Birdwatching, to me, comes automatically as a naturalist.

I live just off of a small lake that is filled with different birds at different times of the year (we live on a migration path). There are even families that we have become somewhat familiar with and some new chicks have arrived! Birdwatching is a side benefit of being a gardener!

The birdwatching backyard phenomenon has become growing in popularity with a new breed of hobbyists.  It has some very real advantages as well as some shortcomings .  It allows for the opportunity to relax in ones own backyard without the drudgery of tramping through forests and swamps in search of  your avian objective .  If there are irritating bugs or other less than desirable company , relief is just a few steps away back into the house .

It usually takes a bit of skill and luck at times to find the rarer birds but happily is something anyone can do.  By enticing different birds into your yard it becomes fairly easy to observe and record sightings .

For the enthusiasts the first thing is creating a habitat attractive to your favorite different varieties .  But remember that birds are  natural prey just about all cats.  It does absolutely no good to deliberately attract birds only to have the cats attack them.  Carefully situate your birdbaths or feeders to prevent a sneak attack.

A birdwatching backyard can be initiated by planting an array of shrubs, trees, flowers and greenery . They will offer food, resting spots and shelter for the birds you want to watch .  Depending on what the birds you want to see like best, your choice of trees and flowers will differ . Check out a bird book or the Internet for information on the birds in your region. Remember to allow for food for birds in the winter as well.  Some of the best backyard birdwatching experiences might be during the winter.

You should also know that some types of plants can be poisonous to humans, make sure and   check with the nursery expert when picking out various plants and flowers for your backyard.

The next step in the birdwatching process is to have suitable feeders.  Like the trees and shrubs that will attract them, different backyard birdfeeders are chosen by  different birds .  Again, some time spent in research is a good idea .

Once the shelter and food sources are in place, different birds will come in to nest.  If you provide a proper bird house, nesting birds will soon make their homes and might continue to return year after year .

A birdwatching hobby is one that can continue to grow all you life and is not restricted by age.  Creating a haven for birds in your backyard is well worth the time and planning .