National Bird Feeding Month

Categories:: Cause
Tags:: Food Pet Wildlife
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every February
Holiday emoji:: 🐦

National Bird Feeding Month takes flight every February, encouraging us to provide vital sustenance for wild birds during the harsh winter months. This observance educates the public on avian seasonal journeys and the importance of supplemental feeding. Get involved by setting up feeders, learning about local bird species, and contributing to conservation efforts.

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Platforms
Social
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History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
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Expected National Bird Feeding Month Deals

Throughout National Bird Feeding Month, many retailers and organizations pivot from direct sales to crucial fundraising and awareness campaigns. Look for specialized birdseed and feeder brands like Kaytee, Wild Birds Unlimited, and Droll Yankees to partner with conservation groups such as the National Audubon Society and the National Wildlife Federation for donation matching programs. Local garden centers and hardware stores may offer discounts on bird feeding supplies, with a portion of proceeds often benefiting wildlife charities. Online platforms might host virtual workshops on bird identification and feeder maintenance, encouraging participants to donate. We will update this page with confirmed live opportunities as February approaches.

Platform Guide for National Bird Feeding Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BirdFeedingMonth. Share vibrant photos and videos of your backyard birds, feeders, and any unique visitors.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #BirdFeedingMonth. Share quick tips for winter bird care, interesting bird facts, or links to local conservation efforts.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BirdFeedingMonth. Post about community birdwatching events, educational resources, or personal stories of bird encounters.

National Bird Feeding Month Hero

John James Audubon

John James Audubon (1785-1851) was an American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter renowned for his extensive studies and detailed illustrations of North American birds. His seminal work, 'The Birds of America,' published between 1827 and 1838, contains 435 life-size watercolors of birds in their natural habitats, becoming a landmark achievement in natural history and art. Audubon's legacy continues to inspire bird conservation efforts worldwide.

History of National Bird Feeding Month

Bird watching and feeding has been and still is a significant contributor to America’s close relationship with nature.

On February 23, 1994, Congressman John Porter announced National Bird Feeding Month. ‘‘I would like to recognize February, one of the most difficult months in the United States for

wild birds, as National Bird-Feeding Month. During this month, individuals are encouraged to provide food, water, and shelter to help wild birds survive. This assistance benefits the environment by supplementing the wild bird’s natural diet of weed seeds and insects.’’

Each year brings with it a different theme for National Bird Feeding Month, as selected by the National Bird Feeding Society. Previous themes include “If You Feed Them, They Will Come” and “Most Wanted – America’s Top Ten Backyard Birds.”

Whether you’re an old hand or a newbie to bird feeding, February is the ideal time to get out there and do some feeding.

National Bird Feeding Month timeline

2019

Full up

The “Full Up” theme is chosen to ensure that our birds get enough to eat that they will continue to delight us with their song.

2013

Bird Song

Westbrook Boys Varsity Basketball begin their state playoff run with the theme "Feed the Birds.

2012

Field of Dreams

The theme for 2012’s National Bird Feeding Month was "If You Feed Them, They Will

Come…

1835

First Feed

Robert Havell Jr publishes his engraving of two birds for ‘‘The Birds of America.’’

National Bird Feeding Month FAQs

When is National Bird Feeding Month?

In 2027, National Bird Feeding Month will again be observed throughout February, highlighting the critical role supplemental feeding plays in bird survival. The entire month offers opportunities for education and action.

How many bird species are there in North America?

The avian biodiversity of North America is vast, with around 2,060 recognized bird species. Many of these species face food scarcity in winter, making February’s focus on bird feeding particularly important for their survival.

How popular is bird feeding in the United States?

Millions of households across the U.S. engage in bird feeding, making it one of the nation’s most beloved outdoor hobbies. This consistent support provides crucial resources for birds, especially during colder seasons.

What types of food are best for wild birds?

The best foods for wild birds depend on the species, but common favorites include black oil sunflower seeds for many songbirds, nyjer for finches, and suet for woodpeckers and chickadees. Avoid feeding bread, which offers little nutritional value.

How To Celebrate National Bird Feeding Month

Put a feeder in your yard
If you haven’t already, put different feeders in your yard to attract different kinds of birds. Foods you can leave out include birdseed mixture, lard, and beef suet, meaty canned pet food, brown or white rice, crumbled bread, mildly grated cheese, and so much more.
Add a place with water
Birds struggle to get non-frozen water in the winter. If possible, adding a heated birdbath, fountain or even a large bowl of warm water would help greatly. Birds often gather in places where food, shelter, and water are reliable, so try to be consistent and generous.
Do some bird watching
Keep an eye on the birds that make a pit stop in your yard. Maybe the one that stops to use your water, the one who feeds, or the one that sings on your fence. Either way, try and spot the pattern and identify their species.

5 Facts About National Bird Feeding Month

Backyard banter
One-third of the U.S. adult population feeds wild birds in their backyards
Got milk? No thanks
Birds guts are not able to digest milk.
Salty much?
Garden birds are unable to metabolize salt.
Oh, swell.
Don’t feed birds desiccated coconut as it can swell inside their stomachs.
What’s for lunch?
Dead or discolored mealworms could cause problems for birds

Why we love National Bird Feeding Month

Together, we’re there for everyone
Feeding birds in your backyard is entertaining, educational, and an inexpensive pastime that can be enjoyed by children and adults.
The kids are alright
Young kids are naturally drawn to the activities involved in feeding birds. This can serve as an excellent educational tool if you encourage the little ones to identify different species and to learn about their different feeding and living habits.
It’s accessible for most people
Feeding birds in the backyard is a hobby that’s easy to start, won’t overtax the family budget, and something that everyone can do together.