Community bird feeders most likely started in the 1910’s and 1920’s.  They were found across the country and consisted of village bird sanctuaries and community feeding stations both for songbirds and for game birds.  Community bird feeders were often launched and sustained by local bird clubs, Junior Audubon Clubs, Boy Scouts, garden clubs, and sportsmen, and depending on the locale, these community locations became very popular.  It was thought that the birds “needed” our help to survive cold winters, and even Sunday visits to feeders, Sabbath walks, were promoted.  

Community bird feeders of the 1920’s have been replaced by a variety of community, public, and near-public birding stations where visitors are invited to watch, to enjoy, and most importantly, to learn.  They may be at state parks, town nature centers, refuge visitor centers, park lodges, restaurants, schools, nursing homes, ski lodges, B&Bs, birding specialty stores, tourist welcome centers, or highway rest areas.  (The picture is of a feeding station packed with Green Jays at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in Mission, Texas.  Photo credit: Paul Baicich)

Why are community bird feeders important?  They provide a transitional experience for all sorts of visitors.  For the individuals who are new to bird feeding, these locations provide a way to view and experience a quality feeding station and a way to serve as an example for their own yards.  For those who have been feeding birds for many years, some of the more “natural” locations, such as parks and refuges, provide an opportunity to view species not regularly seen in backyards and a way to step out of the backyard.

Community bird feeders also help promote quality ecotourism, and these efforts can have a real future.  They provide an educational opportunity, and park staff can provide great feeding tips for visitors.  The next time you have the chance, consider visiting a community bird feeder.

Do you have a picture of a community bird feeder you would like to have posted on the NBFS website?  Please e-mail your photo to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  Please include the name of the park or refuge and its location. 

Contributions to this page were made by Paul J. Baicich.  Paul is a writer, editor, avitourism consultant, and bird educator.  He has served as a consultant to the National Wildlife Refuge System on birder visitation and has also co-led a number of birding tours and workshops.