February 3 – Feed the Birds Day

Feed the Birds Day is Today!

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HOW TO CELEBRATE FEED THE BIRDS DAY STEP-BY-STEP

•  Purchase new bird feeders.
•  Get a birdhouse kit and make your own.
•  Tips and Tricks from the Audubon Society.
•  A Quick Guide to Seed Types.
•  Learn all about birds.
•  If you love the article image, purchase it on these fun products on Zazzle!

FEATURED ITEM ON FEED THE BIRDS DAY

Watching birds take flight and hearing their melodic chirping can bring a sense of tranquility into any day. However, the joy of feeding birds goes beyond just observing their beauty. It is a way to give back to nature and create a connection with the wildlife around us.

When you set up a bird feeder and fill it with seeds, you are creating a space for these creatures to gather and nourish themselves. As they nibble away, you can observe the variety of birds that come to your feeder, each with their unique colors and personalities.

There’s something wholesome and fulfilling about being responsible for providing food to these tiny beings that rely on us for sustenance. The joy of feeding birds is not just a way to bring positivity into our own lives, but it’s a way of supporting and sustaining the bird community around us.  Celebrate Feed the Birds Day today!

FEED THE BIRDS DAY:  A LITTLE HISTORY OF BIRDS

Birds have been around since the dinosaurs, and their evolution can be traced back to over 150 million years ago. From fossils to drawings and paintings, people have been depicting the beauty and majesty of birds for centuries. The study of birds has helped shed light on not only their biology and characteristics, but the larger ecological systems they inhabit. As we continue to learn more about these remarkable creatures, their place in the natural world becomes increasingly vital to our understanding of the planet we call home.

FEED THE BIRDS DAY:  TEN THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT FEEDING BIRDS

1. Diverse Diets: Birds exhibit a wide range of dietary preferences. Some enjoy seeds, while others prefer fruits, insects, nectar, or even small vertebrates. Tailoring your bird feed to diverse preferences attracts a variety of feathered friends.
2. Colorful Feeders, Colorful Visitors: Birds are attracted to colorful feeders. Consider adding vibrant feeders to your garden to entice a spectrum of bird species, from bright cardinals to lively finches.
3. Timing Matters: The time of day you fill bird feeders can impact the types of birds you attract. Morning feeding tends to attract songbirds, while ground-feeding in the late afternoon may attract doves and sparrows.
4. Cleanliness is Key: Regularly clean your bird feeders to prevent the spread of diseases. Moldy or spoiled food can harm birds, so maintaining a clean feeding environment is essential for their well-being.
5. Seasonal Variety: Adjust your bird feed offerings with the seasons. In colder months, high-fat foods like suet provide essential energy, while warmer seasons may call for more fruit and nectar options.
6. Location Matters: Strategic placement of bird feeders can enhance birdwatching experiences. Consider locating feeders near natural perches, like trees and shrubs, providing birds with safe spaces to rest.
7. Feeding Hummingbirds: Create a hummingbird haven by offering a mix of four parts water to one part sugar in feeders. Ensure the solution is free of additives or colorings, as these can harm these delicate creatures.
8. Bird-Friendly Plants: Planting bird-friendly vegetation enhances your backyard habitat. Native plants provide natural food sources, attracting birds with seeds, berries, and insects.
9. Avoid Bread Crumbs: While it might seem like a friendly offering, avoid feeding birds bread crumbs. This common human food lacks essential nutrients and can be harmful to birds.
10. Attracting a Variety: Incorporate different feeder types to attract a diverse range of bird species. Tube feeders, hopper feeders, and suet cages provide options for various birds with different feeding styles.

