Squirrels and Birdies

Anyone that knows me, knows I LOVE me some birdies and squirrels.  We so enjoy watching them in the backyard, and of course I feed them to keep them happy and in our yard.
That can get expensive.  I have developed a couple ways to feed, that isn't so costly.  I make my own sometimes.

HOMEMADE SUET
3/4 C flour
1/2 C water
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
3 Tbsp. corn syrup
4 C birdseed

Mix this all together and press into a pan or into old suet containers (from the store).  If you press into a pan, let it dry and then cut into appropriate size for feeder.  It will be ready by the next day.  So simple and easy to make.
We have a lot of various woodpeckers that just love this.
*Unflavored gelatin comes a couple to a pack.  Very inexpensive.
You could also add sunflower seeds, peanuts, dry fruit, or any variety of goodies instead of some of the birdseed.

SQUIRREL COOKIES (TREATS)
I have been cleaning out the pantry and basement storage off an on for the past few months.  I found a jar of 5 year old peanut butter, a box of stale cereal, and I have saved some cereal that we just didn't like.  I use all this old stuff to make squirrel cookies.  NO NEED to throw it away.

There is no real recipe - just add dry cereal or oats, some flour, an egg or two, any dried fruit or nuts (optional), a little sugar or syrup, and I pour in about a 1/4 cup of oil.  You can add about anything you want.  I put a couple heaping tablespoons of the old peanut butter in mine too.
You want this to be cookie dough consistency.
Drop onto cookie sheet by teaspoon and bake at 350* for about 13-15 minutes.
The squirrels LOVE them!!!!!

I made 5 dozen Friday.

I see absolutely no reason to throw away things that are stale or un-liked by us.  It saves me money by making it into something for the animals.  I keep all these "old" ingredients in a box together, so it is handy when I feel like baking.
I have been doing this for ages, and we have happy squirrels.

If you enjoy nature as much as I do, I hope this helps you out and maybe saves you a couple dollars!

CHIRP, CHIRP MY CHICKADEES!!!!!!!!!