I know one of the things that discourages first-time birders is the information overload. Everybody who wants to start birding can get overrun by all the things they think they need to know before they start. They may have friends and neighbors who swear by this or that. Most of the time they just get discouraged and quit because all they've attracted to their back yards is … [Read more...] about The Easiest Way to Start Birding
Bird Feeding
Birding With Kids
Birding With Kids If you’ve ever looked out your window in awe of the abundance of wildlife right in your own backyard, you might be ready for a new hobby. Birding, which is a pastime shared, according to the Audubon Society, by 47 million people in the US, is a relaxing activity you can do at home. And the best part: birding with kids is great because the kids are never too … [Read more...] about Birding With Kids
A Welcome Reader Submitted Birding Resource
Birding Resource From Jake and Jessica Last month, I was contacted by Jessica B. who was nice enough to tell me two things. One, her son, Jake, had just joined his school's Bird Watching Club and had found my site helpful. Secondly, that he found another great birding resource he wanted to share with me. Anybody who's been following me for any time at all knows I love … [Read more...] about A Welcome Reader Submitted Birding Resource
I Have a Red-breasted Nuthatch Pair! Do You?
Is That What I Think It Is? A couple of weeks ago I noticed a little bird zipping back and forth between my peanut feeder, sunflower seed feeder and my sunflower chip feeder. Because they move with lightning speed, I was not able to see clearly what it was. Later that day, I was out filling and cleaning up around my feeder station and I heard the familiar Red-breasted nuthatch … [Read more...] about I Have a Red-breasted Nuthatch Pair! Do You?
Put Up A Sunflower Chip Feeder For More Goldfinches!
Sunflower Chip Feeder About the time I wrote my last post asking you to take a late summer feeding break, I had not seen any goldfinches since my zinnia goldfinch surprise. I had freshly cleaned thistle feeders with fresh, shiny thistle in them. No takers. The only birds who were eating from them were the chickadees. And they were only doing that because I had taken down … [Read more...] about Put Up A Sunflower Chip Feeder For More Goldfinches!
Take a Late Summer Bird Feeding Break
The Best Time for a Bird Feeding Break Every year about this time I'm wondering why I keep putting out food for the few birds that are coming. Why I'm still cleaning, raking and buying new seed. After all, most of my visitors are off doing other things. This year, I finally took a bird feeding break. I'd like to talk about why you should still consider it before the cold … [Read more...] about Take a Late Summer Bird Feeding Break
My Top Five Birding Resources of 2018
My Top Five Birding Resources From time to time, I like to give you updates on what I'm using as my go to birding resources. I see that I did one of these a long time ago and needs updated.Things change and I like to pass along anything new I've found. Keep in mind that I'm not a hardcore birder. My main focus is on enjoying the birds you have around your home wherever that … [Read more...] about My Top Five Birding Resources of 2018
The Zinnia Goldfinch Surprise
A Surprise Zinnia Goldfinch Discovery This year, in addition to the returning perennials and new annual plants, my wife had a pack of mixed zinnias. I think we had it left over from last year. She decided it couldn't hurt to put them out in our baskets. It has turned out to be a pleasant zinnia goldfinch surprise! Let me tell you about it. I'll Just Plant a Few Seeds in … [Read more...] about The Zinnia Goldfinch Surprise