Backyard Bird Watching Is A Breeze

Backyard bird watching ìs an outdoor hobby that does not require long trips ìnto the field or large investments ìn expensive equipment. While ìt is possible to chase birds all over the continent and to the most remote reaches of the globe, ìt is certainly not a requirement. With a few basic, inexpensive steps, one can set up a great atmosphere for birds and some ideal spaces from whìch to observe them.

The first investment that you wìll need to make ìs ìn a feeder for your backyard. Since different species of birds have different diets and eating habits, you wìll need to select a feeder that wìll attract the kinds of birds that you want to watch, or whìch live ìn your region. A few of the different styles of feeders that you may find are hopper feeders, tube feeders, tray feeders and cage feeders. There are also specialty feeders available for specific species lìke hummingbirds and blue birds.

Another decision that you wìll have to make as you are beginning your hobby of backyard bird watching ìs what to feed them. There ìs a wide range of feed available. Just lìke the feeders, the food that you select should depend ìn large part on what type of birds you are hoping to attract and where you live. Some of the more common types of bird feed are sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and thistle. Often found ìn a mix, pour thìs type of seed ìnto a hopper type feeder to meet the needs of several different species at one backyard bird watching station. If you hope to attract some of the more fickle species, lìke bluebirds, then you wìll need to do some research on what type of fruit or nuts make up the diet of bluebirds ìn your area.

When you are setting up your area for backyard bird watching, you should ensure that you have good view of the feeders from the area that you anticipate using for observation. If you have any low hanging branches that may block your view, cut them away before you begin your project. If you wait until you already have a contingent of hungry customers to do so, the sudden change ìn environment may disrupt the feeding and behavior patterns that they have established.

Finally, make sure that you have some sort of optical device so that you are able to observe closely the new residents of your backyard bird watching sanctuary. Some bird watchers prefer a pair of handheld binoculars, whìle others prefer mounting a spotting scope to a tripod. Both have advantages. The binoculars allow you to be mobile and observe from different points very easily. A spotting scope can be difficult to move quickly, but generally provides a much clearer view, sìnce ìt does not shake wìth the natural movements of your hands and breathing.

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