BIRD WATCHING: THE STUDY AND OBERVATION OF BIRDS

When peoples observe birds and also study them it is known as bird watching or birding and the former term is most used in the United Kingdom as well as in Ireland while birding is an American term and mostly, bird watching is a pursuit that birdwatchers or birders undertake for recreational or social reasons.

The more formal pursuit of bird watching is known as ornithology that is a formal as well as scientific study of birds though ornithologists may often use the same methods of watching birds as do the amateur birders. In temperate weather zones, the most active time of the year for bird watching would be during spring as well as fall when there is bird migration and a large number of birds will be seen. Such birds usually travel North or South in winter to nest in those regions.

Early in the morning is perhaps the best time for birdwatching since at these times, birds may be actively searching for food and would be a better subjects for observing and studying. One may also require detailed knowledge of the appearance, sounds, behavior as well as the likely habitat of the birds to get success in their search for birds and their habits. One may also require being stealthy as well as patient to achieve the best results. Bird watching is a quiet as well as relaxing pursuit and for those who are rarity-seekers it may entail long distance traveling in order to find new species.

Another form of bird watching is sea-watching where observers are based at coastal watch-points in order to watch birds flying over the sea. Also, bird watchers may also take part in censuses of bird population and associated migratory patterns that are often specific to individual species.

PURPLE MARTIN BIRDHOUSES _ CHOOSING THE RIGHT ONE

Purple Martin's are known as a gardeners best friend and will eat a wide variety of flying insects before they destroy your plants. The vast majority of Purple Martin's live in birdhouses rather than natural nests, this makes them easier than most bird species to attract to your birdhouse however they do have specific needs which you need to be considered.

Your birdhouse should be painted white, because Purple Martin’s are attracted to this color, with an entrance hole around two inches in diameter. It is important that the entrance hole is located around a inch and a half from the floor of your birdhouses to allow easy access for the birds.

You will see some Purple Martin birdhouses that have a number of holes or consist of a collection of smaller units, these allow a number of Purple Martin birds to share the same birdhouse but nest separately. When purchasing your first house look for one with about four rooms and then consider buying larger birdhouses once your first one has become established. Purple Martins can grow quite large therefore you birdhouses should have at least seven inches of spaces inside to allow the birds to move around freely once inside.

When locating your birdhouse don’t place it near to tall trees or high vegetation. Purple Martins like open space and unusually seem to like to nest in areas where humans are present, ideally within fifty feet from your home.

Ideally your Purple Martin birdhouse should be mounted on a pole between thirteen to twenty feet high in an area clear of predators and in view of the house or a building. The main predators to a Purple Martin are squirrels, raccoons and snakes. Avoid attaching wires to your birdhouses that would allow them to climb in and consider using baffles on the pole to deter predators from climbing.

If your area has a large population of starlings, it maybe worth buying birdhouses with Starling proof entrances. Starlings will stop the Purple Martins nesting in your box and may even attack the birds.

Purple Martins tend to return to the same birdhouses year after year, so you may need to be patient and wait a while before your first ‘family’ nests there. However once they do you will have Purple Martins nesting there as long as your birdhouses are available for them to visit.

CHOOSING A BIRD FEEDER

There are a wide variety of bird feeders on the market from plastic tubes to elaborate birdhouses fit only for the royalty of the feathered kingdom. A visit to a good garden center will give you an idea of what's available and what will best fit your budget. Remember that some of the cheaper alternatives may be just as effective as expensive models.The important thing is that your feeder works properly and allows your featured friends access to your seeds.

You may even want to try building your own feeder or birdhouse. There are all types of plans available and, of course, you can design your own from scratch. If you plan on building something more elaborate than a simple plastic feeding tube, building materials become important. Wood is usually the best choice. It's easy to work with and maintain. More importantly, though, it doesn't radiate heat as much as metal and some plastics. This is an important consideration for two reasons. First, some fat-saturated bird foods like suet cakes will turn rancid very quickly if exposed to heat. Secondly, if you are building a birdhouse for nesting birds as part of your feeder, building from wood will minimize the heat build-up within the birdhouse. In even moderate sunshine, a metal birdhouse can quickly turn into a deathtrap for eggs and newly-hatched birds.

The choice of feeder depends to a great extent on the kind of food that you're going to be using. Suet cakes, for instance, which are blocks of fat and seed, can't flow through tubes and are best secured behind wire mesh. Though effective, suet blocks require regular cleaning and maintenance and this can deter some bird enthusiasts.

A better choice for many homeowners is loose seed. Birdseed comes in many varieties from mixed preparations of different seeds to specific seeds, like thistle, chosen to attract a particular species of bird. In general, though, many birding authorities recommend a seed mix which includes black oil sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds are a very good "all-round" birdseed due to its high nutritional and fat content. Unfortunately, sunflower seeds are also preferred by squirrels who will raid your feeder looking for sunflower seeds. A great advantage of loose birdseed is that it flows easily and is ideal, therefore, for low-maintenance tubes and feeders.

