Don Orkoskey, a wildlife photographer for more than 20 years, has some unusual backyard regulars. "I'm regularly visited by the same House sparrow as well as some goofy grackles that prefer peanuts but never pass up an opportunity to kick other birds off the suet feeder," he shares. "And a Carolina wren loves to play hide and seek in the gutter on my garage."
What turned his backyard into this thriving bird community? Year-round suet feeding.
While many bird lovers think of suet as winter-only food, that's a missed opportunity. Feeding birds suet throughout all four seasons can transform any backyard into a hub of avian activity.
"Suet is a high-calorie food that is easily digestible," explains Rebecca Lexa, an Oregon Master Naturalist. "Birds don't need to break open shells to access it. They simply nibble off bite-sized pieces."
Orkoskey agrees. "Because it's high in fat, it allows birds to gain valuable calories all year round without spending those calories searching for other sources."
In this guide, we'll explore what is suet for birds, why it matters every season, and how to choose the right products for your backyard.
The secret to suet is the rendered beef tallow.
Traditional suet began as rendered beef fat, but today's products are sophisticated blends designed with birds' nutritional needs in mind. Modern suet combines high-quality fats with seeds, nuts, fruits, and grains to create what's essentially a superfood for birds.
The magic lies in the fat content. While seeds provide protein and carbohydrates, fat delivers the most concentrated energy available — nearly twice the calories per gram compared to other nutrients. "As it lacks the fibers of plant-based food or the chitinous (hard exterior) shells of insects and other arthropods, the bird's digestive system can process suet more quickly," Lexa explains.
This efficiency becomes crucial during challenging periods (like hot and cold weather) and also during important high-energy activities (like nesting and migrating). Unlike seeds that require cracking and processing, suet offers immediate energy. Birds can visit a feeder, grab what they need, and quickly return to safety. This time-saving aspect transforms how birds spend their day. As Orkoskey observes, "When birds have calorie-rich foods like suet, they can spend more time on preening, which means better hygiene. Additionally, they can defend their territories, socialize, and importantly, get more rest."
Today's suet comes in several forms designed for different situations. Traditional suet cakes fit standard cage feeders, while no-melt doughs maintain consistency during summer heat. Bite-sized nuggets work in various feeder types and appeal to smaller birds. And suet plugs offer birds, like woodpeckers, food in a form they're familiar with. You can even choose specialty blends that target specific bird species or solve particular problems like squirrel interference.
Offer birds suet year-round to meet different seasonal needs.
Each season brings unique challenges and opportunities for supporting your feathered friends by offering suet.
Spring: Fueling New Life
Spring might seem abundant, but it demands a lot of energy. Many species arrive exhausted from migration, immediately facing territory establishment, mate-finding, and breeding preparation. For feeding suet in spring, try the C&S Peanut Treat and C&S Mealworm Delight, both of which have a higher protein percentage compared to other suet flavors. The higher protein is beneficial to birds coming out of their fat-heavy winter diets and into the nesting season.
"Many birds enter nesting season after they've undergone an intense spring migration," notes Lexa. "Establishing territory and defending it while finding a mate takes a lot of energy, and suet can be an important food source to help them get through this."
Orkoskey has observed this firsthand, saying, "House wrens, House finches, Song sparrows, and other species love to nest near human buildings. Access to nearby suet gives them the ability to take fewer short trips to keep their calories up and to feed hungry, growing babies."
Summer: Breaking the Feeding Myths
Many people stop feeding birds in summer, thinking natural food is abundant. But this overlooks the intense activity levels of summer bird life. Parent birds work overtime feeding demanding chicks, often making dozens of trips per day to satisfy hungry nestlings.
"By providing a high-energy food source, suet may help birds spend less time foraging and more time resting," explains Lexa. During the hottest months, this energy conservation becomes crucial for survival.
The key is using the right products. Traditional suet melts into a sticky mess during heat waves, potentially harming birds if it gets on their feathers. No Melt Suet Dough products are specially formulated to maintain consistency even when temperatures soar to 100°F — perfect if you live in a warmer climate. Consider these summer favorite suets:
Orkoskey emphasizes proper summer care. "I make sure the suet I feed in spring and early summer is well shaded, and I wipe the bars of my upright suet feeders daily," he says. Orkoskey also recommends avoiding feeders with open bottoms during breeding season, as fat residue on parent birds' bellies can transfer to eggs and block essential oxygen flow.
