Using the naked eye or binoculars and other equipment are ways to observe and study backyard birds. According to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 50 million Americans have expressed interest in watching birds that appear in their backyards. There are approximately 800 species of birds in North America, and backyard bird watchers can find at least 100 species around the vicinity of their homes. Since it is an inexpensive outdoor hobby, backyard bird watching has become one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States.
The best way to begin watching birds at home is to fill a bird feeder with sunflowers to attract chickadees, titmice, cardinals, jays, juncos, grackles, and red-winged blackbirds. Finches prefer niger seed and a homemade blend of sugar and water will attract hummingbirds to a feeder designed for them. Other backyard bird watching options include setting up birdhouses or a wild bird habitat.
Every backyard bird watcher should invest in a pair of binoculars and a quality field guide to identify the different bird species. A notebook or journal is great for recording bird observations and sightings. To enjoy this popular hobby it is best to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Owning a digital camera is another way to capture and record information about backyard birds.
Backyard bird watching is a fun and pleasurable sport. Backyard bird watchers may spend many exciting hours searching and identifying different species of birds. Through the process of observation comes the acquisition of knowledge about the life, habitat, and species of birds that are visible outside in backyards.
