I’ve always had a soft spot for birds even though I didn’t pay much attention to them as a child. For example, I could name but a few species – the obvious ones like American Robins and Northern Cardinals. I enjoyed watching them but that’s as far as I went.
I’ve learned to appreciate them more as an adult. Perhaps that’s because I spend more time outdoors (I was attached to my video games back in the day). Or maybe I need an easy escape from the stresses of life as a grown-up. That makes sense, as stepping into the backyard is the quickest way out.
Birding has become a hobby for me. I was inspired to start when a Wild Birds Unlimited store opened in my area. I checked it out and was immediately hooked. That led to adding a feeding station in my yard. It’s one of the best things I’ve done for my mental health.
Filling up the feeders isn’t cheap – but it gives me purpose. It gets me outside – even on cold winter days. I know my feathered friends are counting on me for a snack. Who am I to let them down?
The summer is even better, as I’m happy to sit for hours on our patio and watch the birds do their thing. It’s a welcome break from the daily grind.
I always feel the need to be productive – even on my off days. It’s difficult to sit and do nothing. Birding helps me forget about everything else for a bit. It’s one of the few times I’m content to chill out.
I enjoy observing the different species and how they interact. Mourning Doves will share the feeder with anyone (if their crash-landings don’t scare off the others). The sharp beak of the Red-bellied Woodpecker tends to send everyone scattering. European Starlings are aggressive and voracious eaters (they’ll go through your suet in a flash). The Finches and Sparrows show up in groups.
The year-round visitors are great. But I take special pride in watching the species who visit seasonally. The arrival of the Gray Catbird means warm weather has come (their personalities are the best, by the way). The Ruby-throated Hummingbirds tend to visit the yard just before the end of summer and are dazzling to see up close. The Dark-eyed Junco makes winter a little more bearable. Each has a time and place. I try to enjoy them while they’re here.
Birding is a great hobby because birds are everywhere. You don’t need to live in the country to see them. Just put up a feeder and they’ll come to you. Or watch them scurry along the city sidewalks.
They’re also happy to let you watch them – from a safe distance. They don’t ask you for anything. And they are great examples of strength and resilience (just think about those long and dangerous migrations).
So, when the day is difficult, I step outside and watch my feeder. There’s always something interesting going on. And a few minutes with my friends brings a sense of peace.
I’ll leave you with a song. “I Like Birds” by Eels perfectly captures this simple pleasure.