This is a hobby enjoyed by millions of Americans across the country. People of all ages spend their time looking for and enjoying the sights and sounds of birds. There are about 654 bird species in United States, and over 10,000 species worldwide. Each of these birds has its own plumage and special calls, so there is lots of variety to hear and see.
Some people keep life lists. Many books, such as the Peterson Field guides, contain printed checklists that you can use as your life list. The Cornell University Lab of Ornithology has an online life list tool that is easy to use.
Some serious birders will travel all around the world to see and hear different birds in order to complete their life list. In fact, there is a comedic movie called The Big Year which stars Jack Black, Owen Wilson, and Steve Martin which is all about birders trying to complete their US life list in a single year.
There are far more people who are birders, yet venture no farther than their own backyards. These people put up bird houses and bird feeders to attract native birds onto their properties or gardens. They consider themselves caretakers of birds, and enjoy the beautiful songs and lovely sights that the birds provide. There are numerous magazines about how to best attract backyard birds.
You can spend as little or as much as you want on being a birder. You can start out simply by going outside and noticing the birds that you see and hear. You can search online or buy a bird book for less than $20 to help you identify birds by how they look and how they sound.
Since birds are small and often far away, you may want to invest in a good pair of binoculars. Since birds are often moving, and often hiding under tree leaves, it helps if you learn to identify them by their songs and by their silhouettes. Again, a good book or the Cornell website can help you learn these things.
You might also want to get a birdhouse or bird feeder to attract birds to your locale. It is important that you pick a birdhouse that is suitable for birds, and not just a decoration. Once you start noticing the variety of birds in your neighborhood, their songs, and their habits I think that you will be easily hooked.
Bring birds close when you put up birdhouses that you buy at All American Bird Boutique.
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