Make Bird Granola

Breakfast for the Birds

By Sheena Adams | Image: Terry Guscott

Making homemade bird granola is a fun and virtually effortless way to keep feathered winter visitors happy and healthy all season long. A properly prepared granola is not only tasty for the birds, but also full of nourishing vitamins. It should contain calcium to help with eggshell development, plus enough fat to keep the little birds warm in the winter. At this time of year, birds need to eat regularly in order to produce enough energy to survive the cold.

Feeding the birds can be great entertainment and an excellent way to add life to the winter garden. Be sure to wash your feeders regularly to ensure clean conditions. A simple scrub with baking soda and lemon, followed by a good rinse and a thorough drying a couple of times a season will do.

Protect the feed from rain, as it will cause spoilage and create mould, and remember to position your feeders at many different levels – the average yard
receives visits from 15 different bird species, so mixing up the heights will entice all the more to stay awhile.

BIRD GRANOLA

1 cup (250 mL) peanut oil
1/2 cup (125 mL) honey
2 cups (250 mL) chopped mixed nuts
2 cups (250 mL) rolled oats
1/2 cup (125 mL) dried cranberries (optional)
1 cup (250 mL) raisins
3 cups (750 mL) sunflower seeds

Warm honey and oil and mix thoroughly. Combine dry ingredients; gently blend with honey mixture. Pour into glass baking dish and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. After cooling, crumble granola and fill bird feeders. To store extra granola, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator.