Last summer we visited my sister and brother in law in Oregon. My sister in law had several birdfeeders in her backyard. While we were there we so enjoyed watching the various birds come to visit and feed in their backyard.
She had a poster displayed with the birds that are native to North America. She had it propped up on the wall next to a large bay window in her kitchen nook, along with a pair of binoculars. I’ve never fancied myself as a birdwatcher but we were completely enthralled watching the birds visit the feeders in their backyard.
So I completely high jacked, and stole her idea. I know, right? And I will give you a few easy tips so you can do it too. Let me tell you, it has been so much fun to sit and watch all the different birds come to visit the bird feeders hanging from the oak trees in our backyard.
You need to do a little homework so that you select a good feeder and the right seed. Feeding the birds can easily become a fairly expensive hobby. So if you are going to go to the expense and trouble of feeding the birds I recommend purchasing seed that the birds in your area will enjoy the most with the least amount of waste.
Avoid the mixed seed bags of feed. The birds don’t seem to like the tiny filler seed (milo). It gets tossed to the ground uneaten as they search out the sunflower seeds in the mix. All those discarded milo seeds will sprout once it rains and you will have a mess of weeds to remove, not my idea of a fun time!
TIP: Birds are quite messy, hang bird feeders above a garden bed and not directly over your patio to avoid having to spend time constantly cleaning up seed that spills onto your patio.
Black oiled sunflower seeds seem to be the most popular choice for most birds. Blue Jays especially seem to love sunflower seeds, but they are a bit aggressive and may scare most of the other birds away.
If you do not want to attract Blue Jays consider a feeder filled with Nyjer seed. It’s a much smaller seed and Blue Jays don’t seem to be interested in it at all. Nyjer seed is also known as thistle seed and it’s one of the favorite seeds of goldfinches, sparrows, and other small-billed seed-eating birds. Don’t be surprised if you see several birds feeding all at the same time.
Hummingbird feeders are mess free and attract hummingbirds exclusively. There are beautiful feeders to choose from. Your feeder should be red to attract them, not the nectar in it. Be sure to purchase nectar that is clear and not tinted red. It’s better for the birds.
Birdwatching is a hobby that will bring you hours of enjoyment and it’s easy to get started with these simple tips:
Find the perfect spot for birdwatching.
Our kitchen nook has a large bay window that affords us an unobstructed view of the backyard. We can enjoy our feathered friends from the comfort of the house in any kind of weather while sitting at the kitchen table. Mornings are the best time for birdwatching; birds seem to be the most active in the AM.
Learn about the types of birds that are most common in your area.
Frame a poster with colorful images of birds that are common for your area and hang it on the wall next to a large window. If you don’t have a spot to hang a poster, purchase a bird field guide and keep it near where you will be observing birds. It’s fun to identify the birds that visit the bird feeders in your yard. Every so often a new bird will show up and it’s fun to see who can be the first one to figure out what it is.
Provide birds with their favorite food.
Once you are familiar with the types of birds that are common in your area, hang bird feeders filled with their favorite seed to attract them to your yard. Feeling a little overwhelmed? Not sure what seeds to start with? A good basic seed that will attract the largest variety of birds are sunflower seeds.
TIP: Do a little homework and be sure to purchase a feeder that’s designed to work with the types of seed you want to provide to your feathered friends.
Provide a water source.
A simple birdbath, or small fountain with running water will attract birds. I spy Hummingbirds often sipping water from the stone fountain in our yard.
Invest in a good pair of binoculars.
You don’t have to purchase the most expensive pair but purchase a pair that will enhance your bird watching experience. Look for a pair that provides bright, crisp, clear images. Check out local sporting goods stores for sales and try them out before you purchase them. We picked up a very good pair for well under $100.
Then it’s just a matter of sitting back and enjoying the parade of birds that come to visit. You will be hooked and look forward to visits from your feathered friends. Enjoy mother nature’s show!