Bird Watching from the Window.

This winter has been an especially cold one. With all the freezing temperatures, I'm surprised at how many birds we've seen flying around our yard. And now that the temperatures have warmed up, our bird feeders are full of wonderful birds!!

With all the bird watching going on from our kitchen, the kids and I have learned to identify some of the "easy" birds (those are common and familiar). Not only that, but we've learned a great deal about other birds that we weren't familiar with. It's been great fun!!

On our list of materials are a pair of binoculars and our Stokes Beginner's Guide to Birds Eastern Region. I recommend this book for beginning bird watchers, especially kids. It's simple enough to use and is organized by color of bird. It's also very handy and can be packed into a bag for birdwatching on the go!

We are expecting The Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible soon. I figure we can move into more complex books now that we are becoming familiar with birdwatching.

Check out some of the birds we've seen around our yard!

Red Bellied Woodpecker (my favorite!)
Tufted Titmouse
Northern Cardinal
House Finch
Carolina Wren
American Robin
Eastern Bluebird
Blue Jay
House Sparrow
Carolina Chickadee
Red-Shouldered Hawk

Perhaps next on my list of supplies to buy is a higher powered lens for my camera. I've had very bad luck in taking pictures!! But I suppose these will do for now!

A Red Bellied Woodpecker

A Northern Cardinal feasting while the woodpecker perches on the rail and waits for his turn.



And here is my little guy smiling through it all!!! I knew you all wanted to see this picture!