February 2013
Bird Feeding Fun
Marla Mertz, Marion County Conservation
Feeding birds at a bird feeder or by providing correct landscape plantings is not only enjoyable, it's a great family activity that can be enjoyed no matter your age or ability and no matter the season!
Here are some basics about feeding birds (and don't forget the water):
Cornell Lab of Ornithology Project FeederWatch learn about bird feeding
Cornell Lab of Ornithology Project FeederWatch bird feeding resources
To help young people focus, provide child-sized binoculars or help them make their own "TP binocs." You don't need to focus on identifying every bird that comes to your feeder - start by simply describing the bird - what color is the body, head, wings; describe the shape of the beak; talk about how that bird moves about and what you think the bird is eating. Sketch the birds you see or take digital photos.
Be sneaky and add some math to your bird watching! Make a two-column chart with the bird's picture in the left column and use the right column to make a tally mark for each bird you see. You could start a new chart every day or have a chart for a week / weekend.
Need to know?
If you absolutely MUST know what bird that is eating from your feeder - make a family activity of researching the correct name. You can use the "old-fashioned" bird book or use a reputable website:
All About Birds: Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a great resource for sounds, identification, and to improve your birding skills.
eBird: Real-time, online bird checklist from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society.
whatBird: Bird identification search engine and guide plus some great apps and Avian Sleuth game
Iowa Birds and Birding: Searchable online database of Iowa birding reports, birding site guides, and checklists from the Iowa's Ornithologists' Union.
Are you ready to see some photos of birds at or near a feeder?
Go to the Bird Feeding Google Photos Web Album!
If you are lucky enough to have both house finches and purple finches at your feeders... here are some hints to help tell them apart!
Male house finch
Brown back
Lighter underparts streaked with brown
Red extends back from forehead
Red breast and rump
Male purple finch
Streaked, brownish red back
Whitish belly
Rosy head, rump, and breast
Female house finch
Lighter underparts
Streaked with brown
House finch photos copyright Ron Huelse.
Female purple finch
Heavy streaks
Whitish eye stripe and underparts
Dark jaw stripe
Brown upperparts
Purple finch photos copyright Daniel Behm Photography
Please visit Daniel's Facebook page!
You can be a scientist, too! Check out these 'citizen science' projects:
Great Backyard Bird Count - This is an annual event!
Project FeederWatch - A winter-long bird count.
NestWatch - Help measure nature's success
Citizen science projects are happening through Hummingbird: Operation Ruby Throat and the Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History.
Can you identify the visitors to these bird feeders?