Candy's Garden Oasis

Why You Should Feed Wild Birds.

24th September, 2009 - Posted by candy - No Comments

I read somewhere that the US Fish & Wildlife Service reports that approximately 54 million people in the US feed wild birds. Feeding the birds has become the second most popular hobby in our country.

There are some people who think that putting out food for the birds is wrong, for various reasons, some of which may be valid. However, most wildlife organizations not only consider that feeding the birds is alright, they also sell both bird seed and bird feeders.

Certainly, the joy of watching wild birds at close quarters is more than enough reason to put out bird feeders. We like birds and enjoy having them around. We like to hear their songs through our open windows on a spring or summer day, and their vibrant colors brighten up a winter day when much of our landscape can look pretty bleak.

It is interesting, and educational, to see wild birds interact as they feed and bathe in your yard. It’s also beneficial for them. In many areas, birds have lost their natural habitat and their traditional sources of food have become truly sparse. In addition, they often must compete for available food with other birds that are not native to North America. Your feeders can make a difference and may help them survive.

Another important reason is that wild birds are bug-eating machines. The birds you attract to your feeders and garden will also seek out mosquitoes, caterpillars, slugs and snails to dine on. Hummingbirds have the highest relative food consumption of any bird and consume half their body weight (about two ounces) in food every day, most of that being soft-bodied insects (mosquitoes!) and spiders.

Feeding the birds is a hobby you can start at any time of the year with very little trouble. Winter is the obvious time, as their natural food supplies are low. But different species will visit your feeders during their annual spring and fall migrations, as well as during the nesting season. We have a cardinal that likes to sit on the kitchen window sill and it drives the cat crazy. So put out some birdfeeder and remember to enjoy. Until next time. Candy.