Backyard Birding

One good reason for backyard birding is that birds are pretty and it is fascinating to see the variety of sizes and shapes they come in. They do interesting things and make cheerful sounds. In a world that sometimes can be dreary, birds are a delight.

Another good reason, is that birds around our homes are in fact a part of nature. Birds are free to roam wherever they wish and to do what is natural for them. Among the birds we see in our own backyard show us how they deal with seasonal changes, how they raise their families, how they interact with one another and their environment, how they handle humankind's disruptions and how their appearances and behaviors reflect the general laws of nature.

Birds are much more complex than insects and other arthropods and there are many more different kinds of birds to enjoy.

Last but not least there are wonderful field guides who can help us identify whatever we see and innumerable books and other sources informing us about every species.



Hummingbirds

To attract hummers to your yard try these tips:

Install a feeder that is easy to clean. Feeders with the color red on them work best.

Fill the feeder with a solution of one part sugar and four parts water (boiled and then cooled). There is no need to purchase the colored mix. The red on the feeder will attract them. Don't use brown sugar, honey, or artificial sweeteners.

Most local nurseries can guide you as to what plants, shrubs and trees appeal to hummingbirds.

Avoid insecticides to control insects and spiders. A hummingbird's diet includes small invertebrates as well as nectar.

If possible, install a mister. This device sprays a fine water mist that is irresistible to hummers since most don't bathe like other birds. They will fly through the mist before resting and preening.

Here are a few interesting facts about Hummingbirds:

They are found only in the Western Hemisphere with most species in Central and South America.

While California has quite a few species, Southeast Arizona tops the list of "hummer friendly" areas with 14 species possible.

While some hummers are fairly large, most weigh less than a penny.

The only hummingbird found east of the Rockies is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Most of these winter in Central and South America and migrate there by flying non-stop from Texas across the Gulf of Mexico.