What You Need For Backyard Bird Watching

Backyard bird watching is somewhat different in intensity and style than going out into the field to view the birds of the area. The equipment is usually of a more permanent nature. You will be able to use equipment that is more complex, since you won’t need to carry it with you to use it. Depending upon the area where you live, there may be a wide variety of birds that naturally visit your back yard, with others, you will need to do some enticement.

If you want to be able to watch birds in your backyard, you need to find a good location where you can see what is happening without unduly upsetting the birds who will visit there. Viewing through a window will probably be the most comfortable for you while you are watching and identifying the birds who visit. Other options are using a gazebo or porch or other place where you can be seated.

Building and siting of the bird feeder will be an important consideration for backyard bird watching. Birds who want to feed usually prefer a certain type of feed and an arrangement that will allow them to feed in safety. This means keeping the feeding space protected from marauding squirrels, cats and neighborhood dogs. Different feeding styles can be accommodated by design elements in the feeder. Adding a bird bath will bring other birds with different activities going on.

Having a spotting scope available close to where you sit to view the bird feeding site helps in identification, particularly if you are some distance from the feeder. Choosing a scope that has the ability to gather the maximum amount of light with the outer lens allows you to watch birds even with the light is dim, such as at dusk. Keep your scope handy and add a notebook or laptop to record the viewings.

A good quality camera is another piece of equipment that most bird watchers will want to have handy. If you want to record the images, look for zoom lens and fast shutter speed capability. You can enjoy stills or video images for documenting your hobby sightings.

Backyard bird watching is a hobby that can be enjoyed by children as well as adults. Since you don’t have to be physically fit to watch birds from your armchair, its a great hobby for those who have difficulty walking or hiking. The costs to get involved with bird watching are much lower than with other hobbies.