National Bird Feeding Month

Celebrate National Bird Feeding Month in February

Cupid isn’t the only winged object that people need to watch out for this month. In 1994, the United States Congress proclaimed February to be National Bird Feeding Month.

Backyard bird feeding is enjoyed by over 41 million North Americans. And while February is National Wild Bird Feeding Month, with the right provisions, people can enjoy a wide variety of backyard birds all year long.

The Great Backyard Bird Count

 Is a joint project between the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, also occurs this month. Individuals, families, schools and organizations are invited to count birds at bird feeders and in backyards, local parks or other locations. Those tallies are then reported through various channels. This data helps define bird ranges, populations, migration pathways and habitat needs.  This year, the GBBC is on Feb 14 - 17th.  Learn more about how to participate locally HERE

The count is fun, easy and educational....and anyone, anywhere can participate! It’s also a terrific way for Scientists to learn more about the abundance and distribution of bird species.

What Can You Do to Celebrate National Bird Feeding Month this February?

The average backyard is visited regularly by 15 or more different bird species. People can increase the variety of birds that visit their backyards by providing the appropriate food in the right location and in the appropriate feeder.  Providing water is also an essential way to attract more birds to your feeder area while also helping birds stay waterproofed and hydrated. 

Stop by the store and let us show you how you can attract more feathered friends to your backyard!

Ways to Celebrate:

  1. Offer a variety high quality foods to attract birds you want to see (Seed, Nuts, Insects, Fruit, Fats, and Nectar)
  2. Add additional feeders at varied levels to attract a variety of birds
  3. Offer Water to attract more birds
  4. Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count or other citizen scientists projects like Project FeederWatch
  5. Join us for local birding events like our monthly in-store presentations & bird walks, the monthly WCAS meetings/field trips, and the Will Co. Forest Preserve District monthly events
  6. Plan to create a Certified Wildlife Habitat in your backyard (or add to an existing one)
  7. Join the Will County Audubon Society 
  8. Support Bird Friendly Coffee - Available for purchase at WBU Joliet 
  9. Provide nesting boxes for the soon-to-come next generation of birds (start to clean & prepare existing boxes)
  10. Make windows safer for birds (Learn More)