How to Watch Wild Birds in the Backyard

If you have a conservation area or even just a few trees in the backyard--rest assured--various wild birds will visit you all year long. Watching wild birds perch, sing, feed and fly around is always a treat. To make your backyard wild bird watching more interesting, try these tips.

Things You'll Need

• Bird feeder
• Birdbath
• Bird food
• Binoculars
• Camera with a telephoto lens
• Bird Guide

Instructions

1. Watch wild birds early in the morning or late in the afternoon when they forage for food.

2. Listen for songbirds. You will know when they are nearby, which is when you should look out the window.

3. Keep your binoculars near the backyard window. If you have a camera dedicated to bird watching, leave it near the window also. If you go out to the patio to watch birds, don't forget your binoculars and camera.

4. 

   Get a few birdfeeders. Hang them where the feeding birds will be safe from predators (like cats). Consider hanging them near a window for up-close bird watching.

5. Consider hanging birdfeeders loaded with different types of birdseeds to attract different kinds of birds.

6. Install a birdbath near the birdfeeders. Bathing birds are always fun to watch.

7. 

   Set the yard sprinklers to go off at dawn. If the water hits some tree branches, chances are some early birds will take advantage by bathing in the artificial rain.

8. Use a bird guide to familiarize yourself with the local and migratory birds. Note which ones you've already entertained in your backyard.

Tips & Warnings

• Birds don't stay long when feeding or bathing. Be sure your binoculars and telephoto lens are always ready to capture the moment.

• Bird feeding is a responsibility; be sure the feeders are clean and stocked. Check the birdbath regularly to ensure there are no molds or potential contamination.

• Squirrels can mess with your bird feeders. Hang the feeders at least 6 feet away from a squirrel's potential jump-off point.

Resources

• Birdwatching.com
• Wild-Bird-Watching.com