Northern Cardinals are favorite winter feeder visitors for many birders.

Celebrated since 1989, February has been designated as National Bird Feeding Month. February tends to be a period of harsh weather in many areas, which tends to be accompanied by a period of reduced food supplies, making the second month of the year a great time to spotlight the benefits of feeding birds. Studies show increased winter survival of birds that visit feeders, and the increased benefits to their health will continue to help boost birds’ nesting success during spring, especially where year-round feeders are available.

It’s important to keep feeders filled during winter months, and to include suet and peanuts as feeding station staples in addition to sunflower and thistle seeds to provide the extra calories birds need. Wild Bird Centers of America (WBCA) established the National Bird Feeding Society, which is the official host of National Bird Feeding Month.

“The benefits of feeding birds are significant, not just for the birds themselves, but also for those of us who feed them,” said George Petrides Jr, CEO of Wild Bird Centers of America. “What we give to nature, we get back in return. Feeding and caring for our backyard birds gives us a sense of discovery, purpose, and joy during the colder winter months.”

Bird feeders provide a stable food source, regardless of the weather, and when available habitats decline, bird-friendly yards help maintain birds’ health and increase bird populations. Feeders come in a wide variety of styles and sizes to fit outdoor spaces, small and large, and they are designed to hold different types of bird foods to attract and support a variety of bird species.

“Feeding birds is simple, fun, and relaxing for anyone to take part in, at any age,” added Petrides. “As more people learn and work from home, bird feeding is a perfect activity.” Bird feeding can provide a respite from the computer and TV screens, and help to eliminate elements of stress while deepening our connections with nature and habitats through birds.

The above information is based on information provided by Wild Bird Centers, a nationally recognized brand with a successful chain of stores focused on promoting bird feeding and birding. WBCA offers a complete line of quality products designed to deliver beauty, color, and a better backyard bird feeding experience to its customers of all ages. For more information about Wild Bird Centers of America and their quality selection of birding products, please refer to their website at https://www.wildbird.com/

And for more information about the National Bird Feeding Society, see https://www.birdfeeding.org/