Backyard Birding for Fun

Author: Tom Oxby
Backyard birding is one of the most popular hobbies there is, yet it is seldom seen any lists of typical hobbies I look at. People go to great lengths to place the right bird house, bird bath or bird feeder where they can watch the birds.
This can be really simple such as a basic bird house. There are models almost like grand hotels now and of course with size of the entrance hole will advertise the types of birds that might be welcome there.
This hobby does not always have to be simple with many serious bird watchers going to great lengths. One consideration includes the types of food placed in the bird feeders which can vary from sugar water (nectar) for hummingbirds to sunflower seeds depending on the type of birds you are hoping to attract. Also many people will plant selected species of trees and native flowers to attract the certain types of birds.
You need to protect your birds (or that's the way you will feel) from those perky squirrels, chipmunks and other animals in the area so they are not eating the food from the bird feeders. Its okay if they check out what is on the ground below the bird feeders.
During those hot humid summer days the birds do appreciate a bath and you can see them lined up around the edge of your bird bath.
I was about to do some tree pruning in my backyard and noticed a proud mother robin on the nest in my backyard tree. The robin did not seem too concerned about my daily visits to see how things were progressing.
Now that you have the bird house, bird feeder and perhaps a bird bath you might also need a guide so you can learn about your guests some more. You will also get to know them personally just by watching because that's the purpose isn't it. You most likely placed that bird feeder in a place from where you can observe from your house.
If you life in an apartment or condo you to can do your own backyard birding, although it really is not the same. If there is a conversation park really close to where you live there may be some bird houses placed throughout the grounds.
Once you get going you will find this can be an all year hobby although the types of birds may vary depending on your region. I have some sparrows who sit in an apple tree and chirp away as I shovel after a snow storm making the chore more enjoyable.
This is one of those hobbies that can be inexpensive to do yet provide so much enjoyment so what's  keeping you from your own backyard birding.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/bird-watching-articles/backyard-birding-for-fun-4905739.html
About the Author
Learn more about the interesting hobby of backyard birding including bird house and feeders. In particular take a look on our website for information on hummingbird feeders.

Category › backyard birding , backyard birding tips , recreation backyard birding

Backyard Birding Tips - Everything You Need To Know

Author: Edwin Joseph
Most parents are looking for different types of hobbies in which they can be fond of. There are some who entered the hobby of sports to be sure that they grow strong and healthy. While of course there are others who just wanted to stay at home reading books, watching TV, gardening, landscaping or even backyard birding.

Definitely, creating backyard bird houses is not what many adults dreamed of having. But there are few who find it interesting and relaxing. Before, birds usually are put in small cages and are just being feed daily. But now, there are some bird lovers who rather than purchasing small cages wanted to create bigger space for birds on their garden.

Bird lovers state that even though some of the birds are untouchables, still they find so much pleasure just seeing those colorful birds fly on their backyard and that it feels relaxing to hear those birds sing. Let me share to you some Backyard Birding tips that you ought to know:

1.) It would need a bigger space. If you wish to enjoy those birds to fly, you have to provide them with bigger space with real plants or trees inside the cage to serve as its bird nest.

2.) You have to know the list of common backyard birds. There are several birds that you can buy but there are particular birds that are appropriate for your backyard. Do a quick research online to obtain a list of those birds that many people suggest.

3.) Are you close of pet stores which sell backyard birding supplies? People thought that birds are quite easy to manage. Maybe they don't know that there are lots of supplies that are needed to be successful in having birds as a pet. You have to know a bird shop which is near your place to enable you to purchase supplies anytime you want.

4.) You should mingle with individuals who are into this type of hobby. You can find forums that are specifically made for people to interact concerning this hobby.

Also, you can check out Amazon for a great resource for bird supplies which you may need. It provides a huge product listings for all things you need regarding backyard birding. You can easily go to site and find out for yourself those items that are being offered with big discounts. You can automatically get at least 20% discount of selected products.

Get big discounts anytime, anywhere!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/bird-watching-articles/backyard-birding-tips-everything-you-need-to-know-5320040.html
About the Author
Here's a huge lists of Backyard Birding supplies on Sale. Amazon has been the biggest marketplace that sell Backyard Birding products at very cheap prices.

Category › backyard bird feeding , backyard bird houses , backyard bird shop , backyard bird watching , backyard birding , backyard birding tips everything you need to know

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Scientific Name: Melanerpes carolinus

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a member of the Picidae family, and is the largest common woodpecker of the eastern United States. It is found primarily in northeastern US and southern Canada, ranging as far south as Florida and as far west as Texas. Its common habitat is wooded areas, including suburban neighborhoods and parks. Red-Bellied Woodpeckers are very tolerant of humans, and are regular visitors to backyard garden feeders (especially during the winter), favoring sunflower seed, suet, and fruit. Red-Bellied Woodpeckers climb and "hitch" along branches and trunks of trees, picking at the bark.
Red-Bellied Woodpeckers have a very thick skull and strong neck that protects them from brain damage when they "drum" to attract mates, excavate nest cavities and forage for food. They are equipped with a unique tongue that can extend 2 inches beyond its beak, and is barbed and sticky to catch insects inside deep crevices, where they gather and store food.

