Came across this recipe for bird treats in the latest copy of Virginia's
'Outdoor Report'.

The following recipe is a great food mixture for birds that can be smeared
on tree bark, fence posts, the wood in a wood pile, or pine cones hung in
the yard where they can be seen from your windows. This mix provides a
supplemental source of fat energy and nutrients to the birds. Making the
mixture is fun, inexpensive and something the whole family can join in.

First, in large bowl, stir together:

1 part flour,
3 parts yellow corn meal,
1 part bird seed,
a handful of raisins and
a handful of shelled peanuts.
Then add 1 part of lard or peanut butter and stir until the mixture holds
together in one big ball. (Or, you can substitute bacon grease that's been
rendered and chilled, but do not use shortening.)

This mixture will attract nuthatches, chickadees, tufted titmice, brown
creepers, woodpeckers, mockingbirds and even bluebirds. Keep a record of
the different species of birds you observe, it's fun and educational for
"children" of all ages. The birds will appreciate it too!


--
John H