Fall: Preparation Season
Fall is crunch time. Migrants need fat reserves for journeys, while residents bulk up for winter survival. Two suets that are great for fall use include the C&S Peanut Nuggets and C&S Berry Treat.
"Fall is an important time for birds to be packing on fat, whether that's for the migration ahead or to survive winter's chill," says Lexa. "Suet is an efficient way for birds to get the calories they need, whether they migrate or not."
Orkoskey notes the impressive energy demands of the autumn season. "During fall migration, tens of thousands of birds fly over our homes. They can fly from between 15 and up to 600 miles per day, according to the American Bird Conservancy."
Meanwhile, the National Audubon Society notes that many non-migratory birds will put on upwards of 10% of their body weight in fat to survive the coming winter.
Winter: The Critical Season
Winter is when suet truly shines. "Omnivorous species are especially drawn to suet in the winter because they will access a wide variety of food sources," explains Lexa. "This is especially true later in winter when plant-based foods may be scarce."
Try the C&S Woodpecker Treat and C&S High Energy Treat for feeding during winter months. Both have a higher fat content compared to doughs and nuggets, so they provide more calories needed in the winter.
Orkoskey has noticed distinct patterns. "Downy woodpeckers rely on suet to avoid going hungry, thanks to the scarcity of bugs in winter," he points out. "Birds such as Northern cardinals prefer seeds that are equally scarce by late winter."
Even a Tufted titmouse will go for suet when other food sources are scarce.
Understanding which birds eat suet helps set realistic expectations and choose appropriate products. Not all species are suet fans, but those that are often become your most reliable and entertaining visitors.
Woodpeckers are the classic suet birds, perfectly adapted with strong feet and stiff tail feathers for clinging to vertical feeders. Downy woodpeckers, the smallest North American woodpecker, are especially dependent on winter suet. "In winter, I may get to see birds that don't show up to my seed feeders, but which enjoy the suet, such as Downy woodpeckers," shares Lexa.
Larger woodpeckers like Red-bellied and Hairy woodpeckers also frequent suet feeders, often dominating smaller birds during peak feeding times.
Nuthatches are acrobatic little birds famous for their ability to walk headfirst down tree trunks. Both White-breasted and Red-breasted nuthatches love suet blends that include their favorite seeds, like the C&S Insect Delight No Melt Suet Dough. Their strong bills can handle harder suet formulations, like the C&S Peanut Butter Delight No Melt Suet Dough, that might challenge smaller birds.
Chickadees are among the most fearless and entertaining feeder birds. Black-capped and Carolina chickadees both appreciate suet's high energy content, especially during cold snaps when their rapid metabolism demands constant refueling. These tiny birds often cache food, so don't be surprised if they grab suet pieces and fly away to hide them.
The C&S Bluebird Nuggets particularly appeals to smaller species like bluebirds, with soft, bite-sized pieces perfect for their feeding style and smaller bills. Plus, birders love that these bite-size nuggets make it easy to fill feeders.
Some birds visit seasonally. Orioles are fruit lovers that might stop during spring and fall migration if you offer berry-rich blends like the C&S Oriole Delight No Melt Suet Dough. Their preference for orange and fruit flavors makes them particularly attracted to fruit-enhanced suet.
Year-round residents like cardinals, blue jays, and Tufted titmice may not always choose suet over seeds, but they'll turn to it when other foods are scarce or when they need quick energy boosts.
When purchasing suet, go for the highest quality you can afford. "Look for suet that is well-packaged without obvious signs of spoilage," advises Lexa. "Any seeds mixed in with the suet should be those that birds will eat, like black oil sunflower seeds, rather than cheap filler."
Orkoskey emphasizes the importance of rendered fat, noting that, if it's not rendered, it can become rancid. "This isn't an issue in the winter but is very important if you're feeding year-round," he explains.
Be willing to adjust what you offer and how much as seasons change.
Successful suet feeding requires more than just hanging a feeder and filling it. Location, maintenance, and seasonal adjustments all play crucial roles in attracting birds while keeping them safe.
