Of all the groups of wild birds out there hummingbirds have to be the most interesting and most enjoyable to watch. Of the couple hundred varieties of hummingbirds out there about twenty varieties come to the United States and that is it! Lucky for us in Idaho we get at least five kinds versus the eastern U.S. that settles for one kind. I must point out that we will on occasion get a few strays/vagrants too...

Hummingbirds in Idaho written by Mike Stanton
During the months of April, May and June, many people will purchase hummingbird feeders and nectar to put up in the backyard in order to watch hummingbirds feed. Most of us will not know which species of the little birds are coming to the feeders. These tiny birds are quick and can come and go in what seems like a second. Trying to figure out what hummingbird we are looking at is hard...

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....

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.