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The pastime of backyard birding has taken flight with new enthusiasts flocking to the hobby. BY JENNIFER MCFEE M eredith Stoesz, assistant man- ager of Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop, said bird feeding had already become one of the fastest- growing hobbies across North America — and then the pandemic boosted its popularity sky high. "I believe many of us were able to slow down, take a deep breath and re- ally appreciate the world around us dur- ing lockdown. It also provided a sense of calm when the rest of the world didn't feel calm at all," she said. "Extra time spent outdoors meant more time connecting with the natural world. The really wonderful thing about bird feeding is it allows us to bring na- ture home and connect with the wild world right in our own backyard." Spring migration is an ideal time to start bird feeding and bird watching, Stoesz added. "About 90 per cent of birds in Mani- toba migrate south for the winter to escape the weather as well as dwindling food sources," she said. "May is a great month to be watching birds because the diversity of species coming back through southern Mani- toba is high. Some species nest in the boreal forest, and on their way there, they need to stop for snacks." When birds fly over your yard, they're looking for water and a food source, as well as shelter such as trees and bushes. They also seek places to raise young, like nesting boxes or dif- ferent layers of foliage. "Adding bird feeders brings in the birds nice and close," she said. "But go- ing the extra mile and using high-qual- ity food will not only bring in more di- versity but will also reduce the amount of food wasted." "THE REALLY WONDERFUL THING ABOUT BIRD FEEDING IS IT ALLOWS US TO BRING NATURE HOME AND CONNECT WITH THE WILD WORLD RIGHT IN OUR OWN BACKYARD." - Meredith Stoesz "SPRING MIGRATION IS AN IDEAL TIME TO START BIRD FEEDING AND BIRD WATCHING" BACKYARD BIRDING the beauty of Birding 14 | S P A C E S

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