We’ve all heard about the benefits of owning a pet, such as a dog or cat, but bird watching can be just as beneficial for those who are not able to take care of an animal.

For many elderly people, disabled people, or people who prefer to stay indoors, setting up a bird watching station is ideal.  You can set up bird feeders in a backyard and watch from indoors through a window. Watching birds is an excellent way to pass the time. For shut-ins, being outside is a psychological game that sometimes they can’t win, so they must keep their minds busy and active. An activity like bird watching helps seconds turn to minutes and minutes turn to hours. Bird watching can also involve a great deal of research, which can keep the minds of the elderly or of children busy reading, memorizing, and learning all about another species.

Bird feeders are easy to set up and can attract a number of wild and local birds, which can easily be kept track of. Many pet stores carry a number of commercial feeders, or one can be built simply out of wood for those that are handy. Wild birds love sunflower seeds, so look for a feed that is rich in sunflower seeds and low on filler and oats. Much more stimulating that television, bird watching can be done by anyone and helps keep the mind active.