Why Bird Feeding is Important

Introducing a bird feeder into your environment offers more than just a glimpse into the beauty of nature from your doorstep.

Beyond the joy of watching colorful feathered visitors in your backyard, bird feeding serves a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems. Increasing the count of bird species to your yard provides a biodiversity boost that can help with increased pollination and insect control.

To learn about exactly what kind of feeder you should buy for your neighborhood birds, check out Create a Backyard Sanctuary.

What are some other reasons why bird feeding is important for both humans and birds?

broad tailed hummingbird on nectar feeder

Sustainability and Conservation

Bird feeding plays a vital role in wildlife conservation efforts, particularly in light of alarming declines in bird populations. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, habitat loss has resulted in a staggering loss of nearly 3 billion birds since 1970. By providing a haven with readily available food and water, bird feeders contribute to preserving bird populations and habitats. Additionally, initiatives like WBFI‘s 6-Step method not only support bird health but also promote environmental benefits such as increased vegetation, natural pest control, and ecosystem restoration. This can mean an increase in healthy vegetation, and natural pest control, and support the spread of plants back into the ecosystem, according to BirdLife International.

Healthier Birds and Research Awareness

Bird feeding has supplemental feeding on bird health, including increased antioxidant levels, reduced stress, and improved immune defense. Bird feeders also serve as refuges for sick or injured birds, highlighting the importance of maintaining clean feeding stations and adhering to practices that minimize harm. Engaging in bird feeding can spark curiosity and encourage individuals to dive deeper into bird research and conservation efforts.

Make sure that you are more help than harm by following WBFI’s #FeedSmart suggestions. These small measures can make sure your feeding does not cause harm to birds:

Cleaning your bird feeder regularly
Discarding any food that smells musty or may have some mold on it
Have multiple sets of bird feeders to switch out for ease of cleaning
Keep cats indoors to prevent bird loss
Avoid crowding by providing ample feeder space or placing multiple feeders
Refrain from placing your feeder too close to your house to avoid window collisions, and add reflective decals on windows for birds

Improve Your Mental Health

Beyond its ecological significance, bird feeding has a profound effect on mental well-being. In 2019, Bird Watching was studied by the American Psychiatric Institute. Their research found that roughly 7 out of 10 people experienced a change in their mental health after bird feeding even just once a week. This statistic suggests that even 70% of people who engage with birds in their yard will experience a mental health change.

Spending time observing and caring for birds fosters a sense of connection with nature, promoting feelings of calmness and contentment. Moreover, the simple act of spending time outdoors has been shown to elevate neurotransmitter levels associated with mood regulation. WBFI’s 2021 Market research study also found the following emotions were associated with bird feeding:

Build Community & Connection

Backyard bird feeding stands as the second-largest outdoor hobby in the United States, following gardening closely. Bird feeding is an accessible hobby for anyone to participate at home, and especially great for families to teach children about nature and their local environment. For those looking to build their community, there are strong and active communities of birding enthusiasts. You can be a part of the never-ending research on bird populations, migration patterns, and more. Check out Feeder Watch, eBird, WBFI Linkedin, and WBFI Facebook to be more active.

Bird feeding can also help your local economy. Check out the Retailer Map to find products right in your neighborhood. If you come from an agriculture community, you may even be supporting your local farmers!

Birds help bring calm to this chaotic world, to learn more about bird feeding and where to buy quality products visit WBFI’s Feed the Birds.