ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) – Every year on April 26, nature lovers, birdwatchers and conservationists across the United States celebrate National Audubon Day. Honoring the legacy of John Audubon, bird-lovers appreciate the beauty of nature in many ways, some of which you can do for free or at a low-cost. Enjoy the birds that call Western North Carolina home with one of these ideas.
Go birdwatching
Birdwatching is one of the most relaxing and rewarding ways to connect with nature. Grab your binoculars and visit a nearby park, nature reserve or even your backyard. Early morning is usually the best time to spot the widest variety of bird species. Try using a birding app like Merlin or eBird to help you identify and log your bird sightings.
Plant a bird-friendly garden
Support local bird populations by creating a welcoming space in your yard, patio or balcony. Ask at local plant nurseries if they stock native bushes and trees that offer shelter and food for birds. Adding a water source like a birdbath will improve your odds of catching a glimpse of a beautiful bird in your garden.
Make D.I.Y. bird feeders
Get the whole family involved in a fun craft that benefits birds. Use recycled materials like toilet paper rolls, pinecones, plastic bottles and scrap wood to make easy bird feeders. Hang them outside with some bird-friendly seeds and watch who comes to visit. But be patient, it may take a while to see the birds come to hangout.
Learn more about Audubon
John James Audubon (1785–1851) was a French-American ornithologist, naturalist and artist known for his groundbreaking work “The Birds of America,” first published in 1838. Audubon’s text combined bird illustrations with brief descriptions and names for the species, allowing anyone with the book to identify practically all species in North America. His legacy continues through the National Audubon Society, which advocates for the protection of birds and their habitats across the U.S. The Blue Ridge Audubon Society is Asheville’s local chapter.