Care for others🫶
1/23/26
There’s so many things in this world that are very important to me. I hold all of my babies close to my heart. I feel deeply for them and spend a lot of my time giving back to them. They bring me so much joy, love, comfort, laughter and peace. I’m not just referring to my cats, lizards and fish. I’m talking about my squirrels and birds even my bugs that find their way over to have a meal on these plates I put together. It warms my heart seeing them enjoy a meal and feel safe enough to keep returning. I hang bird feeders from the tree, 3 of them to be exact. This spring I’ll be adding hummingbird feeders and I’m so excited to see them fly over!
This winter it’s very important to allow them many options so they can keep energy and thrive. Even in the 20° my birds and squirrels keep coming to get some food before heading back to their home. We have an ice storm coming so I wanted to make sure they have enough food to prepare and take back to nests if needed. I also hung a house they will provide shelter if one is in need of a home.
For Christmas I received a bird house that has a feeder on the front. Wanna know the best part? It has a camera!! I’m so excited to see the cute photos it captures of my babies. I’ve never had one before so this is exciting. I’ll probably hang it up in the spring.
Caring for wildlife in your own backyard is not only fulfilling but also vital for local ecosystems. Over the years, I have found that offering a variety of food sources caters to different species’ needs, especially during harsh weather. For winter, it’s crucial to provide high-energy food options such as sunflower seeds, suet, and peanuts, which help birds and squirrels maintain their energy. Installing multiple bird feeders as I have can reduce competition among visiting animals, giving everyone a chance to eat peacefully. Make sure feeders are placed in safe, sheltered locations to protect your feathered and furry visitors from predators and harsh weather conditions. Adding a birdhouse or shelter provides much-needed refuge, especially during storms or cold nights. I’m particularly excited about my new birdhouse with a built-in camera, which allows me to observe and capture the daily life of my backyard friends. This modern addition brings a new dimension to wildlife watching and creates wonderful memories. Come spring, adding specialized feeders, like those for hummingbirds, can attract even more diverse wildlife. If you want to take your backyard care a step further, consider planting native plants and flowers that provide natural food and nesting materials. This not only supports wildlife but also promotes biodiversity and a healthy garden. Involving family or neighbors can turn this hobby into a community effort. Sharing seed mixes, feeder designs, and observations enrich everyone’s experience and helps raise awareness about the importance of nurturing local wildlife. Most importantly, patience and consistency make a significant difference. Regularly checking and refilling feeders, cleaning birdhouses, and protecting your feeders from ice buildup during winter ensure your wildlife friends have a welcoming and safe environment all year long.