<!–[CDATA[Bird’s Eye View
There are over 9,000 species of birds in the world, giving us so much to explore. Although our residents may not travel to exotic locations to view these many birds, we can still offer them a glimpse of these wonderful species via the Web. Residents may choose to download free apps to pursue bird watching or view the live feed via Cornell’s Bird Cam’s that are all over the country. But what about our own backyard where so many species of birds are available to see? Residents can explore local parks, forests and preserves as well as their own backyard. Through this program residents have opportunities to not only learn about birds in their area but also be an active participant in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) which contributes to a better understanding of the bird population.
Ways to be involved in this Signature Program
Learn about the birds in your area or explore the birds in various states via What Bird and Audubon’s Field Guide.
- Participate in one or all of the following bird watching activities:
- Hummingbird Watch – Residents can report on hummingbirds and their feeding behavior at any time of year. Using the website or a free mobile app makes it easy to report sightings and learn more about these remarkable birds.
- Project Feeder Watch – Project Feeder Watch is a winter-long survey of birds that visit feeders at backyards, nature centers, community areas, and other locales in North America. Feeder Watchers periodically count the birds they see at their feeders from November through early April and send their counts to Project Feeder Watch.
- Watch Birds Live – Cornell Bird Cams – Great for residents to view on their own or a live feed in the main lobby/living room. Great way to bring residents together.
- Bringing Birds to the community
- Have the knitters in your community donate their tiny yarn scraps so birds can make their nests.
- Using recyclable materials found at the community, create unique bird feeders.
- Make a Bird Seed Wreath – This suet bird seed wreath provides densely nutritious food for the birds that hang around in the winter. Cook one up and hang it outside and wait for your feathered fans to come snack. What birds should you expect? Suet is a particularly welcome feast for birds like wrens, chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers.
- Build a Birdhouse
- Plant a Bird Friendly Garden
- Do you knit/crochet? Check out the Knests for the Kneedy Project.
Benefits to Residents
Bird watching is something that can be done in a chair, on a short/long hike, from a computer and reaches all people of any physical or cognitive function level. “The mental exercise of learning something new contributes to overall improved health of the brain, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Identifying bird species and committing them to memory, as well as their physical attributes, could create an intellectual challenge that serves your health well. Additionally, being outside creates opportunities for the body to get fresh air and vitamin D from the sun. Combined with the benefits of a birding walking tour, the physical effects of participating in this hobby are widespread.” (No Author noted. February 9, 2012. The many benefits of bird watching. In Las Vegas Review – Journal. Retrieved December 22, 2015.)