subject: Simple Steps For Backyard Bird Watching [print this page] You don't have to go far to get started with bird watching. You have an amazing, rich supply of birds in your own backyard, a classroom for a beginning bird watcher to learn the fundamentals. The trick behind backyard bird watching is to set up your whole yard as a magnet for all different kinds of birds.
You can begin by putting up a few bird feeders. If you want various types of birds in your yard, you'll need to look into the different types of feeders which will attract particular species. It's advisable that you set up each of your feeding stations a distance away from each other, because some species will scare away other species. Wind, traffic noise and predators are other things to take into consideration when setting up your bird feeders.
You'll also want to check to see that you have the right species of plants in your yard which will draw the interest of birds. Whatever types you choose, make sure you have a mixture of shrubbery and trees for birds to use to take cover if necessary. You might consider designing something like a miniature forest that has bushes, plants, and trees of various heights.
Take time to carefully look at the types of feed you will need to supply for your feathered friends. The food you select will depend on what kind of birds you are planning to attract and where you live. You'll be able to easily get sunflower seeds, thistle and cracked corn at most big retailers or pet shops. In most cases, all three will be included in a variety mix which can just be poured into the bird feeder. A variety like this will attract several different types of birds to just one spot. Other birds favor suet, and you'll need a special suet bird feeder to give it to them. Hummingbirds, meanwhile, will be on the hunt for nectar and soft bodied insects.
Now that you've arranged the attraction, you want to ensure that you can see it clearly. If there are any obstacles or branches that block your view from your chosen location, you should remove them. You will need to accomplish all this before the birds come to feed because any sudden change in their environment has a tendency to disturb their feeding patterns.
Luckily, backyard bird watching doesn't require you to get a lot of start-up equipment. You might want to eventually mount a scope near a window inside of your home, but in the beginning you'll be all right with a basic set of binoculars. Any devices you add at a later time that improve your viewing ability will make it easier to identify various species by their markings and behaviors.
Now you can sit back and start watching a wide range of birds as they are attracted to your backyard by food and a safe setting. Depending on the kind of bird that you appeal to, you may not ever need to look any further than your own backyard.
