Backyard bird feeders have become a favorite small investment in my surroundings. Feeding the birds serves the very practical purpose of helping out our feathered friends with a meal here and there. Whether it be non migratory birds with limited food sources in the winter or the migratory ones that arrive hungry and tired in early spring, they all are hungry. 

I bought Scout a bird feeder for his first birthday back in 2020, just before the start of the pandemic. It hangs outside my home office window where he studies the activity like must see tv and where I also can sometimes catch a glimpse of them coming and going.

Since then I have added two more that are visible from other windows and that are a little quicker to access on a cold winter morning. Most years I take a break from feeding in the summer but I’m rethinking that this year. 

Living in the country, my yard is ringed by trees. There are shrubs, flowers and weeds to provide habitat and food sources and I always thought that was enough. However, the bird population does naturally drop off when the feeders go away and I selfishly want to keep them hanging around.

I stepped outside yesterday morning, bird seed in hand, and discovered the yard was alive with the sound of music. Julie Andrews has nothing on me. There was a cacophony of birdsong from all around. When I looked closely, the yard was full of  birds of many colors expressing their gratitude for the meal they were about to receive. 

I drank it all in and decided it’s worth the extra effort to keep this going as long as possible. 

Life is hard for the wild creatures of this world. From the small wasp we kill (despite their role eating flies and ticks) to the deer and squirrels that hunters slaughter, there is risk at every turn. If I can plant a few things and ignore some weeds here and there to assist the pollinators, that’s a small but mighty way to help out. Dropping a little food in the feeders is another. 

I wish there was a photo to support what I witnessed yesterday but it’s only imprinted on my brain. Trust me. It was extraordinary. 

If you want to celebrate the small things in this life, start with a bag of birdseed and a little feeder outside your window. It’s one of the best investments you can make.