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Sunday, February 13, 2011

National Bird-Feeding Month

 For those unaware, February is National Bird-Feeding month. During this month, individuals are encouraged to provide food, water and shelter for the birds. As many already know, February is also one of the toughest months for our wild birds, and that’s why this month was chosen.

National Bird-Feeding month was originally introduced in 1994 by congressman John Porter (R-IL). The goal is to provide food, water and shelter for the wild birds, and as a result, promote backyard bird feeding as an entertaining and educational experience for both children and adults.

Bird feeding also provides a much needed break from today's stressful lifestyles. Below is a Carolina Chickadee enjoying a suet snack.

CChick

Each year, a new theme for National Bird-Feeding Month is selected by the National Bird-Feeding Society (NBFS). The theme for 2011 is "Most Wanted - America's Top Ten Backyard Birds" and features ten species from the east and west that are among the most popular to attract.

Here are the top ten backyard birds east of the Rockies: American Goldfinch, Chickadee (Black-capped/Carolina), Dark-eyed Junco, Downy Woodpecker, House Finch, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Tufted Titmouse, and White-breasted Nuthatch. With the exception of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, who feed on nectar, the top ten birds eat bird seed.

Be sure to check out their site for more information. Throughout the month, NBFS will be providing tips and techniques to help create a successful bird feeding/watching experience.

Mockbd

Northern Mockingbird (above) 

Whatever your reason may be for feeding birds, attracting America’s ‘Most Wanted’ backyard birds to your yard will be an enjoyable experience, it’s a pastime that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

And don’t forget about the upcoming Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) coming up February 18 – 21. Anyone can participate, from beginning birdwatchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on any one day, or you can count birds for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun and easy – and it helps the birds to! For details check out the GBBC website - http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/

NCard

It’s a great month to educate people about the hobby of  birdwatching and how much fun it is to feed the birds.

Have a great weekend and be sure to visit Birdfreak's Bird Photography Weekly (#129) to see more bird photos!

4 comments:

mick said...

Great photos - especially the one with the bird hanging under the feeder.

Larry said...

Thanks for the great info Alan! I didn't even know about National Bird Feeding Month and I feed birds year round! I'm looking forward to the GBBC next weekend too.

Your Northern Cardinal photo in th4e leaves is absolutely gorgeous! He looks like he's got a spotlight on him in that sea of brown.

Halcyon said...

Nice yardbirds! I never get tired of my cardinals.

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