Bird Feeders Still a Timeless Gift for Everyone

(Newswire.net — December 28, 2016) Woodbridge, Virginia — Kate and Daan van Wyk, retired accountants, have been feeding wild birds for more than 50 years. It’s not surprising as bird feeding is an activity enjoyed by more than 55 million other Americans. A survey by the U.S. Department of Interior survey found it to be the second-most popular hobby in America, second to gardening.

“I was born with a green thumb, but it’s too cold to stay outside for long in the winter, luckily we still have the birds,” said Kate. “For us, the holidays have always been a time for loved ones, cooking, eating, and keeping our feathered friends fed.”

Bird-feeding is a great way to learn about different species of birds. It’s an activity the entire family can get involved in and is another tool you can utilize in your ongoing quest to keep your children away from their tablets and phones. With many different feeders on the market, feeding backyard birds has never been easier.

“I have feeders of all shapes and sizes, but many birds simply eat off the ground. We have enough seeds to last for more than a year, but I like to give them variety; overripe fruit and bread never goes to waste in this house.”

Each year, Americans spend more than three billion dollars on bird seed alone, from a number point of view it’s easy to see why it’s one of Americans favorite past times.

“For my birthday, my grandson bought me a new bird feeder that attaches to the window,” said Daan proudly. “It took a week for the birds to get used to the feeder, but finally, after some time, we were able to enjoy the birds up close to our window.

Daan and Kate keep a list of the different birds that visit their feeders throughout the year and even partake in bird counting. The New Hampshire Audubon’s Christmas bird count is under way and judging by past years, birdwatchers can expect to see 50 or more species this winter.

Birds delight with their beauty, songs, and individual personalities. “Each species is different,” continued Kate when I asked her what birds are her favorite. “The gold finches are small but courageous and never back down from the bigger birds around the feeder. The chickadees are shy but hyperactive, always to and fro, before finishing their meal somewhere close in a tree. The cardinals are big and bossy and announce their presence at a feeder with a loud ‘peep’. The tufted titmice noisily break sunflower seeds on the perch, sending you to the front door to ask ‘Who’s there?’ because it sounds just like someone is knocking. I don’t think I have a favorite, just as long as they keep coming to pay a visit.”

There’s nothing better than reading one’s paper in the morning with coffee, toast and the sounds of birds singing. Kate and Daan have always enjoyed spending time in nature and the outdoors. “When you get to our age you need to bring nature to you,” said Kate a little forlornly. “This month has been cold, but no sign of snow yet. Many different species have been around already. I’ve seen sparrows, cardinals, house finches, nuthatches, titmice and chickadees. Our family was here to celebrate Christmas and the grandkids loved my food. It’s good to have everybody here, happy and having a good time. What more can we ask for?”

For more information about window bird feeders visit www.kanaryware.com or their products page on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AJ0VMN4