| A Winter Wonderland Awaits 537
Carla Davis
Wintertime, and in much of North America it's a difficult time for
the birds. That's why the Society originated National Wild Bird Feeding
Month in February. There are no rallies, no parades. But you can get
involved. First, of course, keep your feeders well-stocked with fresh
seed and don't neglect to provide fresh water.
Share the view from your kitchen window with a friend when she comes
over for coffee. Nothing brightens a drab winter day like the brilliant
red of a cardinal on a snow-covered tree branch.
Volunteer to talk about bird feeding in a first grade classroom. The
youngsters may surprise you by how much they already know, but you'll
all have a great time sharing your enthusiasm for our feathered friends.
Tell your new neighbor about how important water is to the birds year
'round in St. Cloud, Minnesota or St. Cloud, Florida. The antics of
birds in the bath enliven the day.
As more people become aware of the needs of birds, it is my hope that
they will develop backyard habitats for birds as I have. It's not that
hard, nor is it very expensive, and the rewards are substantial.
I get a deep sense of gratification from making a
safe haven for the birds in winter. By providing food, water and
shelter for my loyal, year-round residents, I help ensure their
survival.
Oh, sure -- some will say that what I do makes no difference, that
the birds will get by on what nature provides. But I beg to differ. We
have taken so much of the birds' natural habitats through our
ever-increasing demands for development that survival of many of our
native species is seriously threatened. I know without a doubt that what
I am doing means that there will be more birds in the spring to renew
the cycle of life. |
