February is a popular time of the year for bird lovers. It’s National Bird Feeding Month!
This national holiday started in 1994 to recognize February as one of the most difficult months in the United States for wild birds to survive.
This month, people are encouraged to put out food, water, and shelter to wild birds, especially in colder areas with a limited amount of natural resources like plants and food.
The best supplemental food includes sunflower seeds, thistle, nuts, suet, and millet.
Stay away from spoiled or stale seed, bread, potato chips, popcorn, and sweets.
The Basics of Bird Feeding is a helpful guide with more information.
Not only will this help the bird population survive the cold winter, it can also be entertaining and educational.
Research links exposure to nature, specifically a variety of birds, with improved wellbeing. Not only can seeing these birds increase happiness, but hearing them can, too! Listen to the video below. Did it work?
Bird watching is also a fun way to identify birds and their patterns.
So put out a bird feeder, give birds some love this month and boost your mood too!