I’ve never been high-maintenance in being entertained. While there are those who have to climb cliffs, drive fast boats, or race cars every weekend to feel relaxed, I’m content with sipping on a cup of good French roast and watch the birds eat what I’ve left out for them in the snow.

Are you into feeding birds? If not, you may start after visiting today’s Family First site. It’s called Birdfeeding.org, and it’s the official online home of the National Bird-Feeding Society.

I began feeding birds when I first got out on my own, carrying on a family tradition instilled in me by my father. I have fed them everywhere I’ve lived. I’ve enjoyed Stellar’s and scrub jays, acorn woodpeckers, and Oregon juncos when I lived in California. Now, back home in Arkansas, I’m looking at a mass of white-crowned, white-throated, and Harris’s sparrows, house finches, cardinals, and six

goldfinches filling every perch on their thistle seed feeder. I also have a downy woodpecker and Carolina wrens hitting the suet feeder.

At Birdfeeding.org, learn how first of all to make your backyard bird-friendly. For instance, one critical ingredient is providing your birds with a source of fresh, clean water. This is especially important when the temperatures are below freezing. Also, some sort of cover is essential. If you live in a house with a bare back yard, consider planting an inexpensive bushy tree. You’ll see the birds start to show up!

Also, learn the types of seed that are appropriate for birds in your area. Are the squirrels scarfing down your sunflower seeds? Try putting out safflower seed instead. The cardinals love it, but squirrels won’t touch it!

So enjoy today’s Family First pick, and start feeding those birds.

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