Be a backyard birdwatcher; it’s easy, inexpensive
Stuck inside due to the cold or COVID-19, people can enjoy colorful wildlife right outside their windows. Birds have always represented freedom and hope, and all you have to do is look up.
“This year we have seen an explosion of interest in feeding wild birds. People are stuck at home and looking for something fun and diversionary to alleviate the stress of the pandemic,” said bird feeding expert Elaine Cole, owner of Cole’s Wild Bird Products.
“Feeding wild birds provides a unique way to lower stress levels and simply enjoy nature. Watching the birds feed and interact is very calming. It’s the perfect preamble for a yoga session or as a way to quiet your mind before meditation. Many lifestyle experts and doctors recommend birdwatching as a great way to slow down and be more in the moment.”
Birdwatching is an engaging family activity and can help people of all ages ditch their devices.
“Birdwatching from home is safe, fun and fulfilling, so it’s a great way to relax,” said Emma Greig, leader of Project Feederwatch at Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
It’s easy and inexpensive for novices to connect themselves to the natural world. The first step is to take some time to observe and become familiar with the birds around your home, Greig said.
“Anyone can learn to identify the dozen or so species that you’re likely to see around a home regularly. If in doubt, consider joining Project Feederwatch: We will send everyone who signs up a bird identification poster that will get you started learning the common species around your home no matter where you live,” Greig said. Sign up at feederwatch.org.
Start with one or two feeders and fill them with high quality feed that contains mostly black oil sunflower seed, a favorite of many species.
“High quality means no cheap fill seeds like milo, sorghum, wheat and red millet. Birds don’t like these seeds and won’t eat them,” Cole said. “Birds are surprisingly picky about their food and, like people, they go for the good stuff first. Providing high quality feed that birds actually like to eat will bring birds to your backyard feeders.”
Choose a large capacity feeder and place it in an accessible area, which will make refilling easier and less frequent.
“For me convenience is key during the winter for successful bird feeding,” Cole said.
Feeding is one way to attract birds, but to attract multiple species – from insect to berry to seed eaters – add a water source and create a birdfriendly habitat, Greig said. Also, avoid using pesticides in your yard.