Bird feeding and bird watching are wonderful ways to help kids connect with the outdoors and step away from screens for a little while. Filling a feeder, identifying different birds, listening to their calls, and patiently waiting for new visitors teaches curiosity, observation, and appreciation for nature in a hands-on way. Every day brings something new to discover.
It’s also a simple activity the whole family can enjoy together. A quiet morning with binoculars and a bird guide can turn into conversations, laughter, and memories that last far longer than time spent indoors. Even a small backyard, porch, or local park can become a place for adventure when you start paying attention to the wildlife around you.
Birds rely on safe spaces, fresh water, and food sources year-round, and creating a bird-friendly space is a great way to support local wildlife while enjoying the beauty they bring. From sunflower seeds to suet feeders, every little effort can invite amazing feathered visitors right to your window.
Hummingbirds need a lot of food each day
You will find hummingbirds flitting about, sucking nectar from flower to flower. They are especially attracted to red tubular flowers. They burn so much energy each day that they need to eat about 3 times their weight in nectar. Sometimes they will eat small insects, but mostly rely on nectar from flowers and bird feeders. You can make your own nectar for these hungry little jewels of the bird world by following this easy-to-make recipe.
Use a 4-to-1 ratio of water to sugar. In other words, for every 1 cup of water, add 1/4 cup of sugar. Bring the water and sugar to a boil in a pan and boil for 5 minutes. Let the liquid cool and then add it to the feeder. I like to make extra nectar and keep it in the refrigerator. If it’s extremely hot outside, you may want to refresh the nectar more often.
So grab a bird feeder, or order the Our Feathered Friends Gift Box, head outside, and see who stops by today. You might be surprised at how much joy, peace, and excitement can come from simply watching the birds.