100 WAYS TO CELEBRATE FEED THE BIRDS DAY

1. Bird Watching: Spend time observing birds in your backyard or a local park, noting the different species you see.
2. Make Bird Feeders: Create homemade bird feeders using materials like pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed.
3. Birdseed Ornaments: Craft ornaments made of birdseed and gelatin to hang outside for the birds to enjoy.
4. Install a Bird Bath: Set up a bird bath to provide fresh water for birds to drink and bathe in.
5. Birdhouse Building: Construct birdhouses to offer shelter and nesting places for local bird species.
6. Create a Bird-Friendly Garden: Plant native flowers and shrubs that attract and provide food for birds.
7. Bird Photography: Take pictures of the birds that visit your feeders or natural habitats.
8. Bird Identification Game: Play a game with friends or family to identify as many bird species as possible.
9. Bird Feeding Stations: Set up multiple feeding stations with different types of bird food to attract a variety of birds.
10. Read Books About Birds: Spend time reading books or articles about different bird species and their habits.
11. Make Birdseed Cakes: Prepare birdseed cakes using lard or suet to hang outside for the birds.
12. Attend a Birding Workshop: Join a local birding workshop to learn more about bird conservation and feeding.
13. Bird Call Imitation: Try imitating different bird calls and see if any birds respond to your sounds.
14. Set Up a Bird Cam: Install a bird camera near your feeders to capture and watch bird activity.
15. Join a Bird Count: Participate in a local or national bird count event to help track bird populations.
16. Learn About Bird Migration: Study the migration patterns of birds and discuss how feeding them can support their journeys.
17. Host a Bird-Themed Craft Day: Invite friends over for a crafting session to make bird-related items like bird masks or bird-shaped cookies.
18. Visit a Bird Sanctuary: Take a trip to a nearby bird sanctuary or wildlife reserve to learn more about bird conservation.
19. Journal Bird Observations: Keep a journal of the different bird species you see and any interesting behaviors you observe.
20. Make Bird-Friendly Window Decals: Create decals to prevent bird collisions with windows while enjoying the view of your feathered friends.
21. Set Up a Bird-Themed Playlist: Create a playlist of songs inspired by birds and listen to it while watching birds outside.
22. Join a Bird Feeding Group: Connect with a local bird feeding or bird watching group to share tips and experiences.
23. Volunteer for Bird Conservation: Offer your time to local organizations dedicated to bird conservation efforts.
24. Decorate Your Yard with Bird Art: Add bird-themed decorations and art to your yard to create a welcoming environment for birds.
25. Make a Birdwatching Kit: Put together a kit with binoculars, a bird guidebook, and a notebook for future birdwatching adventures.
26. Bird Bingo: Create bingo cards with pictures of different bird species. Mark off each bird you see until someone gets bingo.
27. Bird Scavenger Hunt: List various items related to birds or birdwatching, and see who can find the most items in a set time.
28. Bird Identification Relay: Teams race to correctly identify bird pictures or calls the fastest.
29. Bird Trivia Quiz: Test your knowledge about birds with a fun and educational trivia game.
30. Feather Toss: Toss feather-shaped bean bags into bird-themed targets.
31. Bird Call Mimicry: Players take turns mimicking bird calls while others guess the bird species.
32. Bird Migration Race: Create an obstacle course that mimics a bird’s migration path. The first to complete it wins.
33. Pin the Tail on the Bird: A bird-themed twist on the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” game.
34. Bird Feeding Relay: Teams compete to fill bird feeders with seed using spoons or small cups.
35. Nature Walk Challenge: While on a nature walk, see who can spot the most birds or bird-related items.
36. Bird Nest Building Contest: Use natural materials to build a bird nest. The most realistic or creative nest wins.
37. Birdhouse Decorating: Decorate pre-made birdhouses, with a prize for the best design.
38. Egg and Spoon Race: A race where players balance an egg on a spoon, representing bird eggs.
39. Bird Memory Match: A matching game with cards featuring different bird species.
40. Bird Puzzle Race: Teams race to complete bird-themed jigsaw puzzles.
41. Bird-Themed Charades: Act out different bird species or behaviors without speaking, while others guess.
42. Bird Watching Challenge: A timed challenge to see who can identify the most bird species.
43. Bird Seed Art Contest: Create art pieces using bird seed and glue. The best artwork wins.
44. Bird Call Relay: Teams pass a sound (bird call) down the line by whispering. The last person says it out loud to see how accurate it is.
45. Bird Identification Bingo: Use bird pictures on bingo cards. Mark off each bird seen in a certain area.
46. Bird Food Sorting: Sort different types of bird food into their respective containers. The fastest team wins.
47. Bird Obstacle Course: Create a course with various bird-related tasks, such as hopping like a bird or balancing a “bird egg.”
48. Bird Watching Hide and Seek: Hide bird plush toys or figurines around a designated area, and see who can find the most.
49. Bird Flight Simulation: Use paper airplanes to simulate bird flight. The plane that flies the farthest wins.
50. Bird Dance Off: Create dances inspired by different birds, and have a dance competition.
