Birds can live without people but they’re healthier and happier because of them.
According to a recent study by Illinois’ Milliken University the individual health of birds improved with supplemental feeding, including reduced stress and rapid feather growth.
“This was a three-year study and the first of its kind. The study shows birds do depend on us,” said Bob Gors, co-owner of Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop in Clinton Township and a well-known birding aficionado. “Gardening is the most popular hobby in America, but second to that is birding.”
Among the reasons people feed wild birds is that they want to help but for years the question has been, are they helping or hindering their fine feathered friends?
During the study, conducted from the spring of 2011 to the spring of 2014, researchers compared three forested sites where supplemental food was provided, with three forested sites where no supplemental food was provided and observed the changes that occurred in the individual health of the birds.
Their results showed a consistent pattern of greater overall health for the birds at the sites with feeders than those that did not, demonstrated by increased antioxidant levels, reduced stress levels, higher quality feather growth, improved body condition scores and a stronger immune defense system.
“The results of this study will benefit the people who feed birds and it will let them know that feeding birds can help,” said David Horn, professor of biology and co-author of the study.
Every year, more and more people take up the hobby that already has an estimated 85 million Americans a year feeding, observing or photographing wild birds.
For those thinking about it now is a great time to start, not only because a bird’s natural source of food is often covered by snow but because of the Great Backyard Bird Count, going on Friday, Feb. 16 through Monday, Feb. 19.
Every February, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society put on the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). The event is free and it gives bird watchers of all ages the opportunity to assist in creating a real-time snapshot of bird populations around the country.
“It’s easy,” said Gors. “Once a day or as many times as you like look at your feeder and count the number of different birds that you see during the four-day event.”
After that, report your findings online at birdcount.org.
Last year, more than 160,000 participants entered their results online creating the largest instantaneous snapshot of global bird populations every recorded.
In doing so, data highlighted a large irruption of Snowy Owls across the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and Great Lakes areas of the U.S. The data also showed the effects that warm weather patterns have had on bird movement around the country.
“This count is so fun because anyone can take part. We all learn and watch birds together, whether you are an expert, novice, or feeder watcher,” said Gary Langham, chief scientist with the GBBC. “I like to invite new birders to join me and share the experience. Get involved, invite your friends and see how your favorite spot stacks up.”
In addition to the count the GBBC features a photo contest for those capturing images of the birds visiting their spots.
For more information visit gbbc.birdcount.org.
English Gardens in Macomb and Oakland counties will be hosting several events for children who might be interested in the hobby of birding.
Super Sprouts Kid’s Event: Bring on the Birds, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. During this seminar children will learn all about the GBBC and feeding and caring for our flying feathered friends. The seminar is free.
Super Sprouts Kid’s Event: Create a Bird Treat. Feb. 10 at 2:30 p.m. Children who attend this craft workshop will be shown how to create their own bird treat inspired by Valentine’s Day. Due the supplies and nature of this event, pre-registration is required by calling your English Gardens location: Clinton Township, 586-286-6100; Eastpointe, 586-771-4200; Royal Oak, 248-280-9500; and West Bloomfield, 248-851-7506.
For more information visit englishgardens.com