The Current
Much of Colorado is breeding ground for double-crested cormorants, which don’t have fully waterproof feathers and therefore have to spend extra time preening and sunbathing. This is just one example of the importance of water to area birds.
Sharon Milligan/Audubon Photography Awards
February is National Embroidery Month did you know? It’s also National Hot Breakfast Month and Black History Month. Observed annually on Feb. 14 is the well-known Valentine’s Day, and February 17 is National Cabbage Day.
These monthly observations can be quite fun to learn about and celebrate – perhaps with some sauerkraut on the menu. But when we saw that February is National Bird-Feeding Month, Eagle River Watershed Council staff decided that it’s timely to share some important information about our feathered friends and the role our rivers and streams play in their lives.
February Is for the Birds
Tips for watching, feeding, and counting birds, wherever you are
During the past year, we were often told to listen to or follow the science. Well, I am happy to report that there is more and more scientific evidence to support the idea that everyone would be better off watching birds. You can watch them at a feeder while you are sitting on the couch, or you can go to a park to see them.
Studies from England, Los Angeles, and Spain indicate that the closer you live to a park and the more contact you have with nature, the better your mood, psychological well-being, mental health, and cognitive functioning scores will be. In short, watching birds is good for you, and you don’t even need a note from the doctor to do it. For those interested in the mental health aspects of birding, the book “Bird Therapy” by Joe Harkness will be helpful.
Birds counting on you to help them survive
Lisa Haderlein
The Nature of Things It may be the shortest month of the year, but February sure has a lot going on: Groundhogs Day, Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, Washington’s Birthday, Super Bowl Sunday, […]
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Photo by Hawk Conservancy Trust Hawk Conservancy Trust is at risk of closing after multiple lockdowns and restrictions have impacted their income, the Advertiser can report. The chief executive of the popular tourist attraction, just outside of Andover, said they are under increased pressure. With 130 birds to look after, the conservancy is currently going through the most challenging phase in its 55-year history. The trust s chief executive Penny Smout said that they are concerned about their future viability, particularly if the current crisis continues throughout 2021. She told The Advertiser: “Our future viability is a concern as after losing six months’ income from visitors and, with 130 birds of prey to look after, we’re consuming our reserves quickly.