Across North America, backyard bird enthusiasts have been asked to remove their feeders to help slow the spread of several avian diseases. It’s a small price to pay to help the birds, but nonetheless disappointing to everyone who enjoys having tiny winged visitors throughout the drab days of winter and soggy days of early spring.

One long-term solution to the problem is to build habitat for all wildlife in your yard so the birds have a reason to visit regardless of your feeder’s status. Adding food, water, and shelter will bring the birds in year-round. This includes projects like planting seed- and fruit-bearing plants (and leaving the seed heads up until well into spring), creating robust habitat for invertebrates which are an important food source for many birds, and developing thick cover for birds to hide from predators or to get out of the weather.

Here are a few resources to get you started:

Happy autumn! Rain has returned the Pacific Northwest, and I couldn’t be happier about that. The leaves are turning and migrating birds are stopping in our backyard for a quick snack. These are tumultuous times, and I hope you are taking time to notice the nature around you and to take care of yourself.

I’m excited to announce that the local author/illustrator festival I help coordinate is going virtual this year. This means that anyone, no matter how far away you are from my library, can join in the fun.

The Words and Pictures Festival 2020 takes place Saturday, October 10, from 10am to 6pm. Fonda Lee will be our keynote speaker (I am SO excited to have her), and there will be author readings, educational presentations and panels, and children’s events throughout the day.

You can find details and register here. The complete schedule will be posted late this week.

I hope you can join us!