Identifying Birds
Two tools every beginning bird watcher should have are a field guide, such as this one, and a pair of binoculars. Binoculars can help you see birds with much more detail without the need to sneak up on it. A good set of binoculars can be very expensive. If you decide to invest in a pair of binoculars, take the time to ask fellow birders and outdoors enthusiasts for their advice. You can also visit a store that carries birdwatching equipment to decide which set of optics are right for you and your budget.
Identifying birds, especially songbirds, can seem overwhelming to the beginner. Here are some helpful hints to make the task easy and fun: Notice the general size of the bird. Is it tiny like a Carolina chickadee, or is it a larger bird, closer to the size of a blue jay? Trying to look at small details can seem complex at first, so start with the general size and shape of the bird. Identify the main colors on the bird. Is the bird all red or all blue? Does it have different colors on its body?
The bill’s shape and size can help you determine the bird’s family. Most sparrows have thick, conical bills for cracking seeds, while the bills of warbler species – primarily insect-eaters – will be much thinner and smaller. Tail length and shape can also be key features to look for in some species. With some practice, you will begin to learn which species are related and what characteristics they share.
You will soon be able to look at a bird and determine if it is a sparrow, a warbler or a thrush and you will be well on your way!
Planting Natives
Attracting birds to your yard is easier than you may think. First and foremost, birds need good habitat that provides food, water and cover from predators and safe nesting areas. A great way to attract birds is to plant native species that offer natural food sources such as fruits, seeds and nectar-rich flowers. Native plants do well in Arkansas’ soils and climate, so they require little watering, fertilizing or pest control. They also provide excellent habitat for a variety of other native wildlife species, including butterflies, frogs and lizards.
Feeding Birds
In addition to providing natural food and cover with native plants, many people enjoy feeding birds. Many bird species will visit birdfeeders, particularly in the winter when insects and other food sources are scarce. Feeding birds is a wonderful way to create bird-watching opportunities in your own back yard, but there are risks associated with the practice. Birds may collide with windows, contract diseases from the feeder, or be killed by housecats. By placing feeders carefully, maintaining them and keeping your cats indoors, you can reduce these risks and enjoy this popular activity.
Types of Feeders and Seed
Many types of feeders and seeds are available at just about any outdoors store or pet store. Here is a short list of the many types of feeders available.
Sunflower-seed tubes – Tube feeders are extremely easy to use. Just open the top and fill them with black-oil sunflower seed or any other prepared birdseed. Black-oil sunflower seed is often considered the best choice for common backyard birds. This energy-rich seed has a thin shell that is easily cracked. Common visitors to tube feeders include titmice, chickadees, nuthatches and goldfinches.
Suet feeders – Suet is a high-energy food made with animal fats and other ingredients. The suet is placed in a special wire cage where the birds can reach it with their bills, but other animals cannot get to it. Suet is best put out in cooler weather, as it can turn rancid in temperatures above 70 degrees. It attracts titmice, woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches and even warblers.
Thistle feeders – Thistle feeders are designed especially for this type of seed, and are very popular with smaller beaked finches such as American Goldfinches. Although thistle is more expensive than other types of birdseed, squirrels will often ignore it.
Hopper feeder – Hopper feeders are usually more compact than tube feeders and can hold many types of seeds. They have extended feeding shelves, so many birds can use them at the same time. Hummingbird feeder –
Hummingbird feeders are great for the spring, summer and fall. Hummingbirds require enormous amounts of energy for their size, and once they find your feeder, they will be frequent guests. The feeder is filled with a sugar solution to substitute for the nectar these birds normally eat. The solution can be made with one part sugar to four parts water. You can add red food coloring for a more cheerful feeder, but it is not necessary. Be sure to wash this type of feeder every few days with hot water to prevent mold.
Feeder Location
When placing your feeders, consider the possible dangers to the birds such as predation by cats or collisions with windows. To reduce the possibility of birds colliding with windows, place them either far away from your home or within three feet. Evergreen shrubs and other natural cover nearby can give visiting birds a perch as well as escape cover.
Feeder Maintenance
Many diseases, such as salmonella and avian pox, can be transmitted at feeders. Bird feeders should be cleaned at least once a month with either liquid detergent or a 9-to-1 water-bleach solution. Rinse and dry feeders thoroughly before refilling them. Cleaning up the seed husks beneath the feeders can also cut down on disease and pests. If left unchecked, the husks can become a haven for mold and parasites.