Have you ever sat watching birds flit around outside the kitchen window while you enjoy a cup of coffee? So many people hang a bird feeder in a perfect spot so they can enjoy watching them from the comfort of the house.
Now why on earth would I say that we shouldn’t do that?
Let me put it this way.
Do you remember Jurassic Park? Early in the movie, the scientists are being shown around the park and voicing their concerns. The male paleontologist said, “Some of the worst things imaginable have been done with the best intentions.”
Now, I’m now suggesting that putting out bird seed is any where near the level of reintroducing dinosaurs to the ecosystem. BUT it does have some unintended consequences, some of which are arguably bad for the birds and others in the ecosystem.
Like what, you ask?
Let’s say I put up a bird feeder and keep the snacks coming as fast as the birds can eat them. It gets easier for the birds to find food, and the population may be able to grow beyond the level that the natural food supply would be able to support. What happens when I get busy or go away on vacation and that food runs out for a while?
Or, let’s say I’m staying consistent with keeping the food out in the bird feeder. What have I created besides a birdie buffet but a perfect hunting ground for all the neighborhood predators?
Okay, that’s enough of that. There are downsides to bird feeders. We’ve established that.
The good news is, there’s a better way.
I want everyone to still enjoy seeing the birds as they go about their day.
The good news is, there’s a better way to do it.
Planting natives outside that same window can give a similar result, with a whole lot more positives included.
The thing is birds and pollinators and other wildlife need more than just food. That’s important, but so is shelter and water and places to perch to watch their surroundings. Native shrubs and perennials can offer all of that, along with lovely flowers and fruits and seeds to provide food.
It may have seemed like I was going to destroy everyone’s fun, but quite the opposite. Let’s create lots of native gardens around our houses to enjoy watching the birds play.
Journal Prompt: What bits of natural beauty are peeking through this Spring for your life?
Nature through the senses
Scent:
My son has been dealing with headaches the last few months, so I’ve been researching ways to help alleviate them. It turns out, the scent of apples has been found to help lessen the effects of migraines. It can also lower feelings of stress, which seems like a good thing for folks who are suffering from a headache, too.
Sight:
The time has come for the serviceberries to bloom. Speaking of a natural food source for wildlife, this is a great option for an ornamental tree that does just that for pollinators this time of year.
Sound:
All those beautiful sounds we love in nature? Someone decided to study which ones have the most positive effect on people, looking at water vs. birds vs. mixed sounds. The results? It turns out water noises have the most positive influence on people. I still plan to enjoy listening to the birds, though, too.
Taste:
If you like garlic or onions, you’re in for a treat. This is the time of year to harvest ramps. I have fond memories of doing so with loved ones in years past, so I’m looking forward to heading out on a gathering expedition this spring.
Touch:
For those who love to hold a book in their hands (while reading it!), I found a great essay on what you get when you combine nature writing with a novel. It’s interesting reading in its own right, and better yet, it suggests a multitude of books to check out.
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