February 1-28

National Bird Feeding Month

Join the flock and spread your love for birds this National Bird Feeding Month with our tips, tricks, and bird-friendly products!

Yearly Date

February 1

Observed in

United States

Introduction

February 1 marks the start of National Bird Feeding Month – a time to appreciate and care for our feathered friends. This month-long celebration was created in 1994 by John Porter, a congressman from Illinois, to encourage people to provide food, water, and shelter for birds during the winter season when resources may be scarce. It's also a great way to observe and learn more about different bird species that may visit your backyard. So grab some birdseed and get ready to make some new avian friends this February!

National Bird Feeding Month Timeline

1898

Birdhouse Invention

The first birdhouse and feeding platforms were built and popularized in the United States in the late 1890s.

1910

First Nature Stores

Stores offering nature and bird-related merchandise, such as bird feed and houses began appearing, demonstrating increased interest in bird feeding.

1969

Bird Houses Book

The publication of "Bird Houses Boys Can Build" by Albert Frederick Siepert led to increased bird feeding hobbies across the country.

1994

National Bird Feeding Month

Congressman John Porter declared February as National Bird Feeding Month to educate the public on the importance of supplemental feeding and conservation.

How to Celebrate National Bird Feeding Month

1 Create a DIY bird feeder

Get crafty and make your own bird feeder using materials you can find at home. This is a fun activity for all ages and will attract many different types of birds to your yard.

2 Take a bird watching hike

Explore nature and spot some beautiful birds by going on a bird watching hike. Bring along a guidebook or download a bird identification app to make the experience even more educational and enjoyable.

3 Organize a bird feeding party

Invite friends over for a bird feeding party! Provide various types of bird seed and snacks for your human guests to enjoy while watching the birds feast at your feeders.

4 Visit a local bird sanctuary

Spend the day learning about and observing birds at a local bird sanctuary or nature center. Many offer guided tours and educational programs that are perfect for National Bird Feeding Month.

5 Support a bird conservation organization

Celebrate National Bird Feeding Month by giving back to the birds. Donate to a bird conservation organization or volunteer at a local wildlife rehabilitation center to help protect and care for our feathered friends.

Why National Bird Feeding Month is Important

It's a great way to help bird populations

During the winter, food can be scarce for many birds. By participating in National Bird Feeding Month, you can help provide them with much-needed nourishment and increase their chances of survival.

It brings us closer to nature

Feeding birds in our own backyards allows us to observe them up close and personal. It's a great way to connect with nature and appreciate the diversity of species that exist around us.

It's a fun and educational activity for all ages

National Bird Feeding Month is a great opportunity for families and individuals of all ages to learn more about different types of birds and their feeding habits. You can even turn it into a science or art project by identifying different species or creating homemade bird feeders!