Home >> Science & Nature >> Nature

How to Attract Pileated Woodpeckers With Suet on the Side of a Tree

Pileated woodpeckers -- crow-sized birds with distinctive black and white coloration and red crests -- are native to United States woodlands. Spreading suet or hanging a suet feeder on the side of a tree will attract pileated woodpeckers and other native wild birds to your yard; especially in the colder months, when insects and other natural food sources diminish. Suet is a high-calorie food that gives birds the energy and insulation they need to survive the winter.

Things You'll Need

1 cup rendered lard
1 cup peanut butter
6 cups oatmeal
1 cup mixed birdseed and dried fruit
Paintbrush
Square baking pan
Suet feeder

Instructions

- 1
  Melt lard in a large saucepan over low heat.
- 2
  Remove the lard when it is fully melted and stir in the peanut butter, oatmeal, birdseed and dried fruit.
- 3
  Paint the suet mixture directly on the side of a tree at least 10 feet above ground. If you prefer to use a suet feeder, you will need to cool the suet first.
- 4
  Pour the suet mixture into a square baking pan and wait for it to cool and solidify.
- 5
  Cut the suet into bricks and place one in a cage-style suet feeder. Attach the feeder to the tree and store remaining suet in the refrigerator.

Nature