Birdwatching or birding is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. Millions of people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy watching and studying birds. The point of birding is to be able to identify wild birds in their natural habitat by sight and or sound, and simply because its a lot of fun. More....

The number one thing most often neglected by back yard birders is not providing water. All year round birds will flock to the yards that provide fresh clean water. In spring and summer they need the water but water is also vital in grooming and preening flight feathers. Every yard needs a bird bath.

The majority of people who feed wild birds will at some point have to deal with invading squirrels. I for one have a large group of squirrels that visit my feeders. The idea of share and share alike should work but not with Squirrels.

I have found that what is common in my back yard is not common across town. How close you are to the mountains or the river can have a great deal to do with the types of birds you see in your area. My best advice is to purchase a guide to western birds.