We saw this idea in the December edition of the RHS magazine. They used very beautiful mini terracotta plant pots, but since I have a firm resolve to avoid buying ‘stuff’ if at all possible, we thought we’d try a variation of our own, using old mugs.
For five bird-feeders you will need:
· Five old mugs – if you can’t relegate any to garden-bird use, you can pick them up for pennies in charity shops;
· Garden string;
· Four mugs of bird seed / peanuts etc;
· One mug of raw porridge oats;
· 2 x 200g boxes of shredded vegetable suet;
· A large saucepan and spoon.
Instructions:
1. Empty all the suet into the saucepan and melt over a gentle heat, until completely liquid (do not boil);
2. Remove from heat. Tip the bird food into the melted suet and stir.
3. Allow mixture to cool a little before adding the porridge oats – it is important not to cook the oats as sticky gelatinous oats will not be good for little birdie-beaks. Stir thoroughly.
4. Spoon the mixture into the empty mugs. Refrigerate overnight.
5. Thread garden string through the mug handles and tie to sturdy tree branches. If their design allows, try to get the mouths of the mugs to tilt downwards, so rainwater drains out.
I’ve tied mine to some washing line I suspended over our decking (originally for the purpose of stringing up fairy lights, but I never got around to that). Unless the Whalley Range squirrels are particularly adept at tight-rope walking (actually, I’d love to see them try!), the feeders should be safe from uninvited diners.
Since I put my feeders out, the weather has been atrocious and I have only seen interest from a lone great tit, but I’m hoping he’ll let his friends know. And perhaps tell them about the new nesting box too – more about that in the next blog.