Identification Facts

Head to Tail Length: about 9" - 10.5"
Distinctive Features: The Red-Bellied Woodpecker can easily be identified by its red crown and black-and-white striping on its back. Its name is derived from a subtle red patch on it's abdomen that is rarely seen. Adult Red-Bellied Woodpeckers' abdomen, chest and face are mainly grayish white.
Male & Female Characteristics: Males have a red crown running from their bill to their neck, where females have a red patch on the nape and another above the bill. Males have a bigger tongue than females.

Songs & Calls

Red-bellied woodpeckers are highly vocal and noisy birds. Their calls sound like churr-churr-churr or with an alternating brr sound. Both sexes are vocal, but males call and drum more often than females. Male woodpeckers drum their beaks to attract females in the spring, sometimes pounding on metal siding and even cars to create a resonating sound.

Nesting Behavior

Distribution: The red-bellied woodpecker can be found in most of the eastern United States, except for northernmost New England.
Nest Type: Cavity

Breeding Season: The breeding season lasts from late January to late June
Migration: During severe winters, Red-bellied Woodpeckers have been observed migrating south from northern areas to escape extreme weather.
Nest Facts: Red-bellied Woodpeckers are cavity nesters. The male carves and excavates a new cavity in a dead tree or sometimes a live tree in 7-10 days. Three to six eggs are incubated by both the male and female. The male incubates at night, the female during the day. Chicks hatch in about 12 days, and fledge in 22-27 days. Both parents care for the young.
In some areas, many Red-bellied Woodpecker nesting cavities are taken over by starlings. Red-bellied woodpeckers will occasionally use bird houses.
Recommended Bird House: Audubon Woodpecker Bird House

Diet

Red-bellied woodpeckers eat mostly nuts and fruits, with seeds being their primary food source during the winter. They also eat berries, corn, acorns, beechnuts, tree sap, ants, grasshoppers, beetles, lizards, frogs, and some bird eggs and nestlings.
Commercially available food options include sunflower seed kernals, fruit and nut blends and suet.
Recommended Feeders: Clinger Feeder, Fruit Feeder, Suet Feeder and suet log feeders

Similar species

The Red-headed Woodpecker is a rather close relative but looks entirely different. The Gila Woodpecker has a darker brown head and abdomen, and lacks the red neck and spot above bill. The Golden-Fronted Woodpecker is also similar in coloration to the Red-Bellied Woodpecker.
Originally published at New England Birdhouse blog.

Category › backyard birding , bird feed , bird feeder , bird feeders , bird house , bird houses , Red-Bellied Woodpecker , woodpecker

American Robin

 American Robin

Scientific Name: Turdus migratorius

The state bird of Connecticut, Michigan and Wisconsin, the American Robin is a familiar songbird in the thrush family. They live in towns and woodlands, and are commonly seen on suburban lawns exhibiting their "running and stopping" behavior as they gather their morning worms.
The America Robin feeds on different things throughout the day, including earthworms in the morning, and fruits and berries in the evening. They are mostly active during the day and gather in large flocks at night to roost in trees in secluded areas.
The average life span of an American Robin is 2 years, with some living as long as 14 years. Researchers have found that only 25% of young American Robins survive their first year.
Robins are considered a symbol of spring, and the color of their eggs coined the name Robin's Egg Blue. American Robins are especially fond of bathing, and are very attracted to backyard garden bird baths.

Identification Facts

Head to Tail Length: 9 - 11 inches
Distinctive Features: ruddy-orange breast and belly, white undertail coverts, dark head with semi-circle white eye ring, streaked throat, black back and wings, mainly yellow beak, the juvenile is paler in color with dark spots on its breast
Male & Female Characteristics: the male's colors are brighter and his head is black, where the female's head is gray.

Songs & Calls

The male American Robin's whistled-song is commonly described as "cheerily, cheer up, cheer up, cheerily, cheer up...". They often sing this song very early in morning and in the evening.
The American Robin uses it's "peek, tut, tut, tut..." call to warn of predators, and makes the "he, he, he, he..." call (often compared to a horse's whinny) when its nest is threatened.

Nesting Behavior

Distribution: The American Robin can be found throughout the continental United States
Nest Type: platform
Breeding Season: April - July, 2 -3 broods per season, one of the first North American birds to lay eggs
Migration: most migrate south to Florida, the Gulf Coast, central Mexico and Pacific Coast, returning north in February and March
Nest Facts: located 5'-25' above ground, commonly between tree branches, close to human habitation and is built by the female alone, clutch consists of 3-5 eggs which female alone incubates, eggs hatch after 14 days and fledglings leave the nest about 2 weeks later
Recommended Bird House: Mounted Platform

Diet

Food Type: American Robins cannot digest hard fruits or grains, and they primarily eat worms, grubs, caterpillars, grasshoppers, soft fruit & berries (grapes, blueberries). Commercially available food options include mealworms, or insect and fruit suet.
Recommended Feeders: Ground Platform Feeder, suet feeder

Similar species

the thrush family is large and includes bluebirds, rufous-backed & clay-colored robins, aztec, dusky & eye-browed thrushes.

Category › american robin , backyard birding , bird call , bird feeder , bird house , bird songs , bird watching , new england , robin