If you want to bird watch, you have to give the birds a reason to come by.
Different Types of Bird Feeders
Few things in life are as enjoyable as bird feeding. There are a few things you should remember, however, when you set about getting a bird feeder and using it in your garden or deck.
Make sure that you keep the bird feeder filled. Once the birds get used to coming to the feeder, they will expect a meal. It is cruel to put the seeds in the bird feeder, attract the birds and then not give them anything to eat. Imagine if you went food shopping and found the store empty. If you commit to having a bird feeder, commit to keeping it filled with seed.
Be aware of the different types of Tube Bird Feeders. We mentioned hummingbird feeders earlier. There are also different types of bird feeders for smaller birds as well as larger birds. They usually hang or can be placed on a hook outdoors. Make sure that the feeder is easily accessible to birds.
Avoid putting the bird feeder by anything dangerous. For example, do not put the bird feeder in a place where there are toxic fumes such as those coming from an air conditioning unit. Also, do not put it in your eaves as the birds may be tempted to nest there as well.
Make sure that he bird feeder is far off the ground. Remember that you want to feed the birds. While you can scatter seeds on the ground, you can expect other animals to pick up the seeds in addition to the birds. If you want to feed the birds, put the feeder up in a safe place where a bird can easily access the feeder and preferably one where a cat will not have access. Cats will prey on birds and you do not want to use your bird feeder as a way to lure these gentle creatures to their death.
You can find many different types of Bird Feeders in just about every store, even the grocery store. You can also find seeds. Some of the bird feeders are decorative and some are just plain. While some hold a significant amount of seed, others hold only a little. Most people who feed the birds have several different types of bird feeders throughout the yard that feed a variety of birds.
Whether you choose a simple plastic bird feeder that can hang on the edge of your balcony or an elaborate feeder that includes a house where birds can nest for your outdoor design, you can do your bit by taking care of the creatures of the earth by making sure that they have food. Do not discontinue feeding the birds during the winter months, either, as not all migrate south.
Bird Feeders for Sale
Books on Birds
Different guides to the different types of birds.
The Audubon Backyard Birdwatcher: Birdfeeders and Bird Gardens
Discover how to create a backyard bird sanctuary with the expert guidance of the National Audubon Society. Your backyard will come alive by applying these feeding and gardening techniques. Includes a photographic guide to the birds of North America, as well as the trees and plants that attract them. The ultimate resource for anyone interested in creating a bird-friendly habitat.
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 12/24/2009) 
National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Fifth Edition
Birding is the fastest growing wildlife-related activity in the U.S., and even conservative estimates put the current number of U.S. birders at 50 million. According to the New York Times, some authorities predict that by 2050 there will be more than 100 million-and the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America will be the essential reference for field identification and the cornerstone of any birder's library. This is the ultimate, indispensable bird field guide-comprehensive, authoritative, portable, sturdy, and easier than ever to use.
Amazon Price: $16.32 (as of 12/24/2009)
A Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern and Central North America
Roger Tory Peterson had already made his mark with his innovative field guide when he conducted DDT research during World War II. His friend and fellow naturalist Rachel Carson built on these efforts and eventually wrote Silent Spring, a landmark text that, along with Peterson's field guide, jump-started the modern environmental movement. By combining the tireless observation of a scientist with the imaginative skills of an artist and writer, Peterson created a field guide that Robert Bateman, in his foreword to the fifth edition, says was the doorway for millions of people into the wonderland of natural history. The Peterson Identification System has been used in the more than fifty books that make up the Peterson Field Guide series. Peterson's magnum opus, now in its fifth edition, created the trail for countless field guides to follow. They are still following year by year, but his is the standard by which all other field guides are judged. On the morning of July 28, 1996, Roger Peterson was painting his final bird plate. He died peacefully in his sleep later that day. It is fitting that his final worka culmination of more than sixty years of observing, painting, and writingshould be this one, a revision of the guide that started his legacy.
Amazon Price: $12.97 (as of 12/24/2009)
Birds of North America, Revised and Updated: A Guide To Field Identification (Golden Field Guide from St. Martin's Press)
Spot the silhouette of a Northern Goshawk in flight. Identify the raucous call of the Red-winged Blackbird. Discover the secret of picking out a Chipping Sparrow from its look-alike cousins. It's simple with this classic field guide, a treasured favorite among amateur bird lovers and exacting professionals. Recognized as the authority on bird identification, this invaluable resource provides:-All of North America in one volume-Over 800 species and 600 range maps-Arthur Singer's famous illustrations featuring male, female, and juvenile plumage-Sonograms that picture sound for easy song recognition-Migration routes, feeding habits, and characteristic flight patterns-American ornithologists' classifications-Convenient check boxes to record birds you have identified -Color tabs for quick references
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 12/24/2009)
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds, Western Region
Introduced in 1977 and completely revised in 1994, these bestselling photographic field guides have become the birding bibles of more than four million enthusiasts. Virtually every bird found in North America is brought to life in a full-color photograph and with textual information on the bird's voice, nesting habits, habitat, range, and interesting behaviors. Accompanying range maps; overhead flight silhouettes; sections on bird-watching, accidental species, and endangered birds make these the most comprehensive field guides to birds available.
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/24/2009)
Bird Lover's Blurbs
Just leave me some of your bird watching, or bird feeding stories.
