Dear Friend of Nature,
Some folks think bird feeding is only a winter hobby. But if you are like us, bird feeding is a rewarding hobby all year long! The above picture was taken by a friend in our front yard...Mom and Dad, Eastern Bluebirds, were gathering as many mealworms as they could to feed their noisy, very hungry nestlings. Now, after fledging, the three baby bluebirds join their parents at our Dinner Bell Feeder for daily feasting!
Just this morning, we had a Northern Cardinal, Carolina Wren, Carolina Chickadee, Eastern Towhee, and Downy Woodpecker all vying for food at the same time on the Sky Cafe and Mealworm Dish. Watching "our birds" brings us such joy and is priceless!
You can rest assured that feeding your birds in the summer will not make them lazy, dependent or keep them from migrating...in fact, these old myths have been dispelled by modern research and observation. Birds with access to backyard bird feeders are able to spend more time engaging in activities that positively impact their survival and well-being. And, during nesting season, these very same birds spend less time away from their nests looking for food, lay their clutches of eggs earlier and fledge one more chick per clutch than birds without access to feeders.
Another benefit of birdfeeding at this time of year is it brings your delightful birds up close while they are in their brightest breeding plumage. The adults oftentimes will be accompanied by their offspring with duller feathers, thus providing a fascinating opportunity to see adult birds feeding and interacting with their young...an experience that we all don't want to miss!
Happy Father's Day, Happy Summer and, as always, Happy Birding!
Susan, Mary, Shelby, Karen, Kathy and...Emily, too!
Birds Can't Have All The Fun!
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