Bird watching is the fastest growing hobby in the country. This is, probably, because it is the most economical pastime around. You can start in your own backyard for a minimal amount of expense. For backyard bird watching, instead of looking for a lone bird, you can start out by attracting multiple species. It’s all in the food and water that you lay out.
The main staple for birds is water and food. By providing these necessities in your yard you are sure to have a swarm of guests. To provide water you will need a birdbath or a water fountain. You should place the birdbath in an open space so you can engage in your new activity with an unobstructed view. To bring hummingbirds to your site, a little sugar in the water will do the trick. If you live in an area with harsh winters, you will be rewarded for a heated birdbath with excited chirping.
As for food, birds love eating seeds from numerous types of fruit and flowers. Numerous plant species planted in your yard is a wonderful way to entice numerous bird species. But a well-stocked birdfeeder will, definitely, bring the wild birds to your yard instead of that of your neighbors. Various books and articles online will help you decide what kind of seeds and food will give you the best results. Another point to keep in mind is the placement of the birdfeeders. They should be placed at a height away from walls, bushes or hedges to keep the dining place away from the reach of predators. This will give the dining birds a clear view of the surroundings and the opportunity to fly away in the case of approaching danger.
Whatever you decide to install you need to remember to clean them regularly to remove bird droppings and moldy seeds before replenishing them with a fresh supply. A clean environment will entice the birds to keep coming back and leaving healthy and refreshed. Finding innovative methods to keep squirrels out of the bird food will also make the birds want to come back.
By following some of these ideas you will insure that the birds will keep coming back and that you have a reoccurring show anytime you want. Bird watching will not only be an economical recreation. It will become an interesting and rewarding show.