Feeding Backyard Birds

I am Craig Curtis. I am in my early twenties.

My interest in backyard birds began shortly after my German Shepherd “Penny” died when I was a teenager.

There was no life outside the kitchen window.

All I thought of was Penny. I wanted to see life outside the window. Then, I noticed the makeshift birdbath outside in the flowerbed and the birds that came around to it.

I bought a feeder along with food and a new pair of binoculars, and before long, I moved on from Penny’s death. I now have five feeders and birdbaths that are more appropriate and I have become quite familiar with my backyard birds.

Now I feed backyard birds for the simple pleasures they bring. They are charming, funny and beautiful. I like the unique characteristics of each species of birds. I find their unique personalities captivating and their antics humorous. They really are our feathered friends.

They may not literally say “Thank You” for the food or water that we provide, but somehow our feathered friends return our favor with the peace of mind and joy they bring.

When researching the benefits of feeding backyard birds for each season, I noticed that many bird watchers and enthusiasts stress that feeding wild birds is for mere pleasure. Frankly, I disagree with this view. Although I take whole-hearted pleasure in feeding backyard birds myself, I realize the struggle wild birds face from season to season, and I want you to realize this too.

I live in a rapidly developing rural area in South Central Pennsylvania, which – unfortunate for backyard bird’s habitat – is becoming suburban. Behind our house, expensive homes replace farm fields and wood patches. Down the road, several fields are being developed and commercialized. Factories, strip malls, shopping centers, and car dealerships have replaced yet more acres of adjacent farmland.

More development means less and less food and shelter for wild birds. This is not just happening in my locale, it is happening in yours and all across the globe. For this reason, keep in mind when you put out feed, you really are helping our feathered friends survive each day.

Remember, feeding backyard birds is not just for mere pleasure, but also for the benefit of backyard birds.

-Craig

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