Backyard Birding

I try not to post things which are too regional in nature, but since i have written a little about urban birding, I thought this was interesting: Bird Walk in Central Park. New York City is not a place I would naturally think of to go birdwatching. Pigeonwatching, maybe. But even in the most urban environments, many species have found a way to adapt and even thrive. Even some raptors, such as the American kestrel, have made cities their home.

Wherever you are in the country, it is worth checking with your local nature centers or birding societies to see what events are planned. These make wonderful day trips for a family and you can learn more about the birds in your own area and what they are up to when not at your feeders.

Last year, we had the opporunity to attend an event sponsored by a local nature center. A local birder was there answering questions and his enthusiasm for the subject was infectious. I learned a lot about our native sparrows, and he held the ateention of my four year old!

Even without an organized event, however, going on a local bird walk can be a relaxing way to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors. Grab a pair of binoclors, a field guide and a notebook to keep track of what youfind. Even a walk around your neighborhood should yield some sitings.

birding, urban birding, birdwatching, backyard birding

I am fortunate to live outside of town, with a fair sized lawn to work with in attracting birds. Not everyone is so fortunate. Living in the city, however, does not mean that there is nothing you can do attract birds to your home or neighborhood. Here are some ideas, from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

1. Birds everywhere need water. If you have enough space for a simple bird bath, a diverse number of birds will be attracted.

2. Nesting sites are important. Get to know your local species, and choose a nesting box appropriately. Wrens and kestrels are two city dwelling birds which will readily accept nesting boxes.

3. Feeders can be hung just about everywhere. Select those with small perches so you do not attract large flocks of unwanted birds. A finch feeder will only accommodate small birds. I once saw a picture of a small tray placed inside a wire cage set on a balcony. This kept out the pigeons, but allowed the smaller birds to feed. Some types of feeders will also attach directly to a window.

4. Even small gardens can be beneficial to birds. This can be a community effort, a small planting in a yard or even a window box.

For more information about urban birds, check out the Urban Bird Studies website. There, you can find out more about urban birds, how to attract them and studies you can participate in.

urban birding, birding, birdwatching, backyard birding