Why Feed Birds? Carol Chenault, Minnetonka Manager

February is Wild Bird Feeding Month, which got me to thinking- why do we feed birds when so many of our friends and neighbors don’t?

I don’t remember a time when we didn’t feed the birds.  Growing up, there was always a bird feeder not far from the picture window.  We fed the birds so that we could bring them close enough to get a good look at them. 
Now as my kids are busy texting their friends, playing Guitar Hero or some other video game I realize how important it is to be intentional about seeking interaction with nature.  Something in us humans yearns for a connection to the natural world.  Feeding birds is one way to stay connected to the wild right at home.  Observing birds and their behavior teaches my kids an interest in science without the classroom walls.

The key to backyard bird watching with my kids in their preschool years was to get the birds coming in close enough and often enough to hold their attention.  Having a variety of feeders and a bird bath in easy viewing gave them more opportunities to see and to get interested in birds.  We watched an adult black capped chickadee show her brood how to use our bird bath.  She chipped and scolded until each in her brood successfully took a bath.  Some mothering behaviors are universal I guess!

Sharing a love of backyard birding with the children in your life will open their eyes to nature around them.  Perhaps bird watching as youngsters will encourage them to be good stewards of the earth as adults.  That’s definitely reason enough to feed the birds!