How to make a bird charcuterie board
With a little creativity, you can whip up a bird charcuterie board that will attract a variety of birds to your feeder and add a festive touch to your yard. This fun winter DIY project is perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike. Here's how to create a bird-friendly charcuterie board that’s beautiful and nutritional.
What is charcuterie for birds?
Traditional charcuterie boards are known for their eye-catching arrangements of meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts. A bird charcuterie board has a nature-inspired twist - a feast for birds made with nutritious treats like seeds, fruits, and suet. Not only will this project brighten your outdoor space, but it will also help sustain your feathered friends during the colder months when food is scarce.
Bird charcuterie board recipe ideas
When choosing ingredients, aim for a mix of textures, colors, and nutrients to attract a variety of birds. Here are some ideas:
Seeds and nuts
- Black oil sunflower seeds: Our #1 recommended seed type that offers the best nutrients and attracts the widest variety of birds.
- Seed blends: Opt for high-quality mixes with minimal fillers.
- Whole shelled peanuts: Make sure they are unsalted.
Fruits
- Fresh fruits: Whole fruits like apples and oranges should be sliced to make it easier for birds to consume. Whole berries like cranberries, blueberries and grapes add vibrant color and essential nutrients.
- Dried fruits: Dried fruits like raisins, apricots or currants (unsweetened and preservative-free) are also great options. Make sure to soak them before adding them to your board to make them easier for the birds to eat.
Suet
- Bark butter: A spreadable form of suet that’s easy to apply to various surfaces. Mold bark butter into festive shapes like triangles to resemble cheese, or dollop it into a dish as a fun "dip" for birds.
- Suet nuggets and pellets: These energy-packed treats can be piled into bowls or sprinkled around your charcuterie board.
- Suet cakes: Cut them into triangles or other shapes to resemble cheese slices for an attractive addition to your display.
Mealworms
- Dried mealworms: A protein-packed snack that insectivorous birds will love. Sprinkle them into bowls or scatter them across the board for easy access.
Extra embellishments
Take your bird charcuterie board to the next level with these creative touches:
- Seed-coated bark butter: Dip bark butter into seeds for a deluxe treat.
- Whole wheat toast shapes: Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes, spread with peanut butter, and coat in seeds.
- Pinecones: Spread peanut butter or suet on pinecones, then roll them in seeds.
- Herbs and pine twigs: While these items are not for the birds to eat, they can add a festive flair to your charcuterie board. Sprigs of rosemary or thyme can add a festive touch and are not harmful to birds.
- Seed ornaments: Hang bird seed ornaments nearby to complement your board.
How to arrange your charcuterie board
A well-arranged board isn’t just pleasing to the eye; it can also help keep items in place and make them more accessible to birds. Follow these steps for a perfect setup:
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Choose your "board" or feeder: The best serving platter for a bird charcuterie board is a platform feeder or tray feeder. Look for one with a perforated seed tray that allows water to drain, preventing your ingredients from becoming soggy due to rain or snowmelt. To shield your creation from the elements, consider adding a weather baffle for extra protection.
For a unique and up-close experience, create a mini charcuterie on the tray of a window bird feeder! If you’d prefer a simpler approach, you can also use a plate, tray, or even arrange the items directly on the ground or deck.
- Anchor larger items: Start with one or two "anchor" items like small bowls filled with seeds or sliced fruits. These heavier items will stay put and serve as focal points.
- Add variety: Arrange suet, bark butter, and pinecones next. They provide texture and additional feeding opportunities.
- Fill gaps: Use loose seeds, nuts, and berries to fill in any gaps. For an artistic touch, arrange them in swirls or patterns.
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Embellish: Finish the look with sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or pine for a touch of green.
See a video of our bird charcuterie board on YouTube.
Final Tips
- Keep it clean: Regularly clean your feeder or replace your ground display to prevent mold and bacteria.
- Watch for visitors: Place your charcuterie board in a spot visible from your windows or outside recreation area so you can enjoy watching the birds feast!
- Experiment with ingredients: Different birds have different preferences, so don’t hesitate to try new foods and see what works best. Watch and see what the birds prefer and consider adding something new to your bird feeding setup!
Creating a bird charcuterie board is a fun way support your local wildlife. It’s a win-win for you and your feathered friends!
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