"Make sure suet feeders are close enough to greenery that birds don't feel too exposed approaching them but not so close that mammals like squirrels begin to visit them and chase the birds away," recommends Lexa.
The ideal placement offers nearby cover within 10 feet — trees, shrubs, or even decorative grasses work well. Birds need escape routes from predators like hawks, but they also need clear sight lines to spot danger while feeding. Position feeders where you can easily access them for refilling and cleaning, but away from high-traffic areas that might spook nervous species.
Weather protection matters year-round. During summer, shade becomes crucial to prevent melting and spoilage. A simple roof or overhang can extend suet life significantly. In winter, wind protection helps birds conserve energy while feeding.
Consider feeder height based on your target species. Woodpeckers and nuthatches prefer feeders 5-10 feet high, while some ground-feeding species might visit platform feeders placed closer to the ground.
Regularly maintaining your suet feeders prevents disease and helps keep birds healthy. Clean feeders bi-weekly, or more frequently in warm weather. Use a brush with warm soapy water for routine cleaning, followed by a 15-minute soak in a 9:1 water-to-bleach solution for disinfection. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before refilling.
Tip: It's a good idea to have two of every feeder, so one is always available to the birds while you're cleaning the second set.
Disease prevention requires vigilance. "If you notice a sick bird at the feeder, take the feeder in, disinfect it, throw away any suet in it," advises Lexa. Be sure you clean and disinfect the feeder thoroughly before putting it back into circulation.
To engage the whole family, Lexa suggests age-appropriate activities. "Younger ones may enjoy getting to put new suet in the feeder," she suggests, "while older kids may help adults with crafting a new feeder."
"Many kids love nature, and being able to put together their own suet feeder lets them feel like they're helping their local birds," notes Lexa. This responsibility often sparks lifelong conservation interests.
Lexa emphasizes conservation impact, noting, "We have destroyed large areas of bird habitat, which includes crucial food sources. By making food available year-round and keeping feeders clean and disease-free, we give local birds a boost in addition to their natural foraging efforts."
Understanding seasonal patterns enhances the experience. "Respecting my local birds' preferences throughout the year means I get to anticipate when they are likely to show up, rather than being frustrated when they aren't around," shares Lexa.
"The biggest mistake with suet is allowing it to get rancid," warns Lexa. "No one wants spoiled food, birds included." Use C&S No Melt Suet Dough varieties in hot weather and hotter climates, and replace frequently.
Remember that what works in spring may not work well in summer. Adds Lexa, "Be prepared to adjust how much suet you feed from season to season."
Start simple with high-quality products to make feeding suet enjoyable all year long.
Starting a successful suet feeding program doesn't require a massive investment or complex setup. Begin with quality products that match your climate and local bird population.
"It's always important to offer a wide variety of foods, because different species have their own preferences, and those may change throughout the year with weather, activity, and migration patterns," advises Lexa.
Consider starting with one high-quality suet cake during peak feeding season (fall through early spring) to gauge local interest. If birds respond well, gradually expand your offerings with seasonal varieties.
Climate considerations matter. Hot, humid areas benefit from no-melt formulations year-round, while colder regions can use traditional suet in winter. Urban areas might need hot pepper varieties to manage squirrel populations, while rural locations may have fewer pest issues.
Keep records of which birds visit when. This helps you anticipate seasonal changes and adjust your feeding strategy accordingly. Some birders keep simple charts noting species, weather conditions, and feeder activity levels.
Don't get discouraged if success doesn't come immediately. "When it comes to feeding birds, consistency is key — as is patience," emphasizes Orkoskey, "It takes time for birds to find your feeders." Building a reliable bird feeding station takes time, and birds need to discover and trust new food sources. Local bird populations also vary by region – what works in one area might not work in another.
Whether you start with a single C&S Berry Treat or use multiple seasonal products, you're making a real difference. Every suet feeder represents a helping hand for wild birds navigating an increasingly challenging world while bringing the incomparable rewards of wildlife observation directly to your backyard.
To learn more about feeding birds that visit your backyard, check out Bird Feeding in Hot vs. Cold Weather. And for a deeper dive into preventing other animals from eating the suet, read How to Prevent Raccoons and Squirrels from Eating from Your Suet Feeders.
Feeding birds suet throughout all four seasons can transform any backyard into a hub of avian activity.
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