There are so many great reasons to feed birds—from simply enjoying their company to feeling a sense of responsibility for their well-being. Droll Yankees CEO, Bob Donegan got his start in the bird feeder business because he loves feeding and caring for wild birds. Hear why Bob and his wife, Amy, have kept doing it for so many years.
Bird Feeding for Relaxation
Bob Donegan
We feed a lot of birds at my house. Both my wife and I enjoy it, however, for different reasons. My wife is a caring giving person who likes taking care of the birds, especially when they are having babies or in the winter when food is scarce. She will go fill half-full bird feeders if it looks like it’s going to snow.
I’m selfish birder… I do it for me. I relax watching the birds at my feeders. I find that when I watch a goldfinch or chickadee, my blood pressure lowers and the stresses off the day disappear. It is fun to watch all the interaction and hear their songs. Even just 5 minutes of watching birds at one of our feeders in the morning helps me start my day with a great feeling.
See also: The Birding Effect
Bob and Amy Donegan’s collection of photos from feeding birds over the years
Bird Feeding for Nostalgia
Amy Donegan
Feeding the birds brings back fond childhood memories. My grandparents would hang suet in a tree outside their kitchen windows in winter. That attracted a wide variety of colorful birds.
As an adult, I have an overall love of nature. I enjoy the bird sounds and watching their behaviors. I especially enjoy feeding robins raisins from February through July. I feel like I have a personal connection with them when they look in our windows if the feeder is empty.
I also see birds as a natural pest control. Providing food and shelter through landscaping is also a bonus. It’s an affordable and rewarding hobby that I hope to pass on to our grandchildren.
