If you are into birding, or just want to get into bird watching, we’re here to help!
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We are currently writing dozens more articles, so you can expect this site to bring you fresh ideas and information for enjoying this amazing part of nature. Welcome!
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If you enjoy bird watching on a regular basis, more than likely you have a nice journal full of information you have collected and perhaps even some sketches you have drawn. You probably have some pictures as well. So, how can you consolidate all of this information that you have collected together? The best way to do this is to purchase bird watching software to help you out. If you are interested in this type of software, here is a look at a specific type of software you may want to consider – Thayer Birding Software.
This bird watching software was designed by Peter Thayer, who has been into bird watching for many years. He found that there was no way that he could record all of his sightings and he wasn’t able to store all the photos he had, so he decided to create the first version of this software.
Today you’ll find that the newest version of Thayer bird watching software actually comes with two different discs that have information about more than 900 different bird species. There are 700+ songs included and close to 3000 different photos included as well. This software also provides more than 500 different bird videos as well.
One great feature that you’ll find with this software is the ability to download the songs of birds to any mp3 player. A photo comes along with the recordings as well to help you easily identify birds. This makes it easy for you to take these songs along with you when you go out looking for birds.
If you go with the Gold Edition of this software, you are able to store and import your own data into the system as well. This way you are able to keep track of all the information that you gather while you are bird watching. There is even a special wizard that will allow you to put in bird details, such as terrain, size, color, and location, and it will help you find the birds matching that description as well. This software can definitely make it easy for bird watchers to identify birds easily as well as keep track of important information collected.
Tagged: Bird Guides, Bird Watching Tips //
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When you get out there and you are pursuing the beautiful warbler or trying to find out more about woodpecker nesting habits, you definitely need to be prepared. Whether you are out in a meadow or you are deep in the woods, it is important that you have the essential gear on hand. The right gear keeps you prepared, organized, and well protected. Here are a few of the items that will make you more successful as a bird watcher.
First, you definitely need to ensure you have great binoculars. After all, if you don’t have them, you’ll have a tough time seeing any birds very closely. Not only can you enlarge bird size with binoculars, but they also allow you to see birds that may be a large distance away. Ensure that you go with an option that is fairly lightweight, since you’ll be lugging them around everywhere with you.
A nice birding vest that has plenty of nice pockets in it is definitely a great piece of essential gear to have on hand when you are going out birding. This allows you to easily access all the other gear that you have on hand. Usually you can accommodate various items, such as snacks, sunscreen, lens caps, insect repellent, and other items easily in a nice vest. Shop for a vest that fits you well and make sure that the pockets will help you keep your accessories safe without making you feel weighted down.
You’ll also want to have a nice rain jacket that isn’t too heavy to take along on your bird watching adventures. This way you don’t get too wet when the weather turns on you. A nice hat can be helpful in both sun and rain.
If you enjoy going on longer bird watching trips, you may want to go with a nice backpack that you can take on those journeys. This makes it easier for you to pack everything you’ll need, such as a journal, field maps, birding books, snacks, water, and anything else you need.
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During the wintertime, many birds have a tougher time finding the food that they need to survive. The great thing is that kids can do something to help. If you want to get your kids involved in enjoying birds, creating easy bird treats during the winter is a wonderful activity. Here is a look at what you’ll need to do to create these tasty treats for your feathered friends.
Things You’ll Need
There are several things that you are going to need if you want to create these bird treats. You’ll need some bird seed mix for wild birds and several pinecones. You’ll also need some creamy peanut butter, some newspaper, and some twine or string.
Getting Started
First, you’ll want to place the newspaper out on a table. Make sure you cover the table well so you don’t get it dirty. Take the bird seed and pour a nice pile of it out on top of the newspaper.
Now you are ready for a pinecone. Take a pinecone, and use a butter knife to fill up the pinecone spaces with the creamy peanut butter. Once you have the peanut butter on the pinecones, roll the pinecones in the pile of birdseed you have out on the newspaper. Make sure you push the seeds up into all the crevices of the pine cone so there are a lot of seeds on each pine cone.
