Back yard birding - easier than you think.

Birds I saw today in my backyard.

I photographed all these birds today that were in my backyard.  The only exception was the junco as the photo was out of focus, so I used one from an earlier shoot.  It was taken from my yard, however.

I have had backyard bird houses and feeders for well over 25 years.  I get quite a collection of birds, today I saw no less than 7 species within an hour.  Recently, I have also seen house finches.  I have 4 feeders with a squirrel baffle that prevents rodents from absconding with the seeds.  There is also a suet feeder.  Seeds that fall on the ground are consumed by some birds (quail, doves, sparrows) while those in the feeders are feasted upon by others (gold finches, house finches, house sparrows).  It's just a matter of putting them up and filling them.

I use three different types of seed.  Sunflower seeds are a favourite of many birds, including chickadees and grosbeaks (both of which have visited recently, but not today).  The second is a general mix of millet and other small seeds.  These are preferred by others and, if the sunflower seeds are not available, will be taken by the rest of them.  These tend to fall on the ground where the bottom-dwellers find them.  The third is Nyger, a seed similar to dandelion and thistle seeds.  This is preferred by goldfinches.

There are problems with rats and squirrels.  The baffles keep them at bay, but they find their way to the loose seeds on the ground.  I trap the rats and mice as they wreak havoc with my garden.  Last year the vermin took all my strawberries and did a number on my cantaloupe.

Keeping bird feeders is easy.  The fun part is watching the birds come along and partake of the offerings.  I have had over thirty species of birds come into my yard.  Birds that have used my nest boxes include tree swallows, black-capped chickadees, and house sparrows.  

I built the bird houses myself.  There are lots of plans you can find online and it makes a great project for children.  Keep a pair of binoculars near the window when watching the birds.  They are fascinating and beautiful.  I guarantee you will be thrilled.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com

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