SPARROWSBackyard birding guides

Backyard Birding

Welcome the birds, one step at a time

Practical, step-by-step guides to attracting, feeding, housing, and identifying the birds in your backyard.

Browse all guides

Guides by topic

Attracting Birds

How to Attract Your First Backyard BirdsCreating a Bird-Friendly GardenChoosing the Right Bird FeederHow to Attract HummingbirdsHow to Attract BluebirdsAdding Water with a BirdbathNative Plants That Attract Birds

Feeding

A Beginner's Guide to BirdseedSuet and Winter FeedingFeeding Birds Through WinterWhat Not to Feed BirdsKeeping Feeders CleanSquirrel-Proofing Your FeederOffering Mealworms and Live Food

Nesting & Housing

How to Build a BirdhouseChoosing the Right BirdhouseInstalling Nest Boxes SafelyProviding Nesting MaterialCleaning Out Nest Boxes

Identification

Identifying Common Backyard BirdsIdentifying Birds by SongChoosing and Using BinocularsIdentifying Birds by FlightKeeping a Birding Journal

Seasonal Care

Spring Birding ChecklistSummer Birding TipsWatching Fall Migration