Once you are done rolling the pinecone in bird seed, you’ll want to take some string and tie it to the pinecone top. Then cut your string, but make sure you leave about six inches of length so you can tie it up later.
Repeat this step with all of the pinecones that you want to make into treats. Once you are done, take the pinecones out and then hang them from trees so the wild birds will find them and have something to eat.
Tagged: Bird Food Selection, Bird Watching for Kids , attract birds, bird feeder, Bird Feeders, wild bird food //
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You are sitting at your balcony and you see some beautiful multicoloured birds sitting on the railing. The feeling is wonderful. This reminds you of the gifts, nature has given to the universe. If you feel like watching the birds at your backyard, use a bird feeder to attract birds.
The natural environment gives you heavenly feeling and you feel terrific. It gives you happiness from inside and you enjoy it. Bird watching is a fascinating activity, which is loved by many. Bird sanctuary attracts many tourists.
The easy way to attract birds sitting at your home is by using bird feeders. There are many types. The most common type is the seed feeder. There are various designs in the form of tubes, trays, hoppers etc.
Love watching finches? The mixed seed is very popular for these types of feeders and to attract songbirds like finches, chickadees etc. Sunflower seeds are also very popular with songbirds.
For watching Hummingbirds, use red glass top fill feeders. Oriole feeders are designed to cater to the birds with unusually shaped beak. These are available both as top and bottom fillers. A combination of three or four bird feeders can be used to attract various species. The placement of feeder plays a role in attracting the birds.
Where to put them? For finding the best spot, you may need to move the feeder. But do not move it very frequently. The distance can be adjusted slowly, and the feeder can be brought closer to your watching place. These should be kept out of reach of animals like cats etc.
The sunflower seeds, roasted peanut chips, Berry blend, mixed seeds are quite popular to attract most of the birds. There is a big choice available for foods such as pure seeds, fruit blends, live foods etc. to attract many birds. The variety in bird feeder and food make bird watching a very interesting and enjoyable activity.
Tagged: Bird Feeders , bird feeder, Bird Feeders //
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If you are looking for a way to keep birds coming around your home during the winter, you may want to invest in a solar and heated bird bath. A good water source is especially important to birds during the winter months. These bird baths keep the water from freezing and they operate on solar power, so you won’t have to try to run an extension cord out to the bird bath.
Today you can find a variety of solar powered bird baths. Usually they combine together a small foundation with a regular bird bath, with a special pump that makes the water continuously flow. That pump is powered with solar power. This keeps the water from freezing during the winter, and it’s great in the summer too because it keeps mosquitoes and other pests away.
You’ll find that there are a couple of ways that these solar and heated bird baths may be set up. Some of them have the solar panels right on the bird bath, while others have panels separate from the bird bath, although they are connected. If you go with an option that has the solar panels right on it, you’ll have to ensure you place it in a place that gets plenty of sun. With the other option, you can place your bird bath anywhere, as long as the panels are placed somewhere that has enough sun to run the bath.
Of course, you will find that these solar powered bird baths are a bit on the expensive side. However, they are well worth the investment, since you can use them all year long. For the best prices, try comparison shopping on the internet.
A good source of food and water can double the chances that birds will survive during the winter months. With a solar and heated bird bath, you can add to their chances of living and also enjoy the beauty of birds in your yard all winter and summer long.
Tagged: Bird Baths , bird watching, birdbaths, heated bird bath, solar bird bath //
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Nature has become a very popular theme for many people to incorporate in their homes and yards. In line with this theme, many people have begun planting their own gardens and flowers to amplify the natural quality of their homes. Another great way to add a natural touch to your yard decor is by adding a bird feeder.
Most people don’t realize the benefits that come along with adding one of these amazing pieces to their homes. This is why it’s something unique and original to add to the decor.
The first thing you should consider about a bird feeder is the obvious: it’s going to feed birds. One thing that’s important to the overall success of your feeder is the location. Try out a few places for a few days and see whether birds come to it.
One place you might not want to put up a bird feeder is right next to your home. This will intimidate the birds–especially if they hear noises coming from your home. This means you need to place the feeder at a sufficient distance away from your home or anything else in your yard that might frighten them off.
