On February 23, 1994, Illinois Congressman John Porter announced the month of February would be recognized as National Bird Feeding Month.
Below is the formal resolution given by Illinois Congressman John Porter:
‘‘I would like to recognize February, one of the most difficult months in the United States for wild birds, as National Bird-Feeding Month. During this month, individuals are encouraged to provide food, water, and shelter to help wild birds survive. This assistance benefits the environment by supplementing the wild bird’s natural diet of weed seeds and insects.’’
“In addition, Mr. Speaker, backyard bird-feeding is an entertaining, educational, and inexpensive pastime enjoyed by children and adults. Bird-feeding provides a needed break from today’s frantic lifestyles. Adults enjoy the relaxation and peacefulness afforded by watching birds — nature serves to relieve the stress and can get one’s day going on a tranquil note.
“Young children are naturally drawn to the activities involved in feeding wild birds, which can serve as excellent educational tools. Children can identify different species of birds with a field guide and can learn about the birds’ feeding and living habits. These observations can then provide excellent research opportunities for school projects and reports.
“Feeding wild birds in the backyard is an easy hobby to start and need not overtax the family budget. It can be as simple as mounting a single feeder outside a window and filling it with bird seed mix. For many people, the hobby progresses from there. They discover the relationship between the type and location of feeders, and the seeds offered in them, and the number and varieties of birds attracted. Parents can challenge an inquisitive child’s mind as they explore together these factors in trying to encourage visits by their favorite birds.”
You can help celebrate National Bird-feeding month by simply adding a bird feeder to your outdoor space.
There are many different types of bird feeders that can be found online or in any stores that have home and garden departments. You can start with a simple hanging bird feeder and a small bag of birdseed. If the interest of birds begins to build, add another bird feeder.
Enjoy watching all the birds visit your bird feeders and remember you are helping birds during the winter season.
