There are many ways to enjoy birds and birding right in your own backyard! Here are some links and tips to get started:
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Setting up a feeding station is a great way to observe birds from the comfort of your own home. Bird feeders can be purchased just about anywhere in a variety of styles. one of the most important aspects of a feeding station is keeping it clean and safe for our birds. Learn about cleaning your feeders here.
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Hummingbirds are a favorite of many birders and setting up feeders is a great way to learn about these avian gems. clean feeders and the right kind of nectar are essential to the healthy of these delicate summer visitors. Follow this link for the Audubon recipe for nectar.
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Especially during the cooler months, putting suet out for birds not only provides them with needed protein, it also brings unique viewing opportunities. Suet cakes can be purchased at most stores but you can also make your own! Here's one recipe.
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Project FeederWatch from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology has many resources for learning about backyard birds (including how to attract them), and in the winter, you can participate in a community science project right from your own home.
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Merlin Bird ID is a free app for Android and Apple devices. It's a great tool for learning to recognize the birds in your yard by their sounds, even if they are hard to see. Just remember that Merlin only makes suggestions, and you need to confirm them yourself!
