Speaking of #FeedingBirds , the local turkeys enjoyed the leftover dried corn this morning (there was NONE left after their feasting).

#FeedingWildlife #Maine #Wildlife #WildTurkeys

So, first #Robin sighting in the yard today. I'll be feeding them some sterilized eggshells and "gummy worms" (dried mealworms soaked in water for 15 minutes) and other goodies. The local worms are scarce because of the temp changes.

What do robins eat?

"Robins feed on insects (especially beetles) and worms. You might notice one following you about as your dig up your garden hoping to nab a few worms as you unearth them.

Robins can also eat fruit, seeds, suet, crushed peanuts, sunflower hearts and raisins. They particularly enjoy mealworms.

Robins are natural ground feeders, so feeding trays are ideal. Make a mixture of bird seed, sunflower hearts and mealworms, sprinkle it out on a tray and wait for the robins to arrive.

As they’re such fans of mealworms, you can give them an extra helping hand by soaking dried mealworms in water, giving the robins some valuable moisture from the food."

Learn more:
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2019/12/what-do-robins-eat/

#Maine #MaineWx #Birds #MaineBirds #SpringBirds #Robins #SolarPunkSunday #FeedingBirds #WoodlandTrustUK #AnimalProducts

No complaints from the fat crows, plump squirrels and other well-fed critters in the neighborhood. I do expect a complaint to be lodged by the local deer once I put up a fence around my garden plot.

#SolarPunkSunday #Gardening #FeedingBirds #Wildlife #Maine

So, this is something I do. It helps prevent birds from raiding eggs from other nests, since they'll have enough calcium! Make sure you properly sterilize any shells. Also, dried corn also has a decent amount of calcium.

Give #NestingBirds a Calcium Boost By Saving Your Leftover #Eggshells

Your breakfast discards can serve as vital nutrition for females as they make their own eggs.

By BirdNote
Published May 13, 2019

"Birds’ eggs are among nature’s most elegant creations. But they’re not easy to make.

"This American Robin will lay one egg per day for three to four days.

"To make her eggs, the female robin has to use a great deal of calcium. But she can’t just pour herself a nice big glass of milk. She has to find her calcium in nature. And it can be tough to find enough.

"But we can help. During the nesting season, we can give the birds that visit our homes some of that crucial calcium.

"Start off by putting calcium-enriched seed and suet in your bird feeders.

"For the many species that don’t eat seed or suet—like robins—you can give them leftover chicken eggshells instead.

"Rinse the shells off in the sink, spread them out on a cookie sheet, and bake them in the oven at about 250 degrees for 10 minutes. You just want the shells to dry, not brown. When you’re done, crush them up."

Read more:
https://www.audubon.org/news/give-nesting-birds-calcium-boost-saving-your-leftover-eggshells

#SolarPunkSunday #Birds #FeedingBirds #Caretakers #Wildlife #AnimalProducts

The local birds chewed right through all the suet I left out (understandable). I just refilled the suet cages and will whip up some more today (two batches -- one with mealworms, millet and sunflower seeds, the other fruit & nut mix). Hubby asked, "Why do you make suet cakes for the birds? You know you could just buy it." To which I replied, "Why do we make home cooked meals when we could just buy quick meals?"

#AnimalProducts #FeedingBirds

Oh yes, @LaNaehForaday ! I'm heating up some right now for the bird baths!

#SolarPunkSunday #FeedingBirds #WinterBirds #Wildlife

Filled up the bird feeders and threw out some goodies for my corvid pals (leftover canned corn, bits of suet, peanuts, dried mealworms, sunflower seeds). Blue Jays (diindiisiwag in Ojibwe) were especially pleased!

Don't forget to feed your feathered friends (especially if they are used to you feeding them)!

5 Foods You Should Feed Birds in the Winter

By Amy Grisak
Updated on Aug. 27, 2024

- #Suet
- #Peanuts and Peanut Butter
- Nyjer #ThistleSeed
- Black-Oil #Sunflower Seed
- #DriedFruit and Berries

Read more:
https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/attracting-birds/feeding-birds/foods-birds-winter/

#FeedingBirds #SolarPunkSunday #Nature #AnimalProducts

#Robins will keep coming back to your garden with 1 nesting box upgrade in January

These small wooden shelters trap heat with a low entrance, keeping birds warm and safe in winter.

By Grace Piercy, News Reporter
17:24, Wed, Dec 31, 2025 Updated: 17:25, Wed, Dec 31, 2025

"Those looking to bring robins into their garden have been encouraged to upgrade their bird nesting box to a #WinterRoostingBox by House Digest. These small wooden shelters trap heat with a low entrance, keeping birds warm and safe in winter. Nesting boxes, on the other hand, are only intended to protect eggs with a higher entrance to allow for ventilation. This upgrade can be completed simply by using wood filler, weather-resistant screws, and untreated wood shavings. Wild Birds Unlimited recommends flipping boxes upside down to lower the entrance, and filling ventilation holes to prevent heat from escaping. They should be put in a secluded spot, protected from wind, snow, and rain, about six feet off the ground.

"Gardeners have also been told to leave #suet balls in the garden. As food sources dwindle, robins will seek alternative sources of nutrients.

"Richard Green, an animal nutrition expert at Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies, told House Beautiful that the hard, white animal fat is one of the best options for bird food at this time of year."

Learn more:
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/garden/2152244/robin-garden-nesting-box-upgrade-january

#SolarPunkSunday #BirdBoxes #NestingBoxes #Wildlife #FeedingBirds #AnimalProducts