Is that a blue jay at your feeder or a bluebird? A wren or a warbler? A sparrow or a sapsucker? It's great to have birds show up at your feeder. But it's more fun when you know what kind they are. Here are a few tips to help you get more enjoyment out of your feeder by learning how to identify and recognize the birds that visit there.
Binoculars are great fun. They let you see birds up close, without disturbing them. You can get a good pair at a very reasonable price these days. Once you buy your binoculars, practice hand-to-eye coordination. That means being able to spot a bird and immediately bring the binoculars up to your eyes without losing sight of the bird. With practice, you'll enjoy bird-watching more.
If you rush to the window whenever unusual birds show up, you'll only scare them away. Take your time and avoid sudden movements. Also, there's no hurry to identify them.
You can start to identify birds you're most familiar with if you know their family traits. After all, if you can identify woodpeckers easily by their look and habits, you can do the same with sparrows, jays, and others.
Once you recognize birds at your feeder, try to identify the songs. They're quite distinct. Since you don't always see wild birds, you'll know which ones are hiding nearby. Hearing a familiar song from your yard while you're, say, in the city is like running into an old friend.
It's always a good idea to keep a thorough reference book handy. Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America and The Sibley Guide to Birds are great choices. A quick guide is also available at www.scottswildbirdfood.com. Once you've learned about the birds at your feeder, try an organized bird-watching hike in your local county or state park. You could see something unusual while meeting people who share your interests.
