Improving Your Backyard Bird Watching Experience

Backyard bird watching is one of the most calming and affordable hobbies you can pursue along with your family and friends. It is both enjoyable and educational because you can learn a great deal about your environment and survival from the various species of birds which are prevalent in your local area.

Equipment Needed for Backyard Bird Watching

Birds are incredibly sensitive to sound and the presence of humans so you have to maintain a safe distance so that the birds aren't frightened away. Because of this, a pair of binoculars is absolutely essential if you want to watch the birds behave in their normal manner. If you want to keep a record of the birds you see, you might wish to invest in a camera with a telephoto lens also. Having photos will also help you in researching the birds so that you can later on look-up the species of the birds you have seen either over the internet, or at your local library.

Almost all birdwatchers who take their hobby seriously likewise keep a journal to record the various types of birds they see. It can also be used to take notes on their different behaviors as well. It can be amazing to read through the pages of your journal every year as you will observe some of the same birds returning to almost the exact same location simultaneously of the year. After doing this for a couple of years, you will find yourself waiting for them and predicting the time of the year that each species of bird returns.

Attracting Birds to your Backyard

There are many different ways by which you are able to attract birds to your backyard to ensure that they visit your home. Among the most common practices is to install a water fountain or birdbath where the birds can find relief from the sizzling summer sun and quench their thirst. You can also provide them with a feeding place by putting a birdfeeder in your yard or hanging one from a nearby tree. You may want to experiment with differing types of birdseed and food in order to learn what kinds of food attract different species of birds. You can also provide some nesting facilities by strategically hanging birdhouses in the trees in your yard. If you don't have trees, birdhouses which sit atop stands are available as well. You may be shocked that some of the birds may adopt your bird houses as their home and return to them every year.

Backyard bird watching can become a fun and enjoyable adventure for the entire family if you dedicate a little while to this pursuit. You'll find that you are able to recognize most of the different species of birds each season without having to look up their picture and description. You will also learn their behavior and habits.

Helpful Tips

When preparing for backyard bird watching, make sure that you have lots of water and some high energy snacks available, especially if you plan to spend several hours under cover entertaining your hobby. A baseball cap or visor during the summer time and a stocking cap in winter will protect you from the sun and cold respectively. Additionally, during the summer, you will want to have plenty of bug and insect repellant, and also suntan lotion if you aren't watching the birds from a shaded area.

Birds can be interesting creatures to observe and in time you will find yourself planning bird watching vacations, particularly if your family enjoys the same backyard bird watching hobby as you do. If you have been searching for ideas regarding how to bring your family closer together, then you'll seriously wish to consider getting them involved in bird watching.

[youtube:Mz7TuC4g1WM;[link:Finch];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mz7TuC4g1WM&feature=related]


If you want more information on Finch, don't read just rehashed articles online to avoid getting ripped off. Go here: Zebra Finches

---

Orignal From: Improving Your Backyard Bird Watching Experience