The calendar has turned to the month of February which is a big month for backyard birding. Sure Valentine’s day takes place in February, but if you love birds this is your month! As winter drags on natural food sources become more scarce for our backyard friends meaning we need to be providing them some resources. They in turn will provide you the benefit of adding life to your winter landscape and color as you watch through the window. In two now unprecedented years, 2020 and 2021, the Great Backyard Bird Count reminds us that thousands of people around the world are united in their enjoyment of watching birds. Turnout for these international bird counts has been incredible, with many people understandably staying closer to home. The past few years have given all of us a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the natural world in and around our homes and communities.
Last year alone in the Great Backyard Birdcount:
- 6,436 species of birds identified
- There were 190 participating countries including many bird lovers from here in the U.S.
- 300,000+ estimated global participants with hundreds of thousands of beautiful photos taken.
If you plan to participate, this year the dates are coming up quickly, February 18-21, 2022.
Participating is easy, fun to do alone, or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds.
Step 1 – Decide where you will watch birds.
Step 2 – Watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 18-21, 2022.
Step 3 – Count all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings:
- If you are a beginning bird admirer and new to the count, try using the Merlin Bird ID app.
- If you have participated in the count before, try eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website (desktop/laptop).
- If you are participating as a group, see instructions for Group Counting.
Whether or not you decide to participate in this year’s bird count, here at Flowerland we remind you that backyard birding is rewarding and really quite easy, just remember to provide some good bird feeders and maintain them. Clean your feeders and keep them filled with fresh seed. Provide some suet. Provide some water. You can do this by purchasing a bird bath heater. And remember the birds flocking to your feeders want some protection. Situate the feeders within a short flying distance from shrubs and trees. Evergreens are perfect to provide a safe haven between jaunts to the feeder. Our landscapes can provide natural food sources like berries and protection for perching as birds move from spot to spot. As you add plants to your landscape both you and the birds benefit….it’s a win win!
Position the feeders in a location where you can easily watch from the windows. Remember to:
Provide fresh seed and suet, keep the feeders clean, provide some cover or protection for the birds to perch and provide some water. Have fun backyard birding, a year-round activity with February a prime time opportunity!ing
