Oh, for the love of birds! Every year around Valentine’s Day, people are asked to help scientists learn about the population and migration of birds by counting the birds they see in their own backyard, or any public space. The Great Backyard Bird Count runs this year from February 12-15, 2021, but you only need to spend 15 minutes watching and counting to assist in the process!
Now is a perfect time to do some birdwatching. With all the COVID restrictions in place, all ages can sit indoors and enjoy watching the birds out the window. It’s a great way for housebound senior citizens to spend some time, or to occupy the kids for 15 minutes. You can see the policy of “pecking order” in action at feeders, and watch their antics as birds interact with each other and nature. Here are some pictures and identities of common birds you’ll find in Virginia.
So why are birds important to humans? For one, they eat thousands and thousands of insects, bugs, and pests. They will gladly gobble up mosquitoes, caterpillars, spiders, crickets, aphids, and others – without using any chemicals. Cornell Labs says that a pair of chickadees must catch over 7,500 caterpillars to feed to just one nest of baby birds!
Another reason that it’s good to have birds in your backyard is because they are indicators of a healthy environment. Backyards, no matter if they’re small or large, can host a variety of birds if there are bushes for shelter, a birdbath or water source, and preferably native plants for seeds and berries. Here are some activities from Virginia Tech to help kids learn how to identify and provide food for wild birds. You don’t need expensive equipment, you and the kids can even make your own bird feeders.
In fact, making or installing a bird house is the perfect activity to do when you participate in our Shiver in Virginia Challenge that begins on February 27th, and continues all through the month of March. There are many ways you can help Keep Virginia Beautiful, from picking up litter to caring for our beautiful wildlife. Check it out and register now!
So come on, the birds are counting on you!