The Truth About My Secret Obsession And Why You Should Be Too

I’ve got a secret. I’ve been obsessed with bird watching for years. I’ve always been fascinated by the different species and their habitats. There’s something about the way the colorful critters with the beautiful song while hiding in the trees that gets to me.

And I’m not the only one. According to an article in Condé Nast Traveller magazine, bird watching is “2017’s unlikeliest craze”. 

I live in the country surrounded by woods so birds have always been around. As my kids were growing up, we’d make and hang bird houses in the Spring for the birds to begin nesting. It’s fun to sneak out and peak inside to see the progress from the first eggs to when they hatch and finally watching those little ones take flight. 

An now that the kids have all flown the coop themselves, I have more time to spend watching these beautiful birds as they migrate and nest.

In the winter it’s always fun to watch the colorful assortment of birds that flock to my three feeders. It brightens up what often is a very dreary time.

In late March I get out several of my hummingbird feeders in expectation of the beautiful little creatures to come buzz around them. If more than two are at the feeder at one time, you’re sure to see some bullying going on.  And don’t be near the feeder or you’ll get buzzed as well 🙂 !

Reasons to be a Bird Watcher

There are many reasons why you should be bird watching. Here are my favorites:

Inexpensive

Bird watching can be done in your own backyard with very little equipment or investment. Of course, you can spend a fortune if you want. I have a pair of old binoculars I normally use. Lately, I’ve been looking to upgrade to a more powerful pair. Here and here are a couple I’ve been researching. I like the idea of the built in digital camera as am a photography buff .

Feels Good

If you do it in your backyard, you’ll feel good providing food for them in the winter when the ground is frozen and snow covered. Bird seed comes in a variety of formulas including the simple sunflower seed to mixed nuts and fruits. You’ll want to try a variety of them until you find the one that brings in the species of birds.

Build Relationships

You can meet new people. Bird festivals are a good way to meet other bird watchers while learning more about birds. Festivals and birding events can be found around the country. I know here in my area there are several Eagle days events in the winter that gives me a chance to observe these majestic birds in action. Bird events often include experts who talk about the bird species, bird walks and other educational activities. Look online for festivals you want to attend. One place to start your search is the National Wildlife Refuge site.

Outdoor Adventure

 You can do it while traveling. Bird watching is a great way to add to your outdoor adventure when you travel. It slows down the pace and lets you really take in nature around you. You’ll want to bring along your birding supplies like binoculars or monoculars and a good birding book that targets the area you are in and a jouranl to keep track of which ones you see.

Here’s why I’m obsessed with bird watching. . .

Birds can be found everywhere. I don’t have to go to a special place to do it, it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or time and the friendships I’ve made along the way are priceless.

have you taken a look at the birds in your area yet? Have you caught the bird watching bug too? I’d love to connect with you and talk bird with you. Join me on my Facebook page or become a member of my Healthy Empty Nest Group on Facebook where we get together to share tips and concerns on living in this new stage of life.

Hugs 🙂

Carol