Wherever you go – your own backyard or another locale – make sure to follow these basic tips for bird watching:

• Try to observe the birds so they don’t know you are there
• Move slowly
• Make as little noise as possible
• Keep your distance
• Refrain from getting too close to a nest (This may cause the parents to abandon their nest, leaving the eggs vulnerable to predators)
• Do not touch eggs or young birds
• Avoid trampling fragile natural areas just to get a closer look
• Stay on paths and trails
• Don’t litter

As you begin to recognize birds by sight and by their songs, you will discover that your own backyard will start to come alive. You’ll be amazed at how many birds are all around you, and how much you were missing before you started birding.

Whether you live in the country or the city, you’ll find birds nearby… oblivious to us taking time out of our busy big lives to enjoy them going about their busy little lives!