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.
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.
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 |
