A downy woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens.

This is not my suet feeder. My feeder somehow only attracts starlings. En masse.

Full sizes here and here.

  • potoooooooo ✅️@lemmy.worldEnglish
    5·
    15 days ago

    I lost my shit when a bird finally ate my suet. Very hard to whisper “GET IN HERE!!! THERE’S AN ACTUAL BIRD!!!” when emotions are running so high.

  • Tempus Fugit@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    15 days ago

    I was thinking about making my own suet, but all of my lard has bacon grease mixed in and I don’t think the salt would be good for the birds. I have started draining bacon grease into a separate container, but I don’t have enough yet

  • will@piefed.zipEnglish
    3·
    15 days ago

    My wife and I want to start feeding the birds. We bought a bag of peanuts to try to attract crows, but we’re pretty much attracting everything but right now. We see suet feeders at our local store, is it worth getting some of those over normal loose birdseed?

    • SeductiveTortoise@piefed.socialEnglish
      7·
      15 days ago

      This might not help, but the crows I’m training to be my personal flying army are semi-interested in peanuts, but go absolutely bonkers over the softish dog treats I carry around.

      My dog thinks they’re stupid.

    • Tempus Fugit@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      15 days ago

      Suet is a great way for birds to get some fat, which is important during winter in colder climates. You can make your own, but be cautious of the type of lard you use.

      • will@piefed.zipEnglish
        4·
        15 days ago

        Awesome thanks! I’m in Maine so they’d definitely enjoy some more fat, we will give that a try, thanks again

    • KevinFRK@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      15 days ago

      You will definitely please some birds with suet balls and cakes - but don’t try the fancy ones - suet and seed is fine, berries or the like appears just to be off-putting.