BIRDFEEDER AND EFFECTS ON THE BIRDS

The effects of bird feeder and bird houses on birds and wildlife should be understood. In other words, how do your free meals in bird feeders affect the birds? While the research performed is minimal, we understand that mocking birds, cardinals, tufted tit mice, and a few other species have been seen changes. Specifically, their northern range has expanded, possibly due to the availability of food and shelter via bird feeders and bird houses in backyards and outdoor sanctuaries. There is no evidence of bird feeders or birdhouses having a negative effect at all. It's difficult to stop once you start, especially with birds. Once you see a couple different species of birds enjoying your bird houses, you'll likely be hooked, and find yourself picking up a birding book to help recognize specific feathered friends.

ATTRACTING BIRDS TO THE BACKYARD

There are many things you can do to attract backyard birds into your yard for your viewing pleasure. Attracting a largest variety of wild birds to your backyard can be rewarding providing you follow a few basic guidelines. Where you live doesn't really matter, an apartment or single family dwelling, in the city, suburbs or country. Bird watching is one of the fastest growing outdoor recreation in the country.

The most effective way to attract a wide variety of birds to your yard is to put out separate feeders for each type of food and placing them around your backyard. Supplemental bird feeders and bird baths will draw large numbers of birds where you can see and appreciate them. You will want to consider different types of feeding stations such as a platform feeder for ground feeding birds, hanging feeders for perching birds and suet feeders for insect eating birds. It's healthier for the birds to get their food at a feeding station, rather than off the ground.

If birds pass through your yard, but don't seem to stay, it's most likely because your yard doesn't provide a varied, long-term food supply. All bird species have their own unique food requirements that will change as the seasons change. It's very important for you to learn the food habits of the birds you wish to attract. You can then plant the appropriate trees, shrubs, and flowers to provide the fruits, berries, seeds, acorns, and nectar.

Trying to transform your yard into a haven for birds can be very tricky so plan on making small changes by Identifying one or two areas to concentrate on for the first year. Many of the birds that visit your backyard feeders and baths may stay and nest in nearby trees. Most of them will not nest in boxes. You should consider their food and shelter requirements in your landscape plans.

When you are developing a water source for your garden, you will want to plan for the type of water feature that birds adapt to most quickly: a shallow, rough-bottomed pool of still water. Birds will shy away from water that is more than 2"-3" deep. The sound of loud, moving water is a great attraction to most birds and will draw them from longer periods. A drip or circulating pump can add just the right sound to attract wild birds.

A roof with sufficient slope and overhang offers some protection. Water for birds needs to be as close to a water source as possible, for purposes of refilling and cleaning. You will also want to empty and scrub the birdbath every 2-3 days in the summer, to prevent algae and bacteria from contaminating the water and to attract backyard birds.

PLANT LAYOUT FOR ATTRACTING BIRDS FOR BIRD WATCHING

The spacing between trees and scrubs, the preferred combination of open area and adjoining thick cover, and the degree of privacy and protection from the wind are all important factors when designing for birds. If possible, even open spaces should be well protected from wind and street noise to appeal to birds.

Increase the number and variety of plants attractive to birds in your landscape and you are guaranteed more birds will stay longer. Create a layered and multi tiered garden, increase the amount of edge between wooded areas and open areas, and provide a rich undergrowth.

Edges between habitats are prime opportunities to offer a dense and diverse assortment of bird-attracting plants. Where woods meet open lawn is a good spot for a mixed border of shrubs and small trees. This will increase bird species diversity in your yard.

Think in layers in the landscape to attract birds. Provide several layers for different kinds of birds by planting clusters of shade-loving small trees, shrubs, and ground covers under taller trees. Look at natural woodlands around you to get ideas for plant combination.

Many bird species appreciate edge habitat, such as hummingbirds, phoebes, titmice, and orioles. They utilize the open flying space of driveways, lawns, and other corridors, which allow them easy access to the lush plants along the borders. In all bird scape, a diversity of plants provides the greatest benefit. Berries and seeds will ripen at different times of the year, a range of nesting materials and nest sites will be available, and a greater variety of insects will be found on the plants.

Keep in mind that a natural woodland is generally free from human traffic, which can disturb the often shy birds of the forest. Let fallen leaves lie instead of raking them away. They will settle into a bed of mulch that adds richness to the soil as well as creating insect-rich areas for ground-foraging birds. Include about half evergreen and half deciduous plants in your woodland.

ATTRACTING BACKYARD BIRDS FOR BIRD WATCHING

Starting a small wildlife sanctuary in your backyard will reward you by attracting a variety of birds and butterflies for your enjoyment. Many will come, and some may actually stay to nest and rear their young in your backyard. You will want to create a yard or garden that will attract birds and butterflies and make them feel welcome.

If birds and butterflies pass through your yard, but never seem to stay, it's because your yard doesn't provide a varied, long-term food supply. Birds need to find food in your yard or garden 365 days of the year. Small birds eat almost constantly during daylight hours in the winter. Migratory songbirds need large amounts of food for varying amounts of time, often just a day or two.

Creating a garden that welcomes songbirds, hummingbirds, and butterflies is a somewhat simple task. It consists of supplying them with three basic requirements for survival: food, cover, and water. To birds and butterflies, the typical suburban landscape resembles an unfriendly wilderness. Close-cropped lawns, sheared foundation shrubs, and deadheaded flowers mean no place to nest, no food to eat, and nowhere to hide.

Fortunately, any landscape can become a haven for winged wildlife, and for the people who share it