Birdwatching: An Easy Hobby for Fall
Fall migration brings visitors to the backyard. All you need is a window, a feeder and a little curiosity.
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Every fall, billions of birds head south for the winter, and a good number of them stop by our backyards along the way. It’s one of the great shows of the year, and you can enjoy it from a porch, a park bench or your favorite chair by the window.
Birdwatching is a wonderful hobby at any age. It’s free or close to it, it gets you outdoors as much or as little as you like, and there’s always something new to see. It also gives you something to talk about with the grandkids, who tend to love it.
1. Bring the birds to you
The easiest start is a feeder you can see from where you like to sit.
- A tube feeder with black-oil sunflower seed attracts a nice variety, from chickadees to cardinals.
- Hang it where you can see it easily, and where cats can’t hide close by.
- Clean it every couple of weeks and refill it about once a week.
- A shallow birdbath brings in visitors too, even birds that don’t eat seed.
2. Keep track of who comes to visit
Part of the fun is getting to know the regulars.
- Keep a notebook and pencil by the window. Jot down what you see and when.
- A simple field guide for your region helps a lot. Large-print versions are available.
- If you have a smartphone, the free Merlin Bird ID app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology can help identify a bird from a photo, from a few questions, or even from its song.
You’ll be surprised how quickly you start to recognize familiar faces, and how exciting it is when a new one shows up.
3. Join a bird walk
When you’re ready to venture out, look for a group walk.
- Many local Audubon chapters, nature centers and state parks offer free walks for beginners.
- They usually go slowly, stop often, and stick to level paths. Ask ahead if you need an easy route.
- Bring binoculars if you have them. Someone almost always has a spare pair to lend.
It’s also a lovely way to meet people who share an interest, which is half the point of a good hobby.
Try this today
- Sit by a window for 15 minutes this week with a cup of coffee.
- Write down every bird you see, even if you don’t know its name yet.
- Look up one new bird and tell someone about it.
Share it with the family
Birds make great conversation with grandkids near and far. Send them a photo of a new visitor, or ask them to keep a list in their own backyard and compare notes on your weekly call. Some families keep a running count all season and crown a winner at Thanksgiving.
Comfort tips for outings
Dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and a small folding stool if you like to sit. Binoculars with a neck strap are easier to manage than you’d think. And early mornings tend to be the busiest time for birds, though mid-morning is perfectly fine for people.
What’s the best bird you’ve spotted lately? Tell me in the comments.