Feeding birds is important for two reasons. First, we feed birds for their wellbeing. Our feathered pals need some help, especially during the colder winter months. However, we’d like to bust the myth that birds shouldn’t be fed in the summer. They won’t lose their natural food-seeking skills if they find a lovely bird feeder to snack from. Feeders just offer more variety in their diet – they’ll still seek out “natural” food sources, too! In fact, even if you keep your seed fresh this summer (as you always should), you’ll notice that your backyard birds visit less than they do in the winter season. This is because they are out and about feeding on insects, flowers and all things nature!
Secondly, we feed birds for our wellbeing. That’s right – feeding birds is good for our bodies, minds, and souls! Spending time in nature and helping a feathered friend provides us with a sense of purpose, adds routine to our days, connects us to nature, which brings peace and tranquility, and most importantly, slows us down to take the time we need to relax and decompress! Our lives are often so busy, and an act as simple as maintaining a bird feeder can give us a much needed break.
All of us here love feeding the birds in our area, but how can we do this well? Thankfully, it’s simple: we provide a safe and clean spot for our birds to feed. Correct feeder placement keeps birds safe and happy. Of course, we want to keep feeders where we can observe them, but we should also keep in mind how the birds arrive to those feeders and where they are perched while they’re snacking. It’s best to keep your feeders at least 3 feet away from windows, or even better, right on the window so they see the barrier, which prevents them from crashing into it and harming themselves. This is why we love window mounted feeders so much – they stop window collisions!
Keeping house plants away from windows and turning off lights at night also greatly reduce window collisions.Transparent feeders also allow the birds a 365 degree view as they eat, which keeps them safe from any potential predators. Through their clear dining hall, they can see cats (#1 cause of bird demise) and other marauders. Eliminating blind spots gives the birds a greater sense of security while feeding.
As you grow your backyard birding habit, you’ll think through these steps more naturally, and your efforts are sure to bring success, peace, and joy into your outdoor space. Taking care of local birds is really never a big investment, but it always comes with a big reward.
Steven and Erica Moore
