There are many reasons that an individual may choose to feed birds.  Feeding birds can be a fascinating educational activity for all ages. By changing feeder styles and food types individuals can learn more about the local avifauna and how birds change season by season.  For many older adults, these “outdoor pets” can be very enjoyable, without the extra costs of extensive veterinary care, housing and training that more traditional pets will require.  Also, while feeding the birds brings backyard birders many benefits, it also benefits the birds by replacing food sources that have been destroyed by development. When homes are built and landscaped, birds lose nesting spots, shelter and natural food sources, but proper feeding and bird-friendly landscaping can help replace those resources so the birds and birders can live together in harmony. 96 Pennyrile Area Homemakers learned these facts and many more about appropriate bird feeders, appropriate bird food, and the benefits to both avifauna and humans through a Homemaker Leader Lesson, “Birdfeeders”.  These leaders then take the information learned, and disseminate it to their Homemaker clubs that their monthly meetings.   As a result of the lesson, 98% of the participants reported that they gained knowledge about the different types of bird feeders for different types of birds, and 100% reported that they gained knowledge about different feeding methods.  After the conclusion of the program, 98% of participants reported applying the knowledge that they gained in engaging with their local avifauna.  One participant reported that, “learning about environmentally friendly ways to engage wildlife makes a positive difference in the environment, and increases my quality of life as I love to be involved with nature, but my physical health keeps me mostly confined to my house.”