Bird watching is a fantastic hobby.
It, in many ways, is similar to hunting, only in this instance, you do your shooting with a pair of binoculars, perhaps even a camera, a bird identification book, a notebook, and a pencil.
You can do your bird watching from the comfort of your own home by using a bird feeder to lure the birds closer or you can go out into the woods, fields, or aquatic locations and look for them.
Perhaps a combination of all three works the best. This is a hobby and should be enjoyable, so whatever you choose to do is “right” for you.
Putting up a bird feeder is a good way to start. You will want to give careful thought to the kind of bird feeder that you put up.
You don’t want to put up something that will be accessible to the neighbor’s cat, do you? After all, you want to watch these birds, not lure them to their deaths.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Find out if there are any other known birdbrains in your town or neighborhood and get acquainted.
If someone in your area is well known to be a bird watcher and others know about this person, chances are that this person would welcome a call from someone who is sincerely interested in pursuing this new hobby and wants to do it the right way.
You could also scout out any local bird watching groups or events. Conducting a thorough search in the community newspaper or library may lead you to like-minded enthusiasts.
Once you have decided what is the proper way to proceed with acquiring a bird feeder, you will want to check them out.
You can also purchase the one that you want, along with a supply of birdseed that is right for the birds in your area and is the amount that you are willing and able to store and use as you go along.
You will now want to decide where to install your bird feeder. You will want to put it in a place where it will not be disturbed by the house traffic, that is, the comings and goings of people in and out of your home on a day to day business.
You will also want to install it in a place that will be easily accessed by the person or persons who will be in charge of keeping the feeder filled with food.
Now, with your bird identification book and your notebook and pencil handy, get ready to sit back and enjoy.
You may have your binoculars and camera already acquired as a part of your equipment for this new hobby or you may decide to wait to add to your stock as you go along and can afford it.
It won’t take the birds long to discover this new supply of goodies. Get ready for a real treat as you learn more about our feathered friends and find that your life is more and more “for the birds”.
