Leaving out suet for birds helps woodpeckers, chickadees, and other insect-eating birds power through cold weather.
It takes lots of energy forwild birds to stay warm in winter.
Gwendolyn Causeris an environmental educator with Audubon Vermont.
Credit: Courtesy of Walmart
Aimee Tomchoserved as a conservation biologist with Audubon North Carolina, and is now with the American Forest Foundation.
Which Birds Does Suet Attract?
While many birds are attracted to this high-energy food source, some are regular visitors to feeders containing suet.
What Is Suet for Birds?
Store-Bought or Homemade Suet for Birds?
And ingredients vary; some are designed to attract specific birds.
Or, make your ownsuet for birds using simple recipes.
A log with drilled holes filled with suet pellets provides a natural perch for birds while they feed.
These can be purchased ready-made, or you’re able to make your own.
More elaborate suet feeders are also available.
Upside-down suet feeders discourage starlings and grackles, who can become aggressive at the feeder.
Locating suet in the right spot in your yard willattract more birdsand keep them safe while they eat.
“Place the suet feeder well off the ground to keep outpredators and squirrels,” says Causer.
Ideally, feeders should be situated at least 10 to 12 feet away from shrubs or trees.
Toprevent harmful window collisions, place feeders within 3 feet of a window or more than 30 feet away.
Once they do, there will likely be steady activity as long as the suet lasts.
Your best clue is to observe bird behavior: Have they stopped feeding on the suet?"
If so, it’s probably time to replace it.
