Celebrating National Bird‑Feeding Month in Canada: A Joyful February Tradition

Every February, as winter settles in and the days inch slowly longer, people across the country take part in a charming tradition: National Bird‑Feeding Month. It’s a celebration not only of nature, but of connection—between people, birds, and the landscapes that sustain both.

Origins

National Bird-Feeding Month has its origins in the United States. In 1994 Congressman John Porter introduced a resolution declaring February as National Bird Feeding Month to raise awareness about helping wild birds during the toughest part of winter. This joyful concept was quickly embraced by many Canadian nature groups and individuals.

Why February?

Winter can be tough on our wild birds. Natural food sources are buried under snow, daylight hours are short, and temperatures dip well below freezing. For cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, finches, and all backyard birds every calorie counts.

That makes February the perfect moment for us to step in with a little kindness. A backyard feeder filled with seeds, suet, or roasted peanuts becomes a lifeline—and a window to daily wonder.

A Month Filled with Small Joys

One of the delights of bird‑feeding season is how quickly a feeder transforms a space. A quiet yard suddenly becomes a lively winter stage featuring red‑breasted nuthatches zipping in for sunflower seeds, blue jays calling out with theatrical flair, and the tiny but courageous black‑capped chickadee landing just long enough to snatch a treat.

Even in the busy city of Toronto small garden feeders turn into miniature nature preserves. You don’t need a forest—just a perch, a feeder, and some good seed.

Easy Ways to Celebrate National Bird‑Feeding Month

Here are simple, joyful ways to join in:

• Put up a feeder — Tube feeders for finches, platform feeders for cardinals and jays, or suet cages for woodpeckers.
• Choose quality seed — Black oil sunflower is a favourite across Canada and locally our WBU No Mess NM CD is a best seller
• Provide water — A heated birdbath is a big benefit to our birds in freezing temperatures.
• Keep it clean — Regular cleaning keeps birds healthy and reduces disease spread.
• Try a citizen‑science project — Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count or eBird and contribute to real conservation data.
• Invite kids or neighbours — Bird‑feeding is a simple way to spark curiosity and joy in others.

Bird‑Feeding as a Canadian Winter Ritual

There’s something deeply grounding about feeding birds in February. When the world is cold and still, nature reminds us that life is humming along all around us. Each visit from a brilliant red cardinal against fresh snow, each chickadee landing with bold confidence, brings a spark of colour and warmth to winter days.

In many ways, National Bird‑Feeding Month is less about feeders and seeds—and more about slowing down, noticing beauty, and nurturing life in even the coldest season.