“What’s one unexpected benefit you’ve experienced from attracting birds to your backyard? How has this benefit impacted your daily life and what would you suggest to others looking to create a bird-friendly space?”
My best productivity hack
I set up a bird feeder mainly because my daughter thought it would be fun—but weirdly, it’s become my best productivity hack.
I work from home running my SAAS company and a speaker agency, and between back-to-back calls and pitch reviews, my brain used to get fried. Now, instead of scrolling or pacing, I just glance out at the feeder for a couple of minutes. Watching birds squabble over seeds is oddly grounding—it’s like nature’s version of a YouTube short, but better for your brain.
That micro-reset helps me come back sharper without totally breaking flow.
If you want to try this, skip the fancy gear. Just get a basic feeder and mount it somewhere visible from your work spot. Sunflower seeds are crowd-pleasers.
Austin Benton, Marketing Consultant, Gotham Artists
The calming, meditative effect
One of the unexpected benefits I’ve gotten from having birds in my backyard is the calming, meditative effect they have on my daily routine. I set up a few feeders and native plants out of curiosity and love of nature—but what I didn’t expect was how much peace and focus the birds would bring to my day.
Mornings became something I looked forward to. I’d sit by the window with my coffee, listening to the soft warbles and chirps, watching goldfinches and chickadees flit in. It slowed me down in the best way—no checking my phone, no immediate mental clutter. Just a small slice of quiet time. Over time I found I was less anxious, more grounded and even more creative. It’s become a kind of natural therapy.
If you want to create a bird-friendly space I’d suggest starting small: a feeder with good seed, a shallow birdbath and a few native shrubs or flowers that produce seeds or berries. Don’t use pesticides and let part of your yard go a little wild. Birds love cover and variety. The joy they bring is worth the effort and the effect on your mind might surprise you as much as it did me.
Sovic Chakrabarti, Director, Icy Tales
The sense of calm and connection to nature it brings
One unexpected benefit I’ve experienced from attracting birds to my backyard is the sense of calm and connection to nature it brings. I wasn’t expecting how much I’d appreciate the daily visits from different species, especially in the morning when I’m having my coffee. Watching birds flit around has become a peaceful ritual, helping me start the day with a positive, grounded mindset. It’s also made me more aware of the seasons, as I notice different birds throughout the year.
For others looking to create a bird-friendly space, I’d suggest starting with simple things like adding a bird bath, a few feeders, and native plants. Birds are drawn to familiar, safe environments, so providing a variety of food and shelter options can really encourage frequent visits. It’s a small investment that pays off in the form of nature’s quiet beauty.
Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
Feel way less stressed
Weirdly enough, attracting birds to my backyard has made me feel way less stressed. Hearing them in the morning while I drink my coffee just puts me in a better mood and helps me start the day calm. If you want to create a bird-friendly space, I’d suggest putting up a feeder and maybe a little water bath. Once the birds start coming, you’ll probably notice the same boost. It’s a simple change that makes a bigger difference than you’d expect.
Raphael Larouche, Founder & SEO Specialist, seomontreal.io
Daily serenity
I never thought about how birds could help to reduce tenant turnover, until I did it.
I inherited a property in Mexico City years ago, and while prepping it for rental, I put in some native plants and a small water fountain to help bring a bit of life to what I thought would be an anonymous feeling rental. Within a couple of weeks, birds were arriving – humming birds, warblers, and a few very strikingly orange orioles. And even more shockingly, our tenants started holding on longer. One woman told us she now does her zoom calls from the terrace to better enjoy the bird song. Another told us that her toddler learned to identify the birds by their calls before he could recognize colors.
The return was not only unexpected ambiance – it was retention. In the furnished world where people frequently rotate every couple months, that little measure of “daily serenity” was enough to allow people to stay a few weeks longer, tell friends about us, and even pay a bit more for that serene experience. We did the math – the units we provided birds in were sitting for an average of 14% longer in 2023, and produced fewer complaints about “city noise”.
If you are thinking about creating a bird friendly space, either because you are renting like we do, or just to feel more connected to the land – start small. Add water (it can be a shallow bowl), add native flowering plants, and minimize the use of aggressive pesticides. You will not only find birds will come, but you will create better moments, find more mindfulness, and if you are renting like me, create longer lease agreements.
Martin Weidemann, Owner, RentMexicoCity.com
Sparks conversations about stewardship
Planting a patch of native flowers outside my kitchen window has turned breakfast into a live-action biology lesson that slows everyone’s pulse. The simple ritual of noting each new finch or warbler trains the brain in the same mindful observation we teach foster children who struggle with hyper-vigilance; when a child can describe the color pattern on a cardinal, you know their nervous system has slipped from fight-or-flight into calm focus.
That daily micro-dose of nature also sparks conversations about stewardship—kids race to refill feeders like they once raced to screens—giving caregivers an effortless way to reinforce responsibility and empathy. In operation since 1936, Sunny Glen has watched these moments bloom into measurable gains: cottage counselors report 25 % fewer bedtime meltdowns on weeks when bird logs are kept. My advice: layer native shrubs, a shallow water dish, and a quiet perch, then invite children to track sightings in a pocket journal; you’ll be surprised how quickly the birds—and a sense of hope—return every morning.
Belle Florendo, Marketing coordinator, Sunny Glen Children’s Home
Sense of tranquility and connection to nature
Creating a bird-friendly backyard brings a surprising sense of tranquility and connection to nature, turning outdoor spaces into peaceful retreats. Observing birds’ vibrant colors and behaviors can reduce stress and inspire mindfulness throughout the day. Adding native plants, bird feeders, and water features encourages diverse species to visit, enriching the experience. This simple effort transforms a backyard into a sanctuary, offering daily moments of joy and relaxation.
Linda Chavez, Founder & CEO, Seniors Life Insurance Finder
Helps me start off my day on the right foot
Attracting more birds to my backyard has made me spend more time in my backyard in the morning. I love the sound of birds chirping and I love watching them too, so I will often spend my mornings before work either swimming laps in my pool or sitting on my patio drinking coffee. Being encouraged to spend more time outside in the morning really helps me start off my day on the right foot and I feel like it gives me a lot more energy.
Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO, Cabana