Placing them near trees would be a great idea. For one, it’s a nice way to decorate the tree, but it’s also a great way to draw in the birds. Be sure to place it in a location the birds could see. If you have dense brush near trees, it won’t be a good idea to place the feeder there, since the birds will have a hard time finding it.
Once you’ve found the perfect spot, try not to move it too much. This way the birds know where to come to find the food and you’ll get increasing amounts of bird visits throughout the year.
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Getting kids involved in nature is important. You want your kids to learn about nature and they should learn to take care of it as well. During cooler weather, your kids are indoors more and if you are looking for a great craft they can enjoy, why not allow them to make some simple pine cone bird feeders. They are easy to make and you’ll be teaching them to help out the birds. After all, birds have a tougher time finding food in the winter and these feeders can help out birds around your home during the winter months.
There are a few things you are going to need to make these bird feeders. You’ll need a few pine cones, some peanut butter, a plate, some twine or yard, bird seed, and a good knife. If you cannot find pine cones in your back yard, you can try parks or a craft store.
Give each of your children a plate and a spoonful of some of the peanut butter. Then let them have a butter knife so they can take the peanut butter and start spreading it onto the pine cones. This should be done for each pine cone feeder you are going to make. Once all the pine cones have been covered with the peanut butter, you’ll want to pour some seed on the plate. Then allow your kids to roll all the pine cones in the plate of bird seed.
After you have the pine cones covered in the bird seed, then you need to tie some twine or yard on the pine cones. About a 24 inch piece should be plenty. Ensure that the pine cones are totally covered with the birdseed. Then take the pine cones outdoors and find a place where you can tie up the bird feeders that have been made. Let your child pick out the perfect place.
Now you are ready to go back inside the house. Spend time watching out the window with your kids. No doubt, you’ll have birds coming around in no time to start eating from these unique and fun bird feeders. Once all the bird seed is gone, consider making new feeders to keep the birds happy through the winter months.
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Are you thinking about putting up a bird feeder or two in your yard? If so, you need to make sure that you find the perfect spot for the feeders. Some places will help you to attract more birds than other places will. Put the bird feeders in the right place and you’ll see more birds and probably will attract a larger variety of different birds as well. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you place the feeders.
When deciding where to place your bird feeders, you should think about the birds and their safety first. You don’t want feeders in areas where there are predators around, such as a cat. The cats will hide and attack birds if they can, which will definitely drive the birds away. Choose a spot that will be safe.
Another consideration to keep in mind when deciding where you are going to put the bird feeders is where you will be able to see the feeders. Consider putting them in an area where you are easily able to see them from a window or your favorite room in the home. You may want to make sure that it is located in a place where you can easily get to it so you can refill it when it is emptied out by the birds.
Think about the birds and their comfort as well. Putting the bird feeders near a place that gives them some shelter is a great idea. You can do this by placing it near shrubs or trees. It’s important to make sure that the birds won’t be susceptible to the weather, like snow, rain, or wind, when they are on the feeder as well. Of course, while it is a good idea to have the feeder in a natural shelter, don’t put it in a place where the squirrels are going to take all the bird feed.
When you place bird feeders in the right locations, you’ll soon have plenty of birds coming to visit. Then you’ll be able to enjoy seeing the birds on a regular basis. If you aren’t seeing a lot of birds right away, try putting a bit of seed on the ground all around your feeder so they can easily find it.
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If you want to add a new bird feeder in your backyard, it’s not necessary to drive to the store and spend a lot of money for one. You actually can construct a feeder at your home. It’s simple and quick, and you won’t need that many supplies for it either.
What you’ll want to begin with is a simple one gallon milk jug. Of course, wash it out thoroughly first to make certain there isn’t any leftover residue from the milk inside. Allow it to dry, and once it is dry, then place the cap on the jug and stand it up where you’re going to work in.
On both sides of the handle, cut holes that are approximately 3 inches in diameter. The holes should be fairly high on the jug to ensure the bird seed will not spill out of the container when you are ready to use it.
