Bird-watching is a growing hobby in the US. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, more than forty-eight million people are taking up the hobby. It’s a fairly inexpensive recreation and increases your understanding and appreciation of the environment and the wildlife in your area. Start your bird-watching hobby by making your backyard bird friendly.
Avoid using pesticides and insecticides; keep dead trees and piles of wood- these are hiding places for bids and wildlife in the winter; and of course, utilizing bird feeders, birdbaths and nesting boxes encourage the avian population. The best times of the year for bird-watching are during the migration seasons: mid-April to the end of May and late August to early October. And the best time of day to see the birds is early morning between 6:30 and 10. By mid-morning, birds are settling down for the day. Binoculars and a good bird guide will help identify species in your area.