Importance of Bird Feeding

February 1, 2009 - February in the Northeast means cold weather, landscapes and roadways filled with snow and ice, and holidays of love and historical  remembrances.  The usual nod to nature occurs with that famous groundhog and his shadow, as he is dragged from his den to do his yearly weather man act. But rightly, the whole month is also dedicated to honor those enthusiastic bird feeders and the birds who love them.

For twelve years the month of February is chosen to honor the bird feeders who have committed themselves to educating anyone within hearing distance of our chirping birds. What joy to give back to nature a little piece of what we may have taken for granted in living our very human lifestyles. The beauty and wonder we feel when watching the antics in our own backyards are priceless.

Bird feeding can also seem anything but priceless to our pocket books.  But this is a passion that needs no expensive equipment or drain on our time. A child can create a simple feeder from milk cartons or we can buy the most elaborately painted and designed feeder available.  The birds are delighted with any receptacle that is easy to find, has a comfortable way to feed, can hold delicious food, and is in a safe location. They are unconcerned if we briefly watch them having breakfast while we wake up with our own coffee, or if we spend a small fortune on scopes and camera equipment to record their every precious moment.

Feeding birds is fun is for any age, but what a real pleasure we get from providing food, water and shelter in our little corner that we happily share with our feathered friends!  Thank the birds for the natural way they devour insects and weed seeds and help reseed trees and other vegetation. This is a very good month to support the birds, whose antics and songs cheer us up all year long.