Below the large holes, you can use a nail to punch a little hole, in which you can insert dowels. The dowels are where the birds can come and perch to eat the food. Just be sure that the perch sticks out a couple inches on each side so birds may easily perch.
Use the nail once more to punch holes in the milk jug neck. Do this an inch or so under the cap of the milk container. Then you will take some wire and run it through the pockets, twisting it together on top. This is what you are going to use to hang up the bird feeder.
Now you are finished making your basic bird feeder. All you need to do is fill it up with some birdseed. Take it outside and use the wire ends to suspend it from a tree or some other type of support in the yard. If you want to attract many different birds, opt for black oil sunflower seeds with your new bird feeder.
Tagged: Bird Feeder Plans, Bird Feeders , bird feeder, Bird Feeders //
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If you are serious about bird watching, you may want to purchase some bird watching scopes and tripods. They can make it more exciting to watch birds, since you’ll be able to see birds closely without having to physically get close to the birds. This allows you to watch them in their natural habitats without accidentally scaring them away. When you are ready to buy these scopes, here are a few of the features that can be very useful to you as you pursue bird watching.
One great feature to look for in bird watching scopes is a wide field of view. As you increase the magnification, the field of view is going to decrease. However, if you go with a scope that is a bit more expensive, you may be able to find options that provide wider field of view even at higher magnifications.
Another great feature you’ll want on your scope is waterproofing. More than likely, it won’t always be sunny when you go out to watch the birds. Waterproofing will help you keep your scope safe, even if you are out in fog or rain trying to see birds.
You’ll also want a bird watching scope that is fairly light. Since you’ll probably be carrying it with you when you go out on hikes looking for birds, you don’t want something too heavy. Low weight will be a very important feature.
High eye relief is yet another feature to look for. This happens to be the distance between your eye and the eyepiece. Those who have glasses will find a high eye relief of 15-20 mm more comfortable, since it is difficult to get your eye close to the lens when you have glasses on.
These are just a few of the great features to look for as you are choosing bird watching scopes and tripods. A few other options include low minimum focus distance, eye pieces that are removable, lenses that are fog proof, and threads for objective lens filters. As you go with the best features, you’ll find that you get the most out of your bird watching scope.
Tagged: Bird Watching Binoculars , bird watching, bird watching binoculars //
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Resurgence in the interest of bird watching prompted one community to start a new Bird House Hobby Club. All ages are welcome to join, and other communities are encouraged to start their own Hobby Club that builds different types of bird houses for the various feathered friends that are present in their area. The idea was formulated when local boys had asked one of the avid bird watchers in town to help them build bird houses. It started as a weekend project and turned into a community project.
Bird hunting turned to bird watching for several young boys who watched as a family of Mourning Doves built their nest, sat on their eggs and hatched out three babies. The boys wanted to build the bird houses to provide shelter for the family of birds in bad weather. They didn’t understand that once the nest is built, the parents will most often stick to their original home, but other pairs of birds would be attracted. Once the boys learned this, they were really enthusiastic about building different sizes so a wide variety of birds would start nesting.
As a way to create an interest in the hobby of building bird houses, several community members offered cash prizes for the best built and decorated bird houses. The contest was on and scheduled to be judged at the county fair. The variety and size of the bird houses went from very simple designs to exquisitely creative elaborate condos for Purple Martins. Interest mounted as the judges from one of the local bird conservatories judged the houses. Finally winners were selected, given their cash prizes, and the bird houses were taken to habitat areas and erected.
Here are some of the things that these hobbyists learned along the way of building their perfect bird houses:
- Decide what type of bird you want to be landlord for. Many species are very picky about the houses they live in and raise their families in. The sizes of the house and the location of the hole they enter from is another thing that some birds are very particular about. Do your research about the type of bird you want to attract and provide them with the ideal house and they will most likely move right on in.
- Be sure that the bird house you provide you feathered occupants has entrances that meet their preferences. This is how many birds keep predators from snatching their eggs or eating their babies.
- Provide nesting materials such as fabric, straw, yarn and string for the birds to use to build a nest with. Placing this material close by where you want the birds to build their nest will encourage them to choose your site.
