In the spirit of “Think Global, Act Local,” we do our best to create wildlife sanctuaries in our backyards.
In many ways, backyard birders are restoring the nature that was eliminated to make way for houses, roads, stores, etc. We re-introduce native plants that yield berries and seeds and we provide fresh water. Some of us mount nesting boxes to replace the natural cavities long lost to logging and the clearing of woodlands for urban and agricultural development.
Backyard birders try hard to protect the wildlife that has grown to trust their hospitality – providing appropriate food in clean feeders, keeping the backyards free of domestic cats, and putting silhouette decals on our deceptively transparent windows. Hummingbird feeders in particular should be emptied and re-filled frequently.
Healthy hummingbirds at a simple feeder
A dormant interest in nature can be awakened with the gift of a simple bird feeder. The feeder is filled, the birds come and the new backyard birder is soon hooked on a hobby that will lead to a sense of community involvement and satisfaction.
The new birder begins by mounting bird houses, buying a nice pair of binoculars, reading about the different species, becoming a member of the local wildlife conservation organization, signing up to Internet forums, volunteering on habitat protection projects, meeting new like-minded friends, and possibly making donations to preserve habitats or prized pieces of open space, either locally or further afield.
Backyard birders who become increasingly engaged learn about migration and want to help protect the winter habitats enjoyed by the birds when they are not in our backyards. Witness the success of the American Birding Association’s “Birder’s Exchange” program that channels used birding supplies and materials to young enthusiasts, students and scientists living in less affluent countries who are working hard to protect those wintering grounds.
Although the Holidays are the customary time for gift giving, a bird feeder such as the one shown below given as a gift in the Fall will bring more than just a few birds to a friend’s backyard, it will possibly awaken a lifelong interest in nature with an immeasurable payback.
An active feeder
Filed under: Beginners'Guide Tagged: | attracting birds, backyard birder, backyard birders, binoculars, Bird feeder, Bird Houses, conservation, Holiday Gift, in-window bird feeder, reflective mirrow bird feeders
