This spring, when you are choosing trees, shrubs, and even perennials to plant in your yard, consider the birds. These plants not only add texture and color in your landscape, but provide perching areas, food, and shelter.

When planting for the birds, try to incorporate plants that fruit throughout the season. Even before fruiting, dwarf fruit trees, berry bushes, and grapevines produce blooms that will attract insect-eaters like orioles and warblers. Later they will produce fruit for a variety of birds.

Peanut Butter/Eggshell concoction for birds

Ingredients:
1 cup lard
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups quick oats
2 cups cornmeal
1 cup wheat germ
1 cup raisins
1 cup ground eggshells
sugar (just enough to thicken)

Directions:

Grind eggshells in a food processor. Melt lard over medium heat and add eggshells. Cook until eggshells are slightly brown. Remove from heat and add peanut butter. Blend in remaining ingredients, let mixture cool, and pour into containers, then chill. Remove suet cakes from containers, wrap and store in refrigerator or freezer.