Student Learning

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO TEACH STUDENTS ABOUT BIRDING?

 

  • Sustainability and Conservation– The desire to help wildlife has positive long-term effects on the environment! Many bird-feeding hobbyists become citizen scientists
  • Healthier Birds and Awareness of Bird Research – bird feeding can help birds have reduced stress, rapid feather growth, and better immune defense!
  • Mental Health Benefits – Research has shown that 70% of people who engage with birds in their yard will experience a lower risk of anxiety and stress
  • Supporting Your Local Economy– Birding as a hobby currently ranks second to gardening as America’s favorite pastime, with an estimated 43% of all U.S. households, or about 65 million people, participating each year! If you live in an agriculture community, some of what you see growing around you may also be what you see in your backyard feed

BECOME AN AMBASSADOR!

WBFI is looking to have hobbyists create content about the hobby of feeding! If your classroom or family is interested in participating, please send us your photos and videos engaging in any birding hobbies such as:

  • Setting up your bird feeder
  • Filling up your bird feeder
  • Birds visiting your feeder
  • Cleaning your bird feeder

You can send videos by emailing us: info@wbfi.org!  Or follow us on social media and tag our profile and use the hashtag: #FEEDTHEBIRDS

#FEEDSMART ASSETS

Hobbyists should ALWAYS use best feeding practices and clean feeders, birdbaths, and around feeding areas regularly to help stop the spread of diseases in birds.

Visit https://www.wbfi.org/feedsmart/ for resources and more information on how to utilize best bird feeding practices.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Fall in Love with Local Birds – Feeder Tips

It’s time to turn our attention to the birds that stay with us through the cooler months! While some species will embark on long migrations, many local birds stay put and rely on their backyard feeders. Here are some tips to help you attract and care for non-migratory...

Fall in Love with Local Birds – The Importance of Year-Round Feeding

As the days grow shorter and colder, we often turn our attention to preparing for winter, but this period is also crucial for our feathered friends. Feeding birds throughout the entire year supports their health, boosts biodiversity, and maintains the balance of our...

Fall in Love with Local Birds – Top Feeder Ingredients

As the vibrant colors of fall begin to paint the landscape, it's the perfect time to focus on our year-round avian residents. While many birds embark on migratory journeys, there are non-migratory species that stay in our backyards through the changing seasons. To...

Fall in Love with Local Birds – North American Non-Migratory Birds

Birdwatching enthusiasts have lots to look forward to this fall! Contrary to popular belief, not all birds migrate to warmer climates during the colder months. Many species remain in their local habitats year-round, providing bird lovers with the opportunity to...

Chasing Spring: The Marvel of Hummingbird Migration

As the spring unfolds, many hummingbirds, having wintered in the warmer climates of Central America or Mexico, embark on their northward migration to their breeding grounds in the southern United States. Beginning as early as February, their journey extends gradually,...

2024 Great Backyard Bird Count Results

Another successful Great Backyard Bird Count is in the books! Over four days, over 600,000 individuals from all over the globe overcame the winter doldrums to embrace the opportunity to connect with birds and nature. GBBC 2024 in a snapshot: 7,899 species of birds...

The Art of Attracting Birds to Your Yard

No one becomes a great painter overnight.  Time, research, and care are all necessary for any work of art, and the same goes for attracting birds to your yard, which is why the Wild Bird Feeding Institute (WBFI) is here to help. With these few tips, you will not only...

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...

Hot Tips for Cool Birds: Caring for Feathered Friends During the Summer Heat

Extreme weather events like heat waves emphasize the urgent nature of the climate crisis. Recent heat waves have shattered records worldwide, and summers are predicted to become even more sweltering. Our feathered friends are particularly vulnerable to this hazardous...

The Soothing Melody of Birds: Exploring the Mental Health Benefits of Nature’s Song

In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, finding solace and tranquility is becoming increasingly challenging. As our lives become more interconnected and demanding, it's crucial to carve out time for nature and its remarkable healing powers. A recent...