Many of us enjoy keeping track of the bird species we see in our yards. It's both satisfying and enlightening to keep a list from year to year to see how the mix of species changes with the seasons, and to note the arrival and departure dates of migrant visitors. For example, here in southeastern Ohio, home of Watching Backyard Birds, we know that cardinals and chickadees can start singing in late January. Dark-eyed juncos often make their first appearance about October 10, and leave about the 25th of April. Ruby-throated hummingbirds return in the spring about April 15—a tax-day bonus! Keeping your list can be as simple and low-tech as writing down the birds you see in a journal or on a printed checklist. Or, you can keep your list online using software, websites, and apps. No matter how you keep the list, it’s a fun way to keep track of the comings and goings of your backyard birds.
Dec 14, 2015 |
Featured Web Article
Do You Keep a List of Your Backyard Birds?
According to the lists we keep here in Marietta, Ohio, dark-eyed juncos often make their first appearance about October 10, and leave about the 25th of April.
About Bill Thompson, III
Bill Thompson III is the editor of Bird Watcher's Digest by day. He's also a keen birder, the author of many books, a dad, a field trip leader, an ecotourism consultant, a guitar player, and blogger.
What do you think? Tell us!
comments powered by DisqusNew On This Site
Watch for the Winter Warbler added on Feb 20, 2019
Are You Joining the Great Backyard Bird Count? added on Feb 13, 2019
The Hopeful Season added on Feb 6, 2019
Red Bllied woodpecker added in the gallery by Lynne Thomas on Dec 11, 2018
Rube-throated Male Hummingbird at feeder. added in the gallery by Sharon Stangle on Oct 5, 2018
Ruby-troated Male Hummingbird added in the gallery by Sharon Stangle on Oct 5, 2018
The Latest Comments