February 2026: National Bird Feeding Month

Feb 12, 2026 | Announcements, Library

By Research Librarian Jessica Zaricki

In the United States, February tends to be a difficult month for wild bird populations. The cold and unforgiving weather contributes to their struggle to find food during the winter which lead to the development of a month in which we focus on their care and feeding. In 1994, it became a national observance, read into the Congressional Record by Illinois Congressman John Porter who encouraged individuals to provide food, water, and shelter in aid to wild birds. Feeding and observing wild birds is a popular hobby, and this month’s book selection delves into our continued interest in these feathered friends.

Members, find the listed titles on display in the Sawtelle Reading Room through the month of February.

Ship Fever: And Other Stories

LITERATURE

This collection of short stories won the National Book Award in 1996. The works based in science and naturalism and are split between contemporary settings and historical fiction. Of particular interest to this month’s list are the stories “Rare Bird,” and “Birds With No Feet.”

Barrett, Andrea. Ship Fever: And Other Stories. PS3552 .A7327 S55 1996

After Midnight: Thirteen Tales for the Dark Hours

LITERATURE

If there’s a way for me to include gothic fiction on a book list, I’m going to take it. This collection of short stories includes “The Birds,” the story on which Alfred Hitchcock based his film of the same name. Though perhaps not the approach we’d wish to take to bird feeding, it remains a favorite story to read during the colder months.

Du Maurier, Daphne. After Midnight: Thirteen Tales for the Dark Hours. PR6007 .U47 A65 2025

Come Closer and Listen: New Poems

LITERATURE

This 2019 collection of poetry from US Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize winning poet Charles Simic includes several poems featuring birds and avian imagery.

Simic, Charles. Come Closer and Listen: New Poems. PS3569 .I4725 A6 2019

Alexander Wilson: The Scot Who Founded American Ornithology

BIOGRAPHY

This biography explores the work of Alexander Wilson, the Scottish immigrant credited with developing American ornithology. Particular focus is given to the ways in which Wilson defied 18th century artistic conventions by showing drawing birds from life in their natural habitats. His work serves as the model for modern field guides and was an inspiration to later artists and naturalists including John James Audubon.

Davis, Burtt. Alexander Wilson: The Scot Who Founded American Ornithology. QL31 .W7 B87 2013

Vesper Flights

BIOGRAPHY

This collection of personal essays offers an assemblage of wonders and oddities from the natural world in its exploration of topics including captivity and freedom, as well as immigration and flight. Particular focus is given to her personal experiences and observations with avian migration, nesting habits, and the elusiveness of rare birds.

Macdonald, Helen. Vesper Flights. PR6063 .A1686 V47 2020

John James Audubon: The Making of an American

BIOGRAPHY

This biography of French immigrant and artist John James Audubon is the first to focus on his private and family life as well as his work as an explorer, illustrator, and natural observer. Notable attention is given to the relationship between Audubon and his wife, Lucy. His shifting identity mirrors that of the country, as he became known as an independent adventurer or “American Woodsman” in his travel to England for the printing and publication of his artwork and bird biographies.

Rhodes, Richard. John James Audubon: The Making of an American.

The Birds of America

NON-FICTION

The collection of life-sized watercolor paintings of North American Birds which remains the standard for wildlife illustration.

Audubon, John James. The Birds of America. QL674 .A9

Birdwatching in New Hampshire

NON-FICTION

The essential guide to birdwatching in New Hampshire for beginners and accomplished regional birders. While not an identification book, this text is a guide book to finding birds in New Hampshire and includes descriptions and maps outlining 120 birding sites across the state.

Masterson, Eric A. Birdwatching in New Hampshire. QL684 .N4 M37 2013

The Bear at the Bird Feeder: Why Were Seeing More Wild Animals in Our Neighborhoods and How We Can Live in Harmony With Them

NON-FICTION

This books offers a guide to living with growing populations of wild animals in urban and suburban settings. Naturalists, biologists, and state wildlife officials discuss best practices for humans and wildlife and offer examples of animal encounters as cautionary tales.

Minetor, Randi. The Bear at the Bird Feeder: Why Were Seeing More Wild Animals in Our Neighborhoods and How We Can Live in Harmony With Them. QH541.5 .C6 M56 2025

Audubon as Artist: A New Look at The Birds of America

NON-FICTION

This work explores the legacy of Audubon’s life-sized watercolor illustrations presented in The Birds of America. It examines his artistic and personal journeys and how they intertwined to form his own unique style. Focus is given to the controversies surrounding his life and work.

Olson, Roberta J. M. Audubon as Artist: A New Look at The Birds of America. QL31 .A9 O57 2024

Ornithography: An Illustrated Guide to Bird Lore & Symbolism

NON-FICTION

This book includes 100 entries, each focused on a different species of bird, including a full-color illustration. Special attention is given to the folklore, mythology, and history connected with each bird.

Roux, Jessica. Ornithography: An Illustrated Guide to Bird Lore & Symbolism. QL674 .R689 2024

The Gulls of Smuttynose Island

NON-FICTION

Describes the life of herring gulls and great black-backed gulls on Smuttynose Island, one of the two largest gull rookeries along the New England coast. Includes many black and white photographs of the gulls and their habitat.

Scott, Jack Denton and Ozzie Sweet. The Gulls of Smuttynose Island. QL696 .C46 S38

IMAGE: View of children feeding potato chips to waterfowl along a freshwater pond at Holden’s Wild Fish and Game Preserve between the old Dover Road and Piscataqua River in Newington, NH. Image was featured in the article “Bird and Animal Eden” featured in the December 1950-issue of The Shoreliner magazine. Photo credited to Douglas Armsden. PS1340_01.