2010 Mike Hamilton

At this time of year, birds love fat in the form of beef suet--a high-energy food critical for birds’ survival in the colder months.

With few insects available in winter, suet is an especially strong magnet for birds that eat a lot of bugs in the warmer months. It’s also great for birds with bills that are not adapted to opening seeds.

Bird feeding suppliers now offer a wide array of processed suet cakes, some studded with berries or seeds.   

For more on suet feeders, visit BirdNote.org.