Feed the Birds Day

When is Feed the Birds Day Celebrated?

Every February 3 is Feed the Birds Day. This is an important day for the health and survival of your wild backyard birds. If this is the first time you feed backyard birds, you will quickly discover the fun of bird watching.

About Feed the Birds Day

This special day is celebrated in early February, during the deepest, coldest, and snowiest part of winter. Also, it is the time when food is the scarcest, with much of it hidden under the snow. This is the time your backyard birds need your help the most. The seeds in your feeder provide energy and strength, to help birds make it through the rest of winter.

Bird watching is the biggest hobby of all, enjoyed by people young and old. Coaxing wild birds to make your backyard their home, is accomplished largely by having a readily and consistent food source. Your bird feeders are that vital source.

On this day, everyone is encouraged to leave out food for backyard wild birds. Better still, make this the start of a daily habit of feeding them. Seeds are the best food for them at this time of year, as it is a high-energy food source. Bread does not offer nearly as much energy but will do when food is scarce, and you don’t have any birdseed.

In addition to feeding your fine-feathered friends, today is also a day to educate the public about wild birds and their needs. Importantly, we encourage schools and businesses to hold classes and seminars about birds and especially about winter survival.

When to Feed the Birds

People often ask when is the best time to feed your fine-feathered friends. We recommend filling the feeder every day. Check it first thing in the morning before sunrise. If they find the feeder empty, they will go elsewhere in search of food. Some birds will visit your feeder at first light, well before sunrise. Cardinals are a good example. They arrive at the feeder well before any other birds when there is hardly enough light to see. And, they are the last ones at the feeder in the evening, often feeding at dusk.

Once you begin feeding them, it is important to do so consistently. Understandably, they rely on the seed for survival. So, you can’t let the feeder become empty or they will suffer.

Different species of birds have varying seed preferences. Some birds only eat one kind of seeds. While others may not be as picky and eat a variety of seeds. See Bird Seed Feeding Chart.

History and Origin of Feed the Birds Day

Feed the Birds Day was created by Bob Matthews of Rochester, NY in 2016. Matthews says this is a day that is vitally needed. As a result of cold and snowy weather, food sources are low and sometimes buried under the snow and ice. High-energy birdseed can save the lives of many backyard songbirds.

Please feed your wild, backyard birds today and every day.

.Ps Keep your camera handy. You’ll want to take pictures of the feeding frenzy.