House finches getting some much needed food on a very cold day. Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

By Joyce Blumenshine

Migratory birds provide ecosystem benefits that include pest control and some pollination of plants. Having a bird feeder does not influence whether birds migrate or not, but a food source can help birds seeking much-needed energy for their flight. Bird feeders are a great way to help mitigate losses of fence rows and forests where birds used to be able to find food sources. You gain the benefits of seeing and hearing a variety of these amazing travelers.

Consider adding a bird feeder to your yard: then you can purchase bird seed from the annual Heart of Illinois Group Sierra Club bird seed fund-raiser sale later this fall! We will offer excellent quality seed from Kelly Seed and Hardware, Peoria. Watch for your annual November-December print edition of the  Tallgrass Sierran newsletter for the bird seed sale flyer for 2023 and order for home delivery to your door!  For more information, contact John at hoi@illinois.sierraclub.org.