The communities that have started their own clubs have seen a return of some species of birds that they have not seen for many years. As natural habitats disappear, birds have become dependent on humans providing housing for them. This type of cooperation with nature can preserve fast disappearing species and allow future generations to hear the songs of the birds that we grew up with. Start your bird house hobby club in your community and help keep the birds serenading us with their sweet songs.
Tagged: Bird Houses //
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There are different types of bird feeders on the market today. The one you buy depends on which of the birds you want coming to your bird feeder. You will be glad to know though that there are plenty of feeders to choose from for your needs. One will definitely fit the bill for you.
Types of Feeders
A hopper bird feeder are well suited to sunflower seeds, seed mixes, and the nuts that can fit through the seed opening at its bottom. This type is also easy to clean and fill, usually its top opens on hinges. These feeders come in assorted sizes, and can have a tray for the birds to perch and feed from. More room is available for larger birds the bigger the tray is. Also more birds can visit that feeder at one time.
Tube feeders are design for smaller seed like the nyjer seed, small seed mixes, and sunflower hearts. This style of feeder has several perches and ports for the birds to sit a eat at. The tube feeders for the nyjer seed is usually specially designed to hold just that seed. The perches on all the tube feeders are often too small for the bigger bird to feel comfortable. These fill from the top like the hopper style ones.
The platform bird feeder either gets mounted on a pole or can be hung from one, or in a tree. These are nice a roomy for all birds. These take sunflower seeds, bigger nuts, and fruits. A downside to this is the fact that these feeders often have more seed pushed out of them, therefore you have more mess to take care of.
A thistle sock can hang on hangers or a tree limb. This is designed to hold the nyjer seed. This mesh permits small birds to cling to it while grabbing the seeds through the fabric that is woven.
A suet feeder is simply designed to hold suet, which is made of wild birdseed and animal fat in a hard state. These are just basket type feeders which allow the bird to reach through and eat the suet. These are hung from a hanger or from a tree branch. These can come with hopper feeders too, attached to the hopper at one or both ends.
The nut bird feeder simply is designed to hold bigger nuts. They are usually shaped like a tube and come without or with perches. This wire mesh is course to hole the bigger nuts still so the birds can get to them and eat them. Small nuts need to be placed into the hopper or tube feeders that usually hold seed.
There are also the feeders that serve sugar water to the orioles and the hummingbirds. These come in many styles. You can also see fruit feeders too for the birds that love to eat berries and other fruit.
So when you go to find your bird feeder you can see that you will have many to choose from. Learn the best way to feed the birds that are going to be coming into your yard, to know which bird feeder to buy.
Tagged: Bird Feeders , Bird Feeders //
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One of the upsides to a down economy is that families are looking for activities that don’t cost a lot and that family members of all ages can participate in. Building bird houses is a wonderful rainy day weekend project that will bring joy to the family in many ways. Many of our fine feathered friends have lost their natural habitats for one reason or another. These feathered friends are dependent on man-made bird houses in order to survive because so much of their natural habitat has been removed.
A little research will let you know the sizes and other details you will need to know in order to build different sized bird houses for different species of birds. There are many kits available that include all the materials needed to build certain types of bird houses. Using bird house kits is the simplest way to get this project rolling. A kit makes it possible for you to spend more time helping younger members of the family with their part of the project rather than cutting the wood that will be needed for construction.
Most species of birds do not like nesting close to others of their own species. They are quite territorial. The exception to this rule is the Purple Martin. Purple Martins do like apartment living arrangements and feel safer with others of their own species to help fight off predators. So if your kit is a multi-nesting box, this is one you will want to use to attract Purple Martins. Bluebirds, robins and wrens all like the single nest box and will be very happy campers if each bird house is a little different in color and style.
If you are trying to attract the smaller species of birds, you will want to install squirrel guards on the pole of the bird houses. This will prevent squirrels from helping themselves to whatever the birds take to their nest. Each species of bird likes a different type of bird seed, though the generic bird seed sold commercially is usually a mixture that will attract song birds.
