I wouldn't call myself a bird watcher, but I like to have a bird feeder and see how many different birds visit and try to identify them by their songs. There are two bird identification books and binoculars next to the window where the feeder hangs. I enjoy just sitting there observing the "pecking order", figuring out the times they feed the most, and in some cases recognizing and naming the outcasts. Baldy is an outcast sparrow, it's lost almost all the feathers from it's head (either by nature or attack) and is so skittish at the feeder.
Here's what's been in the back yard. Not all in the same season, of course.
Robin
Cardinal
Blue Jay
Grackle
House Sparrow
House Finch
White Crowned Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Carolina Chickadee
Carolina Wren
Tufted Titmouse
Dark Eyed Junco (Slate)
Eastern Bluebird
Mourning Dove
Ladder Back Woodpecker
Downey Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Redstart
American Goldfinch
Song Sparrow
Brown Headed Cowbird
White Breasted Nuthatch
Eastern Towhee
Mocking Bird
Brown Thrasher
Scarlet Tanager
Ruby Throated Hummingbird
Bob White
Red Tailed Hawk (others as well, but can't get a good look)
Black Headed Vulture (on the street picking on some long dead, flat bunny)
And, of course, those damn Starlings.
I just "upgraded" to a feeder that holds 5 lbs of seed. I'm not a Squirrel lover, so I've been engaged in an ongoing battle with those clever critters. I asked my husband to run a wire to the metal pole where the feeder hangs and install a button next to the window so I can fire off a (mild) jolt of electricity when they invade. No, he won't do it - I think he secretly enjoys my frustration with the furry thieves.
I can picture myself at around 90 years old being that weird old hag that wears gaudy copper jewelry, has 20 bird feeders, a bb gun (for the squirrels) and flips out when you set foot on her grass.
