Bird watching benefits

Some of my friends who have aquariums in their home claim great things about the therapeutic benefits of aquariums and I can’t say I disagree with them. For me, watching fish in an aquarium is very relaxing. Unfortunately, I just don’t have a green thumb, so to speak, when it comes to maintaining an aquarium. I’ve sure tried, but any self-respecting fish would be better off with someone else at the aquarium controls.

Besides, I already have my own therapeutic counterpart to an aquarium with my bird feeders. Watching birds through my binoculars and spotting scope from the comfort of my own kitchen as I sip coffee is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable things I do. This form of birdwatching ranks very high on the old therapy scale in my book. All I have to do is keep the feeders filled and clean them, now and then, and I manage to do that quite well. When I do slip up and let the feeders go dry, the birds don’t die, at least. It’s not like accidently unplugging the aquarium, which I’ve been known to do.

Maintaining bird feeders is so simple a child can do it and, in fact, getting kids setup with a bird feeder is a great way to spark an interest in wildlife. Next thing you know, the little ones will be asking for their own birding binoculars and field guide and they’re off to a lifetime of enjoyment watching birds. Now, that’s what I call a great gift.