Once the kits are built and mounted in secure places, the birds will come by to check out the new accommodations. If there are readily available nesting materials, food and water sources and plenty of protection from predators, your back yard will soon be host to a choir singing straight from the heart, the birds who decided your accommodations suit them just fine.
By building several different sized bird houses, several species of birds will take a look to see if this is the ideal spot to raise their family. As long as you have the room to place the bird houses at least forty to sixty feet apart, you will see an amazing array of fine feathered friends that have come to roost in your yard.
Involving your family in the endeavor of building bird houses teaches many skill sets. The birds are benefited by the helping hand from man. Children learn to respect the creatures of nature when they have a helping hand in creating homes and nesting sites to perpetuate the species.
Tagged: Bird House Plans, Bird Houses , bird house plans, bird houses, homemade bird houses //
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Although it is possible to purchase some wild food such as wild bird seed to encourage birds to show up in your back yard, another option you have is to actually make your own bird food. It’s really easy to make a tasty treat for the birds, and it allows you to help give the birds some variation in their diet, since they shouldn’t be surviving on seeds alone anyway. Here is a look at a simple recipe that will allow you to make plenty of wild bird food on your own.
What You’ll Need
First, you need to gather all of the ingredients that you are going to need to make this wild bird food. You’ll need rolled oats, and you should not try to substitute this with instant oats. You’ll also need some peanuts, some commercial wild bird food mix, some sunflower seeds, and some dried fruit. Some dried fruit options to include are cranberries or raisins, although almost any dried fruit will be fine to put in the mix of food.
Making the Food
Now that you have all the ingredients together, you can begin making the fed. Put all the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix the ingredients together well so everything is mixed up and evenly distributed throughout the mix. It won’t matter how much of each ingredient you end up using. Just remember to put more oats in the mix than you do nuts or fruit.
Once you have made the wild bird food, you are ready to put it outside. You can put it out on the ground or if you have a bird feeder, put the food inside the feeder for the birds to find. Once you begin putting this feed out for the birds, you’ll be able to enjoy many different types of birds in your yard, since the feed will attract them. For just the few dollars you pay for the ingredients, you can add the color, beauty, and sound of birds to your life.
Tagged: Bird Food Selection , Bird Feeders, bird seed, bird watching, wild bird food //
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Many people often start with a hopper feeder when bird feeding. This is because these bird feeders are simple to fill, and hold a great amount of seed. They can either be hung from a shepherd’s crook, under the eaves of your home, or from a tree. In addition, they can be mounted from deck rail, post, fence, or wall.
A hopper style feeder is one that uses gravity to fill up the seed as it is eaten, while the food is held in a box like container. Usually, any type of seed can be placed in hoppers. Some of the very small varieties of seeds may be too small however.
Since birds, like humans, have their favorite foods, they will often kick away the ones they don’t like, searching for their favorites. You can help catch these discarded seeds by having something under the hopper to catch them.
Hopper bird feeders can feed a large amount of birds in unison, and many species find this sort of feeder attractive. These are birds like the grosbeaks, jays, cardinals, woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, sparrows, and finches. Since there is usually a great deal of spillage from this type of feeder, other birds are often attracted to what falls to the ground. These birds are juncos, mourning doves, towhees, and different sparrow species.
There are many different shapes and sizes of hoppers you can purchase. There are ones that are square, round, look like chalets, partially enclosed, dome topped, or steel framed. Usually, you can see the level of seed through the transparent sides. They also usually have a substantial covering, so that the food is protected from the weather until which time it is consumed.
Since hopper bird feeders will attract many different types of birds, if you want to attract only certain birds, you may want to consider a different feeder type.
Have you feeder in an easily viewed location, keep it clean and filled with seed, and you will get great enjoyment watching to see who comes to visit your yard.
Tagged: Bird Feeders , bird feeder, Bird Feeders, bird watching //
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If you are looking for bird watching binoculars, you’ll quickly find that you have many options to choose from. Figuring out which pair of binoculars to choose can quickly become a difficult task. However, there are three key things that you need to keep in mind that will help you make sure you purchase the right bird watching binoculars.