51. Pine Cone Bird Feeder: Cover pine cones with peanut butter and roll them in birdseed for a natural bird feeder.
52. Milk Carton Birdhouse: Transform a clean milk carton into a cozy birdhouse with a perch and painted exterior.
53. Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder: Cover a toilet paper roll in peanut butter and birdseed for a simple feeder.
54. Orange Cup Bird Feeder: Halve an orange, scoop out the fruit, fill it with birdseed, and hang it from a tree.
55. Egg Carton Bird Feeder: Cut and paint sections of an egg carton to create individual feeders for birds.
56. Recycled CD Bird Bath: Glue marbles onto an old CD and place it in a shallow dish of water for a reflective bird bath.
57. Bird Seed Wreath: Mix birdseed with gelatin, press into a bundt pan, let it harden, and hang as a decorative feeder.
58. Paper Plate Bird Nest: Cut and decorate a paper plate to resemble a bird’s nest, then add faux eggs or feathers.
59. Cardboard Tube Birdhouse: Paint and decorate cardboard tubes, then hang them as cozy nesting spots for birds.
60. Pop Bottle Bird Feeder: Cut holes in a plastic bottle, fill it with birdseed, and attach it to a pole or tree branch.
61. Seed Bombs: Mix clay, soil, and birdseed into balls that can be thrown into open spaces to grow bird-friendly plants.
62. Feathered Birdhouse: Glue colorful feathers onto a wooden birdhouse for a vibrant and textured look.
63. Twig Perch: Attach small twigs and branches to a wooden base to create a perch for birds to land on.
64. Fabric Scrap Bird Nest: Weave fabric scraps or yarn around a frame to create a cozy nest-like structure.
65. Bird Seed Garland: Thread birdseed onto a string or wire to create a garland that birds can peck at.
66. Mason Jar Bird Feeder: Fill a mason jar with birdseed and attach it to a wooden platform with holes for birds to feed.
67. Feather Mobile: Hang feathers of different sizes and colors from a circular frame to create a decorative mobile.
68. Seed Mosaic: Glue various seeds onto a canvas or wooden board to create a mosaic pattern that attracts birds.
69. Nesting Material Holder: Fill a mesh bag or suet feeder with natural nesting materials like twigs, straw, and cotton.
70. Bird Seed Cookies: Mix birdseed with gelatin and press into cookie cutters for festive bird-friendly treats.
71. Popsicle Stick Birdhouse: Glue together popsicle sticks to create a small birdhouse, then decorate as desired.
72. Paper Bag Bird Feeder: Fill a paper bag with birdseed, fold the top closed, and hang it from a tree branch.
73. Twig Star: Arrange twigs into a star shape and tie them together with string to create a rustic bird decoration.
74. Clay Bird Ornament: Mold air-dry clay into bird shapes, paint them, and hang them from trees or fences.
75. Branch Perches: Cut and clean branches to create natural perches that birds can use to rest or eat from.
76. Peanut Butter Pine Cone Treats: Roll pine cones in peanut butter, then birdseed for a nutritious treat.
77. Orange Halves with Seed Mix: Hollow out orange halves, fill with seed mix, and hang for birds to enjoy.
78. Homemade Suet Cakes: Mix suet, seeds, and nuts, then freeze in molds for a high-energy bird feeder.
79. Birdseed Cookies: Bake cookies using birdseed, flour, and honey to attract a variety of birds.
80. Apple Bird Feeder: Core apples and fill with a mixture of peanut butter and seeds for a fruity feeder.
81. Cornbread Crumbles: Crumble homemade cornbread outside to feed ground-feeding birds like sparrows.
82. Raisin and Nut Mix: Create a mix of raisins and nuts to scatter on the ground for robins and thrushes.
83. Vegetable Scraps: Place vegetable scraps like carrot tops and lettuce leaves in a shallow dish for ground-feeding birds.
84. Hard-boiled Egg Halves: Offer hard-boiled egg halves on a platform feeder for a protein-rich treat.
85. Dried Fruit Medley: Arrange a mix of dried fruits like cranberries and apricots on a feeder or tray.
86. Sunflower Seed Garland: String sunflower seeds onto a thread to create a garland for birds to peck at.
87. Pumpkin Seed Pile: Offer a pile of roasted pumpkin seeds for birds to enjoy.
88. Crushed Nut Mix: Crush nuts like almonds and walnuts for birds that enjoy foraging on hard surfaces.
89. Mealworm Pile: Create a pile of dried mealworms to attract insect-eating birds like bluebirds.
90. Rice and Lentil Mix: Cooked rice and lentils make a nutritious mix for birds that enjoy grains.
91. Bread Crumbs: Scatter breadcrumbs outside for ground-feeding birds like sparrows and juncos.
92. Oatmeal Suet Balls: Mix oatmeal with suet and roll into balls for a hearty bird feeder.
93. Cheese Bits: Offer small bits of cheese on a platform feeder for birds that enjoy dairy.
94. Fruit Skewers: Skewer pieces of fruit like grapes and apples for a fun and healthy bird treat.
95. Chopped Worms: Offer chopped mealworms on a platform feeder for insect-eating birds.
96. Wild Rice Dish: Cooked wild rice provides a nutritious option for ground-feeding birds.
97. Seed-stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff with a seed mix for a creative bird feeder.
98. Quinoa Balls: Mix cooked quinoa with honey and form into balls for a protein-rich bird snack.
99. Nut Butter Logs: Roll logs of nut butter in seeds and nuts for a tasty and nutrient-dense bird treat.
100. Pasta Scraps: Offer cooked pasta scraps outside for birds to enjoy, especially ground-feeding species.

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Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate Feed the Birds Day?  Please share them!