We feed and care for wild birds for several reasons. It could be as simple as giving something back to nature. You may enjoy the sights and sounds of birds or discovered that backyard birding is good for your health by relaxing you and lowering blood pressure. If you are like me, backyard birding is a passion. Yes, I love birds. I enjoy the sights and sounds. They bring my yard to life. Birds are entertaining, educational, and good for the environments surrounding us.

I've been feeding and caring for backyard birds for more then 40 years. I've learned a few things along the way and write about and share backyard birding tips. Here are some easy and practical tips to assist you in enjoying your birds more.

If I could have but one feeder, I would choose a well built Hopper feeder. A feeder that is practical and functional. It must be easy to clean and fill with plenty of drainage holes. My feeder must be large enough to encourage and attract the birds I want. Hoppers allow a greater variety of birds to feed.

My one choice of food would be black oil sunflower seed. Oilers are preferred by the largest variety of birds (even some nuisance birds). Oilers have an oil content up to 49% making them a high source of protein and energy for my feathered friends. A HUGE BONUS about sunflower seeds............... European starlings can't crack and eat them. That's correct, starlings don't have the ability to crack a sunflower seed and leave my feeder alone.

To prevent seeds from growing everywhere and to minimize the ever present chipmunk surprise from popping up here and there I will microwave my birdseed about a minute per pound. Steam cooked so the value remains. Another option is to place window screening under my feeders to minimize the mess. I can pick it up and shake it off at my leisure with no shell pile or germinating seeds.

Clean fresh water is a must and will attract birds faster then setting the table for them. Water sources can be a pond, bird creek, drippers, misters and of course the birdbath. Baths should be no deeper then 2" and have a course surface to assist in sure footing. Shiny glazes are slippery and all to often, an unsuspecting fledgling will slip and drown.

All of those fancy designs on the bottom of some birdbaths are magnets for dirt and algae. Yes, all the crud finds its way to the cracks and in between stones etc. Now your job becomes a bit more difficult to keep it clean and all to often we will ignore the through scrub down.

Water and food sources need to be in the open without under growth yet within 10 to 15 feet of protection.

What is backyard birding without protection and habitat? I could have the best food and best water sources however, without protection and habitats few birds will show and my kind deeds will be ignored.

By planting for birds and wildlife I encourage avian life into my world. Birds now hang around and nest in my habitats. My little world is filled with color and music everyday of the year I relax more. I am entertained and educated at the same time. Life is good!