Have you got a bird feeder?

In times of cold weather we should think not only about ourselves and how to avoid sicknesses, but to take care of those who stayed with us for winter and did not fly to the warm countries. Thus, the Youth Department of the National Ecological Centre of Ukraine and Nature Protection Squad movement calls for all Ukrainians to participate in an action to make bird feeders. The Day supports and actively participates in such initiatives. It is vitally important to help those, who urgently need protection and support. Hanging a bird feeder on a window of our apartment or office and putting some sunflower seeds in it shows compassion to our little neighbors.

It is sad that schools do not always teach children how to make bird feeders. This was an assignment in my natural history class. It was not compulsory but simply interesting for us — we would tend to our bird feeders and not even realize that we cultivated care and love towards animals.

“No matter which region you live in, there are snowstorms outside and several days ago the temperature dropped [below zero]. We ask you to remember that there are many birds out there, for whom it is now the most severe time [of the year], as unexpected temperature drops coincide with the first snowfalls. It is more difficult to find food under the snow. This is the very period when the largest quantity of birds die. There are many industrialized lands in Ukraine, and these present fewer chances for birds,” says the young eco-logist’s statement, as found on www.maidan.org.ua. “We call on you to leave your computer screens right now to make a bird feeder. It can be placed on your windowsill or any construction, you can make it out of a plastic bottle, a carton of juice or anything else. None except you will know if you considered this request but we hope that you will. Actually, hoping to find some food, the birds from around northern Europe come to our land.” Ecologists recommend feeding the birds with raw seeds and grain of different plants (except buckwheat), bread crumbs (except rye bread), and also any unsalted fat. “Find a moment to crumble bread, go to the market or shop to get some raw sunflower seeds, unsalted fat or lard and hang it out from the window in a nylon bag, in which you stored onions, for example. Having done that you will not only feel that The Day was not wasted but also you will save fragile birds,” the nature protectors add.

I know where I will place a bird feeder. Do you?