Introducing your Friends and Family to the Joy of Birds

What's more exciting for us birders than seeing a new bird at your feeder? I remember the first time I saw Evening Grosbeaks appear at my feeder, and then come back with a fledgling a few days later—I couldn't take my eyes off them. And I remember the summer I had orioles visit. On a whim, I put out some orange halves and hoped for the best—I was thrilled when two orioles showed up within days. I scrambled to find the binoculars so I could get a really good look. I’m sure you’ve done that too, and maybe even got a few snapshots.

 

But I think I love bird feeding the most on a really snowy day when I know droves of hungry birds will be showing up at the feeders. I get up early, fight the snow and cold to get all the feeders filled, put out plenty of suet and make sure the heater’s working in the birdbath. Then come in, grab my coffee, warm up and sit by the window to watch. It just makes me really happy and contented to take care of the birds and make sure they’re getting plenty to eat when they need it the most.

 

Times like these and the simple pleasures of feeding the birds are too good to keep to yourself!  Why not let your friends and family in on the fun? A simple, inexpensive gift of bird seed and a bird feeder will get them started instantly. Make sure you recommend hanging the feeder outside a window where the birds are easily seen. Children especially love birds and it’s a great activity for them to share with parents and grandparents. Once they see birds coming to the feeder and you help them learn what the birds are, they’ll be hooked for life—it’s addictive! And when birthdays and holidays come along, birders are so easy to buy for--birding books, binoculars, bird prints, bird seed, feeders and more feeders!

 

And getting people involved in helping birds is important work! With dwindling habitats, birds benefit from easy food sources and eco-friendly backyards that give them places to nest and increase their populations. The more people become aware of the needs of birds and learn to enjoy them to the fullest, the better off we both will be! So spread the word and share your love of birds!

--R. Brune