This bark butter log is an easy gift for bird lovers. Make a tub of bark butter to give with the feeder for a complete gift.
To make the bark butter log, select a fairly straight one about 12-18 inches long with the bark still on. This is for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other birds who prefer tree trunks and branches rather than seed feeders. Insert a large eye hook at the top of the log. Using a 5/8-inch or so drill bit, drill about a dozen holes randomly around the log about an inch deep with the holes slanted downward into the log (so the bark butter won’t fall out). Make a hanging loop out of a sturdy piece of nylon or polyester cord.
Make the bark butter and present it in a nice sealable plastic tub. Include a copy of the recipe and you’ve got a complete gift. Inexpensive, easy, and very thoughtful.
Bird Bark Butter
Adapted from Whitney’s Bird Blog
| half | full | |
| 4 oz. | 8 oz. | lard |
| 1 cup | 2 cups | peanut butter |
| 2 cups | 4 cups | cornmeal |
| 1 cup | 2 cups | rolled oats |
| 1 cup | 2 cups | unsalted sunflowers or bird seed |
Put all ingredients in a food processor and mix thoroughly. Put in container and store at room temperature; spread on tree bark or log drilled with large holes.
Note: Yes, do use the lard because it makes the mixture stick together more than just peanut butter will. Don’t use too much lard or it will be greasy.
