Why Bird Feeders Matte

Birds contribute to our environment in many ways. Barry Yeoman, a contributor to Audubon Magazine, reminds us that "birds keep farmers in business; they protect our drinking water by preventing erosion; they slow the spread of disease; they keep the furniture industry supplied with timber; [and] they provide critical environmental data." They also contribute to our psychological environment simply through their presence, which can tap into one's sense of beauty, joy, awe, and meaning.

Extensive evidence suggests that nature helps improve mood, recovery rates, learning, cognitive functioning, mental stamina, and focus, while also decreasing blood pressure and violent or criminal behavior, among other benefits. Bird feeders offer a simple solution to encourage the presence of nature, thereby contributing to overall wellness. Furthermore, bird feeders are affordable, accessible, and easy to maintain.

Those who engage in feeding wild birds may do so to experience benefits such as increased feelings of pleasure, relaxation, usefulness, and connection. A recent study concluded that just 30 minutes of birdwatching can foster "lower anxiety, greater well-being, and increased connection to nature, with the greatest benefits observed when people are prompted to engage emotionally." Observing birds evokes emotion in the watcher-particularly when prompted-which can then positively influence their emotions and behaviors. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tells us that emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are all interconnected and can influence one another.