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Birds Provide a Lifetime of Fascination
Birds have always fascinated us humans. Whether it is the freedom of flying, the color of eye-catching feathers, or the lovely melodies of bird songs. They delight us with calls, songs and dawn choruses. There are many kinds of birds. Birds of prey feed on a wide variety of animals. Songbirds eat insects, berries and seeds. And shorebirds eat fish and ride the waves. About 700 species of birds live in North America, north of Mexico. About forty to fifty species are common at feeders and in backyards throughout the United States. Birds live in seven types of habitats in North America. They include:
We can attract birds to our backyards and gardens by providing what they need to survive. They can live out their life cycles in or near our yards and gardens. The life cycle of birds consists of egg, nestling and adult. We can enjoy feeding them, providing nesting sites, plants and other things they need to survive. Many species migrate to warmer climates when weather becomes too harsh and cold up north. They use flyways on their trips south. But, many winter birds stick out the cold. There even a few birds which hibernate. We can participate in the scientific studies of birds by taking part in Christmas Bird Counts, banding, birdhouse projects and feeder watching. We can monitor nest building activities Bird watching is the most common nature study activity in North America. Identifying birds is a favorite pastime. It is like a game show played outdoors. And we can learn a truckload of trivia facts that most people don't know. Birds offer a lifetime of study.
Attracting Birds to Your Backyardattracting birdsbird feeding questions bird feeder food nest box dimensions snags plants for birds Building Nest Structures - pdf to download Make a Gourd Bird House - pdf to download From Birds Return to Connecting-with-Nature Homepage
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