Backyard birding is a little different than the birding described in the article entitled, Birding Grows by the Millions Every Year. Backyard birding doesn't require one to leave home to view birds. One can simply sit outside or by a window with a pair of binoculars, a good feeder, and good seed to watch all sorts of species gather around the smorgasbord in the backyard.

The more we become familiar with the birds that visit us, the more interested we become in providing proper nutrition and proper husbandry for our most valued little guests.

Backyard birders love to see those little birdies at our feeder - we feel closer to nature (where we belong) and it is calming and exciting at the same time. If we each act responsibly by providing high quality seed/feed (this is very important) and practice good husbandry, backyard birding can be an asset more than a detriment to wild birds.

Not cleaning your feeders or birdhouses regularly or using seed that is not nutritionally appropriate is detrimental to wild birds and other wildlife. You will still get birds to your feeder but you also increase the chance of disease and death. It is easy to go out and buy a 40-pound bag of cheap seed, however, you get what you pay for. Most of those warehouse brands do not have the proper nutrients needed to keep a bird's immune system strong and healthy. I encourage you to take the time to do some homework - research the seed you buy. Let us not just feed the birds, let us keep them healthy!

Birding and Backyard Birding is not only a fun and rewarding hobby, it is a catalyst to educating the public on the much-needed conservation for many bird species and extends appreciation to other wildlife.

Enjoy!