February 3rd is National Feed the Birds Day, a day dedicated to helping our feathered friends survive the cold winter months. This special day was first established in 2016 by Bob Matthews from Rochester, New York and is part of National Bird Feeding Month, which was first established in 1994 by the National Audubon Society.
Feeding birds during winter can be a great way to help them survive and thrive when food sources are scarce. It’s also an enjoyable activity that can bring joy and connection to nature for people of all ages. Here are some tips on how you can celebrate this special day.
Provide Nutritious Food
The most important thing you can do for birds on National Feed the Birds Day is provide them with nutritious food. Different types of birdseed offer different levels of nutrition, so it’s important to choose wisely. Sunflower seeds are a popular choice as they are high in fat and protein and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Other good options include millet, cracked corn, safflower seed, peanuts, and suet cakes.
Offer Water
In addition to providing food for birds, it’s also important to make sure they have access to clean water. During winter months when temperatures drop below freezing, it’s especially important to make sure your feathered friends have access to unfrozen water. You can use heated bird baths or simply change out your birdbath water regularly throughout the day so it doesn’t freeze over.
Create a Bird-Friendly Space
Creating a bird-friendly space in your yard or garden is another great way to celebrate National Feed the Birds Day. Plant native shrubs and trees that will provide shelter for birds during cold winter months as well as food sources such as berries or nuts in late summer/early fall. You can also add nesting boxes or birdhouses that will give birds a safe place to nest during breeding season (spring/summer).
Participate in Citizen Science Projects
Finally, consider participating in citizen science projects such as The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). This project is organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon every February and encourages people around the world to count birds in their backyards or local parks for at least 15 minutes one day during GBBC week (February 12-15). Your data helps scientists better understand bird populations across North America!
National Feed the Birds Day is an excellent opportunity for us all to come together and help our feathered friends survive the cold winter months ahead! By providing nutritious food, offering clean water sources, creating bird-friendly spaces, and participating in citizen science projects like The Great Backyard Bird Count we can make a difference for our avian friends this February 3rd!
Sources:
- https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/feed-the-birds-day/
- https://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/february/feed-birds-day.htm
- https://www.gardenersnet.com/birds/feed-birds-day
