I stopped my winter bird feeding program last month; I altered the feeder setup, changed the food I offer, and am now into summer bird feeding. I learned many years ago not to pay attention to the warnings from soothsayers whose knowledge of birds extends no farther than the backyard bird bath.

We don’t feed birds because we feel a sense of obligation to do so during the three lean months of the year; we do so because we enjoy their presence in the backyard, pure and simple, and there is nothing wrong with that. Birds treat us as nothing more than another stop in many in their daily search
for food. They do not depend on us.

During peak season, I have over twenty bird feeders in operation, and the amount I spend on their upkeep and food is phenomenal. I don’t smoke and I don’t drink; I spend my money on bird food!

And summer brings new clientele, including catbirds, orioles, hummingbirds, brown thrashers, song sparrows – all to my backyard. So, why do I go through all this every year at my age?

My study window faces the backyard where I see nature unfolding. As a book author and writer, when my mind grinds to a halt at the computer, all I have to do is take in the activity outside and I am totally refreshed and revitalized. 

Their songs of happy birds filtering through my open window, their presence and their antics provide relaxation, stress relief and quiet reflection in a world that no longer makes sense. In fact, all animals give us that healing attribute. You can`t put a dollar figure on that.

Birds can be described as stress relievers. But it’s not just birds. The benefit of animals toward relaxation has been well documented over the years. Studies going back as far as the late 1980s have shown that gazing at aquarium fish, for example, reduces stress and subsequently lowers blood pressure.

We are hypnotized by their peaceful and serene nature, creating a calming effect for a few moments in our hectic lives.  Seniors who were provided with an aquarium filled with fish had significant blood pressure reduction. Studies have shown that seniors who have Alzheimer’s experience a variety of health benefits from watching an aquarium. Alzheimer patients ate more, and
required fewer supplements after an aquarium was placed in the dining room. They also exhibited fewer physically aggressive behaviours.
 
Even owning pets not only provide us with companionship by making us feel secure and happy, they act as an anchor that helps one cope with the stresses of everyday life. Their unconditional love gives our mental and physical health a boost.

A leader in the area of pet therapy research found that cardiac patient survival rates were higher for those who owned pets, and that elderly people with pets made fewer visits to the doctor’s office. In the final days before my mother died in 2001, it was often difficult to rouse her from a seemingly comatose state in the nursing home, but the moment she spotted the Sheltie/Terrier I owned back then, her arms would stretch out, and she was alert once again.
 
Whether it is backyard birds, incidental wildlife on your property, or even ownership of domestic pets, the ability of animals to provide calming effects has decided benefits. Spending money to attract them or enjoy them in the wild is not an expense, but rather, an investment.
 
For more information on nature, check out the NatureStuff website at www.naturestuff.net. Terry can be reached at tsprague@xplornet.com.