Key #1 – Binocular Power
The first key to look at when you are trying to buy the perfect bird watching binoculars is the binocular power. While you may be tempted to go with the binoculars with the most power, this is a big mistake. Usually it is best to go with options that are between 7-10 in power. If you go above 10 power, you’ll find that it’s tough to hold them still and your field of view becomes very narrow too.
Key #2 – Binocular Aperture
Binocular aperture is another key to keep in mind as you look at the many binoculars available for bird watching. The aperture is basically where the light actually enters your binoculars. When looking at binoculars, you’ll find that this is the second number. For example, if you have 7 x 50 binoculars, 50 is the aperture. Usually it is best to go with an aperture between 30-50, although compact binoculars often only have numbers between 20-25. The more light you have coming into the binoculars, the bright the image of the birds will be when you are viewing them.
Key #3 – Binocular Eye Relief
Last, you’ll find that binocular eye relief is also going to be a key thing to consider when buying these birding binoculars. This number is going to be particularly important for people who will be wearing glasses when they go out bird watching. It’s best to look for 14mm or higher eye relief, especially if you have to accommodate glasses or sunglasses.
Tagged: Bird Watching Binoculars , bird watching, bird watching binoculars //
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If you love bird watching then you will need an excellent way to attract birds towards your backyard, watch them choose a mate, and start a family so as to observe them for a very long period of time. Your bird watching experience will truly turn into a memorable one if several birds reside in your backyard, and the only way to ensure this is to offer them a comfortable birdhouse that offers them total security and comfort at the same time.
Well-built birdhouses placed at different corners of your backyard that offer an unhindered view from your camouflaged location will surely attract many male birds to entice females into starting a family with them. If you have decent wood working skills then it is quite easy to build such birdhouses although if you do not have any skills in handling tools then it would be better to buy ready-made birdhouses from stores or over the internet.
Wood such as white pine and cedar can be purchased to make your bird house or houses. You can easily find several birdhouse designs and drawings over the internet or in birding magazines. You can calculate the amount of wood required based on the designs and can also place birdhouses of different designs and sizes in your backyard to attract various species of birds. Once you purchase your wood and procure the designs then you will actually need to start constructing your bird house.
You will require tools such as a wood saw or wood cutter, chisel, hammer, drill machine, screws, nails and a screw driver to construct your bird dwelling. You can make a simple sloped-roof bird house with a small round opening at the top end of the house that is just below the center of the roof. This design appeals to almost all types of small birds such as bluebirds and wrens although robins require an open nesting area and need a differently designed birdhouse.
You will need to incorporate hinges on the side wall or roof of your birdhouse and also ensure that the bottom slides out so as to enable you to clean the house when one family of birds has flown away. This will help you to easily remove bird droppings, feathers, and destroy all bacterial germs that might be lurking in the birdhouse. You should not paint the birdhouse since the smell of paint might put off prospective residents. A natural look will merge with the surroundings and also decrease attacks from predators.
You can easily mount your birdhouse with a metal mounting pole driven into the ground. If you have more than one birdhouse then you should locate them in different corners of your backyard so that your birds do not fight with each other since birds are quite territorial by nature. You can also hang your birdhouses from tree limbs and will also need to fit baffles to discourage squirrels and cats from attacking the birds or their food.
If you love working with wood then you can now merge your bird watching hobby by making different birdhouses for your feathered friends. You can now watch happy bird couples set up home in your birdhouses and start their own families.
Tagged: Bird House Plans, Bird Houses, Bird Watching Tips //
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If you want to spend some quality time with your family while taking a break from the usual amusement park trips then you can surely bond with your family over a bird watching trip. Your loved ones, especially children, can watch and learn more about nature while getting a chance to watch a wide variety of birds in their natural habitat.
You can learn all about upcoming bird watching trips for families through your local pet store or even by searching over the internet. You can also organize your own trip if you have had enough experience in birding in your own backyard or have previously visited nearby parks for short bird watching trips. This is one trip that will surely get the family all excited while allowing each family member to understand the importance of taking care of the surrounding environment.
