One exciting way to learn more about bird migration is to list the birds in your schoolyard, backyard, or neighborhood. Then, do detective work and learn more about where these birds spend the winter, and how they get to their nonbreeding ranges. How fast do they travel? How do they navigate with no prior experience? Note dramatic changes in behavior, feeding habits, and plumage. You can even learn the bird's Spanish name, which will come in handy one day when you visit the tropics (the Spanish name for Blackburnian Warbler is verdin pasajero). As ornithologists learn more about Neotropical migrants, they are finding that these remarkable species are truly "birds of two worlds"the Yankee birds that we see in North America during the nesting season, and the tropical forest birds that rub elbows (or wings!) with toucans and tapirs during the winter.
Feeder Frenzy
An easy and enjoyable way to study birds is by placing feeders near the window of your home or classroom. Many species, particularly seed-eating birds, come readily to clean well-stocked feeders that offer nearby shelter such as thick shrubs. Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, Northern Cardinal, and Tufted Titmouse are all common feeder birds in many parts of North America.
Feeders bring birds in close so you can study their plumage and behavior. Feeders also provide a great chance for some fun experiments. The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology's Project Feederwatch is a nationwide experiment to determine the feeding preferences of backyard birds. For example, one of the best ways to lure the American Goldfinch to your feeder is to provide thistle or Niger seed. Don't count on seeing Northern Cardinals at your thistle feed, however. Their preference is for sunflower and safflower seeds. Different birds also feed in distinct ways. Some birds prefer to feed on the ground, others on elevated platforms.
Eastern Bluebird
Keeping a log of feeder activity is a great way to track the annual changes that many birds experience. With many species the plumage of males becomes much brighter in the spring; the male American Goldfinch, for instance, is bright yellow in spring, and a drab green in winter. The reason, of course, is that the males are trying to impress the females.Things don't change much across the animal kingdom, do they?
Some birds will be regulars at your feeder; others may dine only occasionally. One of life's greatest thrills is to see a flock of Evening Grosbeaks descending on your feeders. Besides eating you out of house and home, these large finches are spectacularly colored and make quite a racket in large numbers. Don't count on seeing them often, however. Evening Grosbeaks are "irruptive" species, and appear south of their northern United States and Canada range only when their natural foods are scarce.
Seed-eating birds don't have to be the only customers at your backyard buffet. You can manipulate the kinds of birds at your feeders by varying the food you put out. Nectar-feeding Hummingbirds come readily to sugarwater feeders. Insect-eating birds such as Black-capped Chickadees and Tufted Titmouse come to beef suetthe fat discarded by butchers. Suet will even attract warblers and other insect eating birds that don't normally come to feeders. Fruit such as apples and sliced oranges attracts Baltimore Orioles and other frugivorous birds. Experiment with different foods, and don't be surprised by the variety of birds that appear right outside your window.
