Fun and Fulfilling Lockdown Activities to Connect You to Nature

Well, here we are again. A stay-at-home order is in place, which is certainly not the best way to start a New Year. However, instead of dwelling on the current circumstances, we want to highlight ways that you can spend your extra time connecting with nature, on your own property! I am going to explore some winter projects or activities that you can do in your own backyard that are fun and will leave you feeling closer to nature and therefore- happier. This study proves how biological diversity makes us just that.. happier! 

1. Put Up a Nest Box 

Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii)

Eastern Screech-Owls begin nesting in February. Provide birdbaths for drinking and bathing and nest boxes for seasonal nesting, as well as for roosting and storing prey year-round. Screech owl boxes should be placed in shaded areas in sparse woods, streamside forests, farmland, suburban backyards, and city parks. Avoid facing the nest box north. Face the entry hole east or south where possible, as the birds like to sit in the entranceway (even during the day) to soak up sunlight. To see our see more information on a wide range of different nesting boxes, check out our webpage about it here. So much to learn on that page! For availability, contact the store. For more information on how to build your own visit this helpful Audubon page.

2. Try Hand-Feeding Your Backyard Birds 

Black-capped Chickadee

Hand-feeding birds is a thrilling experience that makes us all feel closer to nature. If you already feed birds in your backyard, it won't take you too long to get here. If you try offering something extra delicious, such as mealworms, it'll be no time before you have the forever curious (and brave) Chickadees, checking it out and coming in for a snack. We have seen Ontario Birds by WBU Barrie and WBU Newmarket members be able to hand-feed Nuthatches as well as Pine Siskins!! The key is patience, the more accommodated to you the birds become, the more willing they will be to accept your offer. 

3. Plan Your Spring Gardens 

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) on Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea)

I am already on this one. This year I want to create a pollinator garden and overall greatly increase the number of native plants on my property. You can increase biodiversity and create habitat for a multitude of species right in your own backyard. For more inspiration, check out this great blog by Shayna: Gardening for Wildlife: 10 Native Plants You Need in Your Yard This Spring 

4. Create a Snowy Owl! 

A literal "Snowy" Owl is also a bird feeding station 

This is a great activity, particularly if you have little ones at home that you need to keep entertained.. but hey, I'd do this myself as well. Just create a snowy structure and outfit it with seeds, peanuts, dried fruits, whatever you have that makes birds happy. Once your masterpiece is done, head back inside for some hot chocolate and wait for the birds to find your masterpiece. I bet it won't be long until the Juncos dig into this feast! 

Wishing you more biodiversity this season!! 

Warmly, 

Heather