Dec 28, 2015 | Featured Web Article

Keep Your Optics and Guide Handy

You never know what you'll see at your window! Always keep a field guide and a pair of binoculars handy.
Share:

Clever backyard bird watchers know that keeping their binoculars and a field guide handy to where they do most of their feeder watching is a smart idea. The last thing you want to do when a rare bird shows up is to scramble to find your binoculars. Instead, keep them on the windowsill, on a nearby table, or hanging from a hook on an adjacent wall. If you have more than one pair of binoculars, consider dedicating one to your feeding station window or favorite bird-watching spot. Then, when that rare visitor from far away shows up at your feeders, you'll be prepared to observe it immediately, without having to waste time hunting for your optics.

About Bill Thompson, III

Bill Thompson, III, was the team captain for Watching Backyard Birds from its inception 23 years ago through his death on March 25, 2019. So much of what he wrote is timeless and remains informative, helpful, and inspiring.

What do you think? Tell us!

comments powered by Disqus

New On This Site

The Latest Comments

  • Re: HOME IMPROVEMENT: Simple Steps to Make Your Backyard Habitat a More Welcoming Place for Feathered Friends
    Thank you for sharing some things to take into consideration when it comes to backyard renovation, this is very timely as I'm planning to turn a portion of my backyard into some sort of patio while maintaining a nice open lawn area as well. I saw some outdoor furniture and outdoor decor on this website and after reading this article, I checked them out again and I found more stuff that I would love to buy for my new patio.
    by Eleonor Baker, Thu, 15 Apr 2021
  • Re: These Holiday Gift Ideas Are for the Backyard Birds
    Something is wrong with the Goldfinches in April 2021. I had to stop putting seed in our feeder because the birds seem to have a hard time flying. That attracts our cats, and I do not want to feed the cats. I have actually picked up two birds that seemed to be struggling to fly and tossed one into the air and another on a large pile of leaves. They took off, but they are very lethargic.
    by Beasleyhillman, Sat, 03 Apr 2021
  • Re: Jays: At the Table and in the Trees » Watching Backyard Birds.com
    How does one attract Calif Scrub Jays?? Due to neighbors outdoor cats most of birds are gone except a fee hummingbirds.
    by Dee Opde, Sun, 21 Mar 2021
  • Re: How Much Seed in a Pound of Seed? » Watching Backyard Birds.com
    You are talking about "black oil sunflower seeds" but showing regular striped sunflower seeds. There is a BIG difference! There is MUCH less waste with the black oil seeds. Plus they are easier for small birds to eat. They are both shown here: https://www.horsefeedblog.c...
    by Carolyn King, Sat, 20 Mar 2021
  • Re: These Holiday Gift Ideas Are for the Backyard Birds
    How long do other seeds stay fresk? Sunflower seeds? Millet? Safflower?
    by Sue, Sat, 06 Feb 2021