Lynn Youngblood

Looking out the window and watching the finches, chicks, juncos, cardinals, assorted sparrows and a plethora of woodpeckers crowding around my feeders, I can usually tell how cold the temperatures are outside. ‘outside. If the feeders overflow from a waiting gallery in nearby trees, I know it’s very cold and most likely below 30 degrees; if the feeders have constant traffic, but not overcrowded, then I know it is slightly cold. It always makes me think of how many people enjoy feeding and watching birds.

February is National Bird Feeding Month, and I’ve always thought about it. Wouldn’t it be better to proclaim a bird feeding month in the fall to prepare people for the winter season? It then occurred to me that a wise person must have realized that by February all natural seeds for most wild birds, indeed most small creatures, were now more than scarce. To make survival even more perilous, this is the time when winter temperatures are coldest and most snowfall occurs.

I decided to do a little research on National Bird Feeding Month. According to audubonpark. com, as well as other websites, it turns out that on February 23, 1994, Congressman John Porter proclaimed February National Bird Feeding Month when he read a resolution in the congressional filing. Below is the formal resolution:

“Sir. Mr. President, I would like to recognize February, one of the toughest months in the United States for wild birds, as National Bird Feeding Month. During this month, individuals are encouraged to provide food, water, and shelter to help wild birds survive….Currently, one-third of the adult population of the United States feeds wild birds in their backyards.

“Additionally, Mr. Chairman, backyard bird feeding is an entertaining, educational and inexpensive hobby enjoyed by children and adults alike. Feeding birds provides a needed break from today’s hectic lifestyles. Adults enjoy the relaxation and calm provided by birdwatching – nature serves as a stress reliever and can start the day on a tranquil note.

“Young children are naturally drawn to wild bird feeding activities, which can be great teaching tools. Children can identify different species of birds with a field guide and can learn about the feeding and living habits of birds. These observations can then provide excellent research opportunities for school projects and reports.

“Feeding wild birds in the yard is an easy-to-start hobby that shouldn’t overwhelm the family budget. It can be as simple as mounting a single feeder outside a window and filling it with a bird seed mix. For many people, the hobby progresses from there. They discover the relationship between the type and location of feeders, the seeds offered there, and the number and varieties of birds attracted. Parents can challenge an inquisitive child’s mind by exploring these factors together as they try to encourage visits from their favorite birds.

Next week I will write about different bird feeders and bird seed. Indeed, there are few things as relaxing and enjoyable as feeding the birds.

Contact Lynn Youngblood at [email protected]