Today, I’m sharing backyard bird tips for beginner backyard bird watchers. Birdwatching can be a fun activity. I love opening my curtains in the morning and listening to the song birds. I’ve learned to identify several by their beautiful music even when they’re not in my sight.
So, backyard bird watching is becoming one of America’s favorite past times. It is as enjoyable for me as gardening. It’s a great way to get in touch with nature, have hobby that doesn’t require you to leave home and it’s budget friendly. Open your curtains and start watching.
Here’s what you will need to begin your beginner backyard bird watching journey:
- Binoculars – Invest in a pair of field glasses. When you’re just starting out, you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on binoculars. I have a pair that I spent $30 on, and they work just fine for my backyard viewing. Usually a lens magnification of 8x – 12x will be sufficient. So, make sure you read the particulars before you purchase to ensure the field glasses will be what you need.
- Bird Identification Guide – Purchase a bird identification guide. Become familiar with the birds in your region. You can google to obtain a list to help you get started. For example, I live in West Virginia. Therefore, I want to look for birds that I will find in my backyard. Birds that are native to Texas won’t be found in West Virginia and vice versa.
- Bird Feeders – You will find some birds prefer platform bird feeders and some prefer tube bird feeders. Decide what birds you want to attract and than decide on a feeder or two to place in your backyard. I use both tube and platform feeders. I also use suet feeders in the winter. You may like my bacon backyard bird birdseed cookies.
- Bird Food – Next, beginner backyard bird watchers struggle with what to feed their backyard birds. You can’t go wrong with black oil sunflower seeds and/or suet and fruits. I started out with the black oil sunflower seeds. I add suet cakes and birdseed cookies in the winter. All are devoured.
- Bird Bath – Furthermore, backyard bird watchers must offer a water source for their feathered friends. Place a bird bath were birds can see them from the air. A heated bath is nice in the winter. It keeps the water warm and thawed.
- Bird Houses – Last, some birds roost in trees. Others will build nest inside nice warm bird houses. Decide if you want to build a house for Wrens, Chickadees, Robins etc. Purchase your birdhouse accordingly. Or, get creative and build your own.
- Magazine Subscription – I love the magazine Birds and Blooms. I let them stack up during the spring and summer, and enjoy them with a roaring fire and a cup of coffee during the winter. This magazine has beautiful photos of birds across the country and from other birdwatcher’s backyards. They also include gardening ideas.
Finally, I hope that you find our beginner backyard bird watcher tips helpful. I’ve been bird watching for years, and I know that all bird watchers have to start somewhere.
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