5 Life Lessons Learned at the Bird Feeder: The Balance of Prospect and Refuge Creates a Sense of Security

5 Life Lessons Learned at the Bird Feeder

Part One of a Five-Part Series

By Helen Grundmann

Like many people, I’ve established a bird feeding station outside my kitchen window. It is a source of joy and inspiration and I do what I can to invite a variety of birds into my winter landscape.

I understand the gritty challenges of day-to-day survival they face and I admire them for it. It’s a win-win situation. I provide food and shelter and they teach me about life.

These are some of the life lessons I’ve learned from watching birds.

Lesson One: The Balance of Prospect and Refuge Creates a Sense of Security

This is true at the feeder as it is for landscape design.

Within a well-situated garden, seating areas are established with vista in mind, something with good prospect. We can look out and enjoy the garden but we can also see what’s coming our way. This is an especially good thing if you are a bird.

The type of planting you do around a seating area also allows you to feel settled in, comfortable, and safe. Your back is protected. It is a refuge.

At the feeding station, you want to provide a layered landscape. An upper story of trees for perching and prospect and a shrub layer for refuge. A mix of deciduous and evergreen plants is a good combination.

In so doing, you have satisfied an evolutionary need for you and the birds.