. A pair of good
binoculars is another basic essential for bird watching.
Other items to
consider taking include a field guide that you can use to identify the birds,
a pen and pad to record your spottings (or a journal), some goodies to munch
on, some goodies to share with the birds, a compass, a watch, and a camera.
West Nile Virus Alerts &
Birds
You won't get the West Nile Virus
from viewing birds, or even from handling an infected bird (but be sure and
take precautions by wearing protective gloves). Much is still being learned
about the virus, so it's best to exercise caution.
We do know that West Nile Virus
has devastated a good deal of our bird population. So try to get outdoors
and catch magic soon, because it just could go away.
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