You can also contact local parks in your town or city since most parks do organize bird watching trips. Once you have fixed up the date of your trip then you will also have to make the necessary arrangements for it. Since there might be elders or children involved in the trip, you will need to take care of their specific needs. You should take along additional binoculars, especially smaller sized ones for children since you would not want a fight to break out between a single pair of binoculars when a rare bird does appear in your sights. Long sleeved clothing along with warm clothes, mosquito repellent, netting and a first aid kit are a must along with adequate water and food suitable for all family members on the trip.
You should also understand that children tend to get bored quite quickly. Thus, if they stop to look at insects or other bugs, flowers, or any other object that catches their fancy then do not admonish them. Instead, enjoy those moments spent together since this will help them to remain excited throughout the trip. You should also carry along a book with colorful pictures of birds that might be observed in the particular region. This will help everyone in the group to correctly identify the observed birds and even learn more about them. With the prices of digital cameras dropping substantially, you can easily carry a decent camera with a powerful zoom lens so as to capture your sightings in your camera and transfer them on to your computer.
You can also join a bird watching club especially for families so that you can enjoy such trips with other like minded families. In this way each member of the family gets a chance to mingle with someone in the same age group and thus make some new friends. Such clubs might also have a few experts that could provide you with valuable tips so as to make your trip even more informative and enjoyable. A well-planned trip will surely please everyone in the family and get them all excited about future ones.
A bird watching trip is an excellent way for the entire family to enjoy each others company as well as learn a few important lessons about preserving the environment. You should surely plan such trips on a regular basis so as to bond with your family as well as gain valuable knowledge about birds and their lives in the process.
Tagged: Bird Watching for Kids, Bird Watching Tips //
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If you want to actively develop bird watching as a hobby then you can start out by birding in your backyard itself. However, instead of waiting for a lost lone bird to visit your yard, you can attract several species of birds at one time by laying out a bird buffet containing their type of food and water in your backyard. Here are a few food and water tips that will ensure good health for birds that visit your backyard.
Since birds require water and food at regular intervals, it will visually pay to make available these facilities in your backyard so that they drop by to gorge on them. You will need a water fountain or a birdbath to attract birds towards your yard. You should ensure that the birdbath is placed in an open place in your backyard so that you can engage in your bird watching activities without any visual obstruction. You can also tempt birds such as hummingbirds by adding a little white sugar to your water. You should however, change the water regularly as well as maintain cleanliness levels in and around your birdbath or water fountain. You can also buy solar water fountains that will help you to cut down on your electric bills. If you live in a region that experiences severe winters then a heated birdbath will surely be appreciated by visiting birds with excited chirps and cheeps.
Birds also love eating seeds from various flowers and fruits. You can easily plant various types of flowers in your backyard so as to tempt them. However, it will be a well-stocked bird feeder that will also attract birds to your yard instead of neighboring properties. You can buy books to read about the types of seeds preferred by various birds and procure seeds loved by only those birds that frequent your backyard. You can now load those seeds in your bird feeder or also sprinkle them in your garden or yard. You should however, place your bird feeder at a height and away from surrounding walls, hedges or bushes, especially if you have a cat or other types of bird eating predators in your neighborhood. This will allow your birds a clear view of the surroundings and help them fly away at any approaching danger.
Whether you have installed a hopper feeder or an attractive electric or solar heated birdbath, you will need to clean them regularly so as to remove bird droppings and moldy seeds before replenishing them with fresh stock. This will ensure that birds fly in happily to your backyard and also remain healthy after enjoying food, water and a fresh bath. You might also have to ensure that squirrels do not get to the bird feed by adding wire mesh or other innovative methods so that only birds can feed on it.
Your bird watching sessions will become much more informative and exciting if you have several species of birds visiting your backyard on a daily basis. You will need to tempt your winged visitors with 5 star food, water and bathing facilities, and you can easily achieve the same without incurring large expenses. You and your family will be suitably rewarded as you will all be able to watch the lives of various birds unfold before your very eyes.
Tagged: Bird Watching Tips //
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