WILLIAMSBURG— Thanks to a bird feeder with a camera as a Christmas present, a local family is now showcasing their backyard to give viewers around the world a “Peek at the Wild” in Williamsburg.
The creators of “Peek at the Wild” began enjoying the daily videos from their bird feeder and wanted to showcase it on their TV. However, the only way to do that was to post it and stream it from YouTube.
“To be honest, we know we have a beautiful backyard which is why we bought this house in the first place. We didn’t realize just how majestic it really can be, even though we’re in town and there is a lot of traffic noise,” the creators told WYDaily.
While the YouTube videos are seen by people all over the world, the creators of the channel ultimately have plans to bring the videos to people who may not necessarily have access to YouTube right at home in Williamsburg.
With a big interest in bringing the content to everyone to enjoy, the creators have specifically found the idea of partnering with nursing homes and memory care facilities as a potential starting point.
“I’m really interested in the growing research around the benefits of nature sounds and natural environments for stress reduction and cognitive well-being, especially for older adults. One of my hopes for the future is to have Peek At The Wild playing in assisted living facilities across Williamsburg, so that residents can continue enjoying the familiar sights and sounds of local nature indoors,” the creators shared.
As the channel continues to grow, the creators have also identified ways to become certified by multiple organizations. They have started the process of certifying their backyard as a wildlife habitat and long-term would like to see more local emphasis placed on protecting natural areas and supporting wildlife observation.
“My bigger dream would be to grow this into something even more meaningful — potentially a nonprofit effort focused on preserving small natural spaces for wildlife and quiet observation,” the creators mentioned.
Dubbed as Birds in the ‘Burg, the creators say that the videos have even helped them to enjoy nature more.
“There’s something powerful about slowing down, stepping away from constant noise, and just listening to real birds… no AI, no enhancements—just nature as it is,” the creators added.
To view the backyard videos, visit the “Peek at the Wild” YouTube channel or follow “Peek at the Wild” on Facebook.