Did you know that February is National Bird Feeding Month? If you are interested in backyard habitat, this is a great month to assess your own property to determine how well you are feeding our feathered friends. Do you have native trees, shrubs, and perennial plants that provide seed or berries for birds? Check out this article on landscaping for birds by Donna Cottingham, Riverine Master Naturalist.
Bird feeders are an acceptable way to supplement food for birds, and they are a great tool for backyard bird watching. The National Audubon Society’s Bird Feeding Basics page has many recommendations for safely attracting and feeding birds.
Another bird highlight in February is the Great Backyard Bird Count. This count is a wonderful project for new citizen scientists, because the protocols are simple and you can do it at any site of your choosing, including your own backyard. The count goes from February 12-15, and all you need to do is plan on counting birds for at least 15 minutes in at least one location during that time frame. Bring a child, a neighbor, or a friend along with you and introduce them to the wonderful world of birds.