Birdwatching is a bright spot in a pandemic-ravaged economy. While social distancing may have limited our interactions with friends and family, being at home has increased, for many, the appreciation of nature right outside our windows.
"Sales are through the roof for seed suppliers, birdhouse builders, and small businesses helping people connect with the nature in their backyards," writes the National Audubon Society.
There's the fun and excitement of identifying new birds in your backyard, or of taking note of the migration of those birds that head south in the fall and return in the spring. And this year, February's snow has only made the red-bellied woodpeckers, blue jays, bluebirds, cardinals and other colorful birds stand out even more.
"With some time, a guide book, and a method of tracking, such as a simple notebook, you can get acquainted with the unique characteristics and habits of your local wildlife all year round," writes Hermann Samano. "You could buy a birdhouse, of course, but building one for yourself isn’t just rewarding — it’s also fun! You can customize it for your space and for your visitors."
To read Samano's article in full and learn about building that birdhouse, click here.
Thank you very much to Sean, from a local Boy Scout troop, for also recommending this comprehensive guide to making your yard an inviting place for birds!