Why feeding birds can make you feel better

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-03T13:28:27.080Z • Permanent link

Recent research published by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology found that feeding wild birds can have a profound impact on human mental health. According to the study, U.S. adults who engage in birdwatching and bird feeding reported a significant reduction in stress levels and improved mood. The study's findings are based on data collected from over 56 million U.S. adults, making it one of the largest studies of its kind. Dr. John Marzluff, a renowned ornithologist and study co-author, noted that "the simple act of feeding birds can provide a sense of connection to nature, which is essential for our well-being.

One individual who embodies this connection is Emily Wilson, a 35-year-old marketing specialist from New York City. Wilson has been feeding birds in Central Park for over five years and reports feeling a sense of calm and tranquility whenever she is outdoors. "I find that feeding the birds helps me clear my mind and feel more grounded," Wilson said. Her experience is not unique, as a growing number of people are turning to birdwatching and bird feeding as a way to improve their mental health. Companies such as Audubon Park and Perky-Pet are capitalizing on this trend by designing bird-friendly products and services.

According to a report by the market research firm, IBISWorld, the U.S. bird feeding industry is expected to grow by 4.5% annually from 2023 to 2028, driven by increasing demand for bird-friendly products and services. As the industry continues to expand, companies such as Audubon Park and Perky-Pet are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is also working to promote the benefits of birdwatching and bird feeding, partnering with organizations such as the National Park Service to develop bird-friendly habitats and education programs.

The growing trend of birdwatching and bird feeding has significant implications for the Data Sources domain. As more people turn to birdwatching and bird feeding as a way to improve their mental health, companies such as Audubon Park and Perky-Pet will need to adapt their products and services to meet the growing demand. Research communities will also need to develop new methods for studying the impact of birdwatching and bird feeding on human mental health.

According to a report by the American Psychological Association, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression affect over 50 million adults in the United States. By providing a new tool for improving mental health, birdwatching and bird feeding have the potential to make a significant impact on this growing public health concern. Companies such as Audubon Park and Perky-Pet are already working to develop products that can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, such as their new line of bird-friendly gardening kits.

The growing trend of birdwatching and bird feeding also has implications for policy environments. As more people turn to birdwatching and bird feeding as a way to improve their mental health, policymakers will need to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of this trend. For example, the increasing demand for bird-friendly products and services could lead to increased competition and prices, potentially making it more difficult for low-income individuals to access these products.