Backyard Bird Watch

Backyard Bird Watch and Identification

You don't have to go on an expensive trip through South America or the far reaches of Africa to view stunning bird species. You certainly can, and any avid bird watcher should see what the wide world holds, but if you think you can't do any good, valuable, and interesting bird watching unless you are on safari or visiting the Galapagos Islands, you are missing a tremendous opportunity. The best place to bird watch can be right in your own backyard.

Did you know that over 60 million people in the United States alone watch birds? And did you know that there are over 800 different species of bird in the country? That means in your backyard, your local park, or the patch of woods beyond the town, you are likely to have a lot more diversity than you realize. Particularly in the Spring when the birds return from the exotic southern locations. Backyard birds, as they are called, may not be "exotic" jungle birds to us in North America, but they often are, having just returned from the winter habitats in South and Central America, and regardless, they are all beautiful and graceful to watch.

How can you make the most of the backyard birds that live in your neighborhood? The first step is to get a good field guide and discover what types of birds are native and common in your area. Bird identification will open your eyes to variety you may not have known was even there. Then, your next trip to the backyard or park is likely to yield very satisfying results.

The same rules of birding apply whether you're in a rainforest or your yard: respect the habitat of birds, butterflies, bees, and insects that will be drawn to your yard. Birders will find that a bird friendly environment is soothing, and minimizing their own impact is far more conducive to good bird watching. You are not limited to viewing whatever birds may happen to alight in your yard. You can do a lot to attract birds by creating a bountiful, friendly, safe and natural environment. How do you do this?

The first step is to consider what you already have. Are there trees and shrubbery? If not, can you plant some that are native to your area? Plants of varying heights and varieties are excellent for attracting birds, as well as providing sufficient opportunity for foraging, feeding, and nesting. Likewise, your choice of flowers and plants is important. . For instance, if berry bushes or sunflowers are native to your locale, try planting some as an excellent food source.

Many birds, like hummingbirds, are attracted to bright flowers. Planting a smattering in your yard, or even putting a hanging basket on your balcony, will increase the likelihood that bird species will choose your yard. An added benefit is that you will also draw bees, which help the growth and propagation of your other plant life.

A very useful addition to your yard or balcony is a birdfeeder, especially if you want to provide a wintering spot for birds where they can find and easy source of energy and supplemental food. There is an astonishing variety of birdfeeders on the market, so how do you know which is right for your yard, and more importantly, the birds? Should you get a window feeder? A suet feeder? A tubular feeder? A nectar feeder?



It depends on the species you would like to attract: for instance, if you love the swift flight and busy wings of hummingbirds, a nectar feeder will draw these fliers. It also depends on the season or what is right for your yard. A window feeder is easy to hang on a window and you don't need a big yard. A suet feeder is ideal for winter. Consult a backyard bird guide for tips on your particular area. Often times, just sprinkling bird seed is sufficient.

You may also want to squirrel-proof your bird feeders. An easy way to do this is to use a hanging feeder that is far enough off the ground so squirrels cannot climb or jump their way to the food.

Birds need water too, and while there are many sources they may use, it never hurts to provide them with one more. If you have the luxury of space and have a pond, this is great, but you can also use a small birdbath effectively. Choose a bath that is no more than two or three inches deep and that has a bottom that provides some traction for the birds. You don't have to be high-tech or high-price here. In fact, an overturned Frisbee is as effective as a gorgeous stone-carved bath. Let your budget and your taste be your guide.

One more tip for creating your own backyard bird sanctuary is to keep your cat inside. This way, birds, people, and, yes, even your cat are happy. Backyard bird watching is every bit as enjoyable and rewarding as any exotic trip you can take, and it has the benefit of being available whenever you choose.

Please visit our Related Bird Watching articles here:

Bird Watching
Rare Birds
Birds
Birding
Bird Watchers
Bird Watching Optics
Backyard Bird Watch
Wild Bird Watching
Migratory Birds
Wild Bird Species
Bird Watching Trips