Ann’s Window To Nature

Over the past few years, more and more of our beloved customers have been impacted by cancer. Men. Women. Young. Old. They come in wearing ball caps, scarves, turbans, and beanies. They are a little slower, a little thinner, and a little unsteady but they brighten a bit and smile while sharing bird stories and sightings. We welcome them. We appreciate them. We see them.

Backyard bird feeding brings nature to our everyday lives. Nature is healing. Nature is calming. Nature improves immune function, enhances sleep, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, improves mental health, and provides much needed distraction from everyday life i.e. news, screens, chores.

Last October, a woman battling leukemia came in to buy bird seed. She said she was going to spend the winter watching her birds and treating her cancer. She returned that spring to buy more seed. She had made it through the winter. She was grateful for her window to nature, which uplifted her and cheered her each day.

 

Fundamentally, backyard bird feeding results in a healthier living environment with fewer chemicals, more sunshine, and an increase in outdoor activity.

If you or someone you know is battling cancer, think about adding a backyard bird feeding station. Start with an all-purpose feeder that will attract the widest variety of birds year-round. Consider a no-mess seed mix or seed cylinder to avoid any added workload. Place the feeder where it can be seen from a comfortable sitting spot. Add to the experience by including an identification guide, or birdbath.

Cancer sucks. Maybe backyard bird feeding can help make the battle a little bit easier.

Images and Text by Eagan Store Manager ANN MCCARTHY