Hot Pepper No-Melt Suet Seed Bombs

This suet is great for songbirds from Winter through the end of Spring as it can withstand temperatures up to 110 F. Hot pepper is added to prevent rodents such as squirrels and raccoons from feasting. Though mammals have a capsaicin receptor which is responsible for the sensation of heat from hot peppers, birds do not. This suet cake can be turned into a birdpropagated seed bomb if local wild berries and other native seeds are added to the mix. The digestive system of the bird scarifies the hard outer shell of the seeds allowing them to germinate after being spread greater distances through flight. This is a more effective and natural method for seed propagation than planting individual seeds in the wilderness.

Suet is a great feed choice for birds as it offers a rare source of fats during the winter which is essential to migratory and local birds in colder climates to pack on insulation.

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup lard

1 cup crunchy peanut butter

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal

2 cups yellow cornmeal

1 cups all purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup bird feed of choice (sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn, peanuts, safflower seeds)

1/4 cup cayenne pepper powder

1/2 cup local berries or native seeds

1. Place lard and peanut butter into large bowl and mix until well blended. Begin adding dry ingredients a small amount at a time until combined.

2. Once all ingredients are combined begin pressing into sheet pan or mold and chill thoroughly in either fridge or freezer.

3. When the mixture is well chilled, remove from refrigerator and cut into size that will fit into your suet feeder. Hang feeder and replace suet weekly.

This recipe was developed by artist Christopher Lin during the 2022 Winter Workspace residency at Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center.