Birdfeeding: Friends of a Feather Flock Together

Yesterday I discovered the Seed Library Network. I was delighted to find one near me.

Today we visited the Urbana Free Library Seed Exchange. It's on the second floor. We rode the elevator up, and the display was big enough to be seen from where the elevator lets out. Seeds are stored in drawers, sorted by type. There are sections for flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Some of the really popular ones have their own drawer; others are grouped together. Unopened packets of commercial seed are filed as they are, for folks who want to know exactly what they're getting. Opened packets or homegrown seeds are put in envelopes by library staff. With wildflower and landrace seeds, especially mixes, you may get more surprises.

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Homes for Birds Week – February 9-15, 2026

Homes for Birds Week is observed every year during the second full week in February. This year, it takes place from February 9 to 15. It is a week aimed at promoting and enhancing biodiversity by encouraging people to build and set up nest boxes for birds. Though nest boxes have existed since ancient times, the modern nest box didn’t come onto the scene until the early 19th century. It was invented by the British conservationist, Charles Waterton. Nest boxes are vital in preserving birdlife, which in turn, maintains a balanced ecosystem.

Note that birds will start migrating soon. If you want to offer shelter, you need to get it up before they arrive.

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New directory of 125+ tree-planting nonprofits makes it easier to contribute to reforestation around the world

The Global Reforestation Organization Directory provides standardized information about the public commitments and transparency of more than 125 major tree-planting organizations, making it easier for donors to compare groups and find the ones that match their priorities.


Save the world, plant some trees! :D Many birds need trees as habitat, especially keystones like oak trees. Coming into the holiday season, watch for organizations that offer gift options where you can plant trees in someone's name.

readera has a post about heat precautions regarding the heat dome.  Take precautions if you go birding in this weather.  Also, make sure your birds have plenty of water and shade.  It helps to freeze a big block of ice (use a jug or empty ice cream carton) and put it to melt in the birdbath. 

These are my additions...

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Acts of Restorative Kindkess (ARK) is a project devoted to rewilding the land and making space for wildlife.

Compare with my laissez-faire permaculture approach. I favor native plants, but I include other things too, some ornamental and others edible. I have small gardens and containers, but most of the space is loosely managed. The prairie garden is mostly wild and so is the forest garden.

Wildlife comes and goes as it pleases. I saw a skunk today wandering through the savanna after a storm. He wasn't bothered by my presence at all. We just shared the space, each going about our business. There are birds everywhere -- blackbirds, sparrows, finches, doves, crows, all kinds. Soon they'll be nesting, which is always fun to watch. Already there are a lot of bees out. Not many native flowers bloom this early, but I've got crocuses and other bulbs that the bees swarm eagerly.

So it's pretty nice. It's also very jungle-esque (I have an actual emergent layer) as the ARK is described as "untidy." One of my gardening hats came from the North American Dandelion Appreciation Society, which is about loving the weeds and the wildness. :D It's all fine.

A friend asked about pigeons, so I put together some links, and I thought other folks might find them amusing.

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