Feed the Birds, Feed Your Soul: Easy Treats to Attract Backyard Birds

Because sometimes the best way to unwind is with wings, feathers, and a little peanut butter.

Photo by Bonnie Kittle on Unsplash

Cat lady, bird lady. I’ve been called both. But at this stage in life, I realize that joy comes less from grand adventures and more from the small rituals that brighten my days. For me, one of those rituals has become feeding my backyard birds.

There’s something wonderfully grounding about standing at the kitchen counter, mixing oats and lard, knowing that in a few hours a chickadee will be hanging upside down from the feeder, enjoying the little treat I made. It’s a reminder that even in midlife — when our kids may be grown, our bodies are shifting, and life feels a little unpredictable — we still have the power to nurture.

Birds are the easiest “dependents” you’ll ever have. No tuition bills, no driver’s ed, no teenage backtalk. Just gratitude in the form of song, color, and fluttering wings. And when you’re in the middle of hot flashes or a stressful day, their company feels like a balm.

So, if you’d like to bring a little more peace (and birdsong) to your days, here are three suet recipes to try.

Recipe 1: Classic Peanut Butter Suet