In honor of National Bird Day, we wanted to share why birding is so important to us.
First, let’s define birding; it is the recreational hobby of observing species of wild birds, including their physical characteristics and behavior. It means learning to identify the birds and understand what they are doing. Birding has many benefits, it is educational, versatile, good exercise, environmentally friendly, inexpensive, fun and popular!
Why is birding so important? Birders are often experienced gardeners who plant tree, shrubs and flower that are bird friendly, thus enhancing their natural habitat. Conscientious birders practice safe wildlife conservation practices. These include reducing and or eliminating chemical pesticides and fertilizers around their homes. Birds boost tree growth by removing parasites and damaging insects, transport seeds and help with pollination by visiting plants and dispersing pollen.
Birding is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States with over 50 million birders. It is also easy and fun for all ages. Birding can be as simple as hanging a bird feeder in your backyard to hiking to find a new bird species armed with binoculars and your bird guide.
Regardless of your level of involvement, happy National Bird Day!