The Lincoln Link

The Lincoln Link Backyard Birding

Mariann Wright

Lincoln University Cooperative Extension

Birds can provide entertainment and a connection to nature during this time of year, which often seems cold, wet, and dreary. Many waterfowl and backyard birds are active in Southeast Missouri during the winter months. Trees that have shed their foliage and migration patterns that cross our area offer great opportunities for spotting birds in the wild. Unfortunately, like all wildlife, birds do have a harder time finding food sources during the winter months.

February was designated as National Bird Feeding Month in 1994 as a way to educate the public on birds and encourage individuals to provide food to help supplement the birds’ natural diets in a time when it is most needed. Educating oneself on birds and participating in activities that encourage the well being of the local bird population can make for a great hobby. There are several ways that you can start cultivating an appreciation for birds for yourself and your household.

The name “bird feeding month” offers the first way to celebrate – feed the birds! There are many varieties of birdfeeders available for purchase. Head to any store that offers landscaping supplies and you are sure to find a birdfeeder that will work for your home. Most feeders and birdseed will list the type of birds that prefer that type of design or food source. Pay attention to the birds that are already living in your yard to pick the perfect feed to keep them happy, or choice a feed that will attract different bird varieties to create more diverse space.

Purchasing a birdfeeder is not the only option when wanting to provide food to the birds in your yard. You can easily toss birdseed out on your lawn or create your own natural feeder. Making birdfeeders with your kids or grandkids is a great way to encourage their interest in birds and teach them ways to be environmental conscious. An easy birdfeeder that I make with many of Lincoln’s 4- H youth uses just a few supplies and is easy to assemble. Just cover a pinecone with peanut butter and roll in birdseed. Then, you just need to add a string and hang in a tree. This is a very inexpensive and fun way to get kids excited about birds. They will enjoy getting a little messy during the assembly process, but they will also enjoy watching birds come and snack on their pinecone creation.

There are many other ways to observe birding in February and throughout the year. Birding is also known as bird-watching and is the hobby of observing birds in their natural environment. Birdwatching can be done from anywhere and is a great way to strengthen your observation and identification skills. You may even want to start a birding journal where you can record the birds that you observe. Another way to do this is by taking photos of the birds that you spot. In doing this, you may find that you have talent or fondness for nature photography.

National Bird Feeding Month is a great way to dip your toe into the birding world. Bird-watching is a way to explore your interest, strengthen your knowledge, and join a large community of bird enthusiasts. With mental, physical, and social benefits to birding, consider hanging your own birdfeeder this month and open yourself up to observing your natural surroundings.

Lincoln University Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program is committed to providing quality educational resources and opportunities for youth in the state of Missouri. As an equal opportunity employer and provider, Lincoln University does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other factors prohibited by law in any of its educational programs, activities, services, admissions, or employment practices. Like and subscribe to our social media accounts to stay up-to-date on what is happening with LUCE and 4-H in the Bootheel by visiting us on Facebook at Pemiscot County 4-H and on YouTube at Bootheel 4-H.