Popcorn & Bird Seed Balls

Here in the South we are lamenting the fact that winter is showing its true colors. We are experiencing unusually cold temperatures for our area. There is a lot of whining complaining protesting on Facebook as some of you may have observed. ;)

Trying to personally refrain from posting weather and “it’s too cold” status updates, I will admit I have commented in agreement on a few friends’ posts. I take my dog, Jax, out on at least half a dozen walks each day so for the most part I have been used to the cold….up until now. We are at 10 degrees but a “feel like” -7. Ouch. Yes, it hurts when I take my pooch out to exercise. My fingers were feeling prickly pain and numbness before I could barely get this photo taken of my sweet boy.

He's wondering what his mama is doing. He LOVES the snow!

Because of the snow and ice, I did not get to go to the store on Monday or Tuesday. Bird seed was on my supply list for my bird feeder. When I noticed the birds chirping loudly Wednesday morning, I realized it was because they were hovering around on all our porches trying to stay as warm as possible. Poor little things. I felt guilty too since their bird feeder was empty.

I thought about making the birds some popcorn but the thought of stringing that stuff put me off. I knew I could simply pop some corn and throw it out there but it was extremely windy and I knew it could be covered in snow quickly. Then the idea of making popcorn balls came to mind. However, time got away from me, and I knew my dear husband was going to take me to the store that evening anyways.

After working twelve hours Wednesday, my sweetie took me so I could get the much needed supplies and groceries. (I think he knew he would benefit too from the food I was buying. If you are wondering why he had to take me, it's because the roads were still icy and we had to go in his truck.) I was filling the bird feeder around 8:30 that night so my birds would have breakfast.

On Thursday, I still wanted to make some popcorn balls even though the birds' feeder was now filled. I looked online for a basic popcorn ball recipe and learned that people already make these for their pet birds (and wild birds as well). I did not want to use most of the ingredients I saw on these recipes, so I did my own thang.

My recipe.....

Popcorn & Bird Seed Balls for Birds
printable recipe here

12-14 cups popcorn, popped and unbuttered
1 cup water
2 packages unflavored gelatin
½ cup smooth peanut butter
1 cup bird seed

In a large bowl, place the popcorn. Set aside. In a small saucepan over medium heat combine the water and gelatin. Bring to a simmer and stir until gelatin is dissolved. Add peanut butter and stir until incorporated. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in bird seed.

Pour over the popcorn and stir to coat.

Form into balls either with your hands or a popcorn baller. Let cool.

Use yarn or twine to wrap around ball and tie to a branch.

Other add-ins: nuts, seeds, or dried fruit like apricots, cherries, cranberries, blueberries, etc

The birds had already discovered the bird feeder Thursday morning. By the mid afternoon they had their yummy popcorn balls. I know they have to be "yummy" because they smelled good even to me with the popcorn and peanut butter.

This is an easy and fun activity to do with your kids. Plus, it’s a great way to take care of the wildlife around your home. You may even find some squirrels (or raccoons which try to climb our feeder) enjoying the treat.

Do you have a bird feeder at your house? Are there any other wild animals you try to think of in the winter weather? Tell me what you do to take care of the wildlife in severe weather!