Inspired by: @welovenature
Are you looking for a heartfelt, eco-friendly way to connect with nature and support local wildlife? Or perhaps you're searching for a unique, thoughtful gift for a fellow nature enthusiast this holiday season? This incredibly simple, homemade wild bird seed mix is the perfect solution!
This recipe isn't just about providing sustenance; it's a beautiful act of giving back to the planet and helping our feathered friends thrive, especially during colder months. It embodies the spirit of compassion for all animals and the environment, a core value for many, including our inspiring author, @welovenature, who believes "Best Christmas present ever is giving back to nature." This truly is a gift of life and kindness.
Why Make Your Own Wild Bird Seed Mix?
Creating your own bird seed mix ensures you provide pure, beneficial nourishment without unnecessary fillers often found in commercial mixes. It’s a wonderful way to:
- Support Local Ecosystems: Attract a variety of beautiful wild birds to your garden or balcony.
- Promote Wildlife Health: Offer essential energy, especially when natural food sources are scarce.
- Embrace Eco-Friendly Giving: Reduce packaging waste and share a gift that truly gives back.
- Show Compassion: Align with vegan and plant-based values by caring for all creatures, great and small, and the planet we share.
What You'll Need: Ingredients & Equipment
This "recipe" focuses on purity and simplicity, emphasizing the power of natural ingredients.
Ingredients
- 12.6 kg Pure wild bird seeds (ensure these are high-quality, unsalted, and suitable for local wild birds)
Equipment
- Large mixing container or bin
- Scoop or large spoon
- Airtight storage containers or decorative bags/jars for gifting
Simple Steps to Create Your Wild Bird Seed Mix
This is less of a cooking recipe and more of a joyful assembly!
- Gather Your Seeds: Ensure you have a substantial quantity of high-quality, pure wild bird seeds. The original inspiration used a generous 12.6 kg, perfect for continued feeding or multiple gifts!
- Inspect for Purity: Check the seeds for any foreign objects, mold, or signs of staleness. Quality matters for the birds' health.
- Mix (Optional): If you're combining different types of single-ingredient seeds (e.g., black oil sunflower, millet, nyjer), gently mix them thoroughly in your large container to create an even blend. For pure wild bird seeds as specified, this step might be minimal.
- Package with Care:
- For Gifting: Portion the mix into attractive, reusable bags, jars, or tins. Add a festive ribbon and a handmade tag wishing the recipient and their birds well.
- For Personal Use: Store the bulk of your mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
- Place Your Feeders: Hang your bird feeders in a safe location, away from predators, and enjoy watching the wildlife come to visit!
Images from the Post
Variations & Adaptations
While this recipe is beautifully simple, here are a few ways to enhance your homemade bird seed mix:
- Attract Specific Birds: Research local bird species and add specific seeds they prefer (e.g., nyjer for finches, cracked corn for doves).
- Nutritional Boosts: Incorporate bird-safe, unsalted crushed nuts (like walnuts or peanuts) or dried, unsweetened fruit like cranberries or raisins (in moderation) for extra energy.
- DIY Suet Cakes: For colder climates, mix the seeds with melted, unhydrogenated vegetable shortening or coconut oil. Pour into molds and chill to create solid suet cakes, a high-energy treat for winter birds.
- Seasonal Flair: For a Christmas gift, consider adding a few dried cranberries or small, unsalted, unroasted nut pieces for a festive touch.
Tips for a Thriving Bird Sanctuary
- Cleanliness is Key: Regularly clean your bird feeders to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Water Source: Provide a shallow water bath, especially during dry spells or freezing temperatures, as water is just as vital as food.
- Safe Location: Position feeders near natural shelter like trees or shrubs, but far enough from potential predator hiding spots.
- Patience and Observation: It might take a little time for birds to discover a new feeder, but once they do, enjoy the delightful show!
Ready to spread some kindness this season? Craft your own batch of homemade wild bird seed mix and watch your garden come alive with beautiful, thriving wildlife! Share your creations and bird-watching moments with the abillion community!
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