Birdfeeders are a fun teaching tool for all ages

Birdfeeders are a fun teaching tool for all ages

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Media Contact: Trisha Gedon | Sr. Communications Specialist | 405-744-3625 | [email protected]

School is out for the holidays, but children can still learn interesting information outside of the classroom with birdfeeders that attract birds to the landscape and give children an up-close look at feathered friends.

Birdfeeders not only provide educational opportunities but also give birds a food source.

"Birds are fascinating to watch in their natural habitat," said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Extension consumer horticulturist. "Now that we're in the winter season, food sources can be scarce for birds. A birdfeeder's purpose can be two-fold: It provides nourishment for birds and can be fun and educational for families to watch the birds together."

Children can learn about nature and wildlife while observing birds, and parents can get involved by taking their children to check out a bird identification book at their local library. Observing the birds' colors, shapes, and calls will help children identify different species. Websites and smartphone apps also help identify birds by how they look and/or their calls.

Hillock said birdfeeders teach children about habitats and ecosystems, the role birds play in pollination, seed dispersal and garden pest control.

"Build on science skills by keeping track of what you observe," he said. "Put the children in charge of filling the feeders to help them develop responsibility. Children can learn about animal care, the dietary needs of different bird species, and how birds use their wings, beaks and feathers for survival."

Remember, different types of birds are attracted to certain types of birdfeeders. For example, smaller birds such as the chickadee, tufted titmouse and finch prefer tube feeders. Larger birds, including cardinals and bluejays, prefer hopper or platform feeders. Mourning doves don't need a feeder - they're happy eating seeds off the ground.

"We know people like different kinds of food. Some like burgers, and others prefer pizza. Birds are no different," Hillock said. "Thistle and black oil sunflowers are good for smaller birds. Cardinals like sunflowers of all types, and millet is good for ground-feeding birds."

White proso millet and black oil sunflower make a good general bird-feeding mix, and suet is ideal for woodpeckers and nuthatches.

Although there's little gardening activity during the cold, winter months, it's not too early to start planning next spring's plantings. Gardeners who want to attract more birds to the landscape should consider planting honeysuckle, sunflower, roses, elderberry, crabapple and lavender, to name a few.

"Birdwatching is a fun and educational opportunity for families and a great way to make new memories," he said.

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