Mid-Atlantic Gardening: Mid-Atlantic Bird Watching - Fall 2013, 2 by critterologist

critterologist wrote:
I've never added crushed egg shells. If you do add them, look for a way to sterilize them first -- oven, probably.

I've used regular oats and even other grains.

I also add a lot of ground cayenne, to keep the squirrels out of it. I put it into the peanut butter that I use for the birds (separately from the PB suet recipe) also.

Here are the first 2 visitors to our PB pinecone, a Carolina Wren and a female Downy Woodpecker. They have no trouble reaching "the goods." :-)