“We need the tonic of wilderness…we can never have enough of nature.” – Henry David Thoreau
Recognizing that much of the world was becoming increasingly industrialized, American naturalist and essayist Henry Thoreau was already urging folks to reconnect with nature back in the mid-19th century. If only he could see us now, with screens and new technology in every corner of our lives. What Thoreau knew intuitively then has now been backed up by a wealth of research: time with nature is important for our well-being.
Backyard birding is an accessible way to bring a little wilderness into your family’s daily life, especially in the depths of a Midwest winter. It doesn’t take much to get started, according to Sarah Anglum, who manages Wild Birds Unlimited in Springfield.
“There are lots of ways to make feeders and bird houses from recycled materials like a milk jug,” she said. DIY feeder instructions and more activities for kids is available on the company’s website, springfieldil.wbu.com.
For those looking to buy a starter feeder, Anglum recommends a tray feeder. “Where kids are concerned, tray feeders are great because it’s easier for them to fill by themselves.”
Window feeders are a popular choice as well, allowing kids to get up close to the action. Anglum explained that different types of seeds will attract different species of birds. Black oil sunflower seed and safflower seed are ideal choices for attracting a wide range of beautiful birds including cardinals, tufted titmice, chickadees and finches. Buying high-quality, targeted seed can actually be more cost-effective because it won’t contain filler seed that either goes uneaten or can attract less-desirable birds like starlings.
Whatever type of feeder you use, it should prevent the seed from sitting in water. Tray feeders should have a mesh bottom and if you’re scattering seed, toss it on the grass rather than impermeable surfaces such as concrete where it could get saturated.
Space your feeders several feet apart to prevent crowding, and clean them at least once or twice a year to help prevent disease.
“I submerge mine in a five-gallon bucket full of soapy water overnight and let the Dawn do the work,” Anglum said, followed by a quick scrub and a rinse. Make sure the feeder is fully dry before refilling it with seed.
It might take a few days for the birds to discover their new feeder. Once they do, a good field guide can help tap into your kid’s inner scientist. In addition to color-coded field guides, Wild Birds Unlimited sells a sturdy, laminated quick reference guide for less than $10 featuring common backyard birds in Illinois, perfect for identifying birds with littles. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology offers a free bird identification app complete with photos, audio recording of bird calls and tips for spotting your favorite birds.
You can also make your own treats for feathered friends. This is a great hands-on activity for kids when it’s too cold to spend time outside.
Homemade Suet Mix
1 cup rendered animal fat such as suet or lard, melted
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup birdseed or other mix-ins including stale bread crumbs, cooked rice, dried fruit and nuts (never feed birds anything that’s moldy or salty), plus more for rolling, if desired
Combine the above ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir well to combine. Tie a piece of string to the top of a pine cone, or find a stick that’s approximately 12- to 18-inches long that will fit snugly into the hole of your well-washed flower pot. Pack the suet mixture into the pine cone or around the stick that’s sticking out of the flower pot. Roll the pine cones in additional birdseed if desired. Allow to chill thoroughly before hanging. To hang the flowerpot, tie a sting so that the flowerpot will hang upside down and the birds can perch on the stick to get to the suet.
Ashley Meyer is a freelance writer from Springfield who has been enjoying watching the birds in her backyard this winter with her two kids.
This article appears in Spring 2025 February 2025.
