There are those who consider bird watching to be much more involved than it really has to be. They expect it involves having to wake up at the crack of dawn, drive to some secluded region,and walk several miles to some forsaken place. And then they think of sitting with only a notebook, a pencil, and binoculars for hours on end.
It could be like this and worse, and many who enjoy the pastime love to do it this way, it does not have to be like that. Looking at and observing wild birds can be as easy as installing a few bird feeders around the yard and enjoying whoever arrives from the comfort of your patio. A visit to an online wild bird store can educate you what birds like to eat. Birds prefer to feast upon Sunflower and Safflower seed, Nyjer seed, suet, meal-worms, and insects.
The key to attracting an assortment of birds is to build an area where birds like to be and feed, and for you to spend some time filling bird feeders with food. This compels having a few different bird feeders around with various foods to attract a variety of them. You could, you know, start with one simple hummingbird feeder and a standard feeder with regular bird seed for the bigger birds. Install a bird bath for added attraction and there are sure to be plenty of feathered friends for you to watch without ever leaving your porch. You may see them from your window if you place the feeders suitably.
If you follow this advice and see that a good variety of birds are enjoying your offerings, you could even make a game out of what ones are coming, and look for signs that the same ones return. It's so much pleasure when they bring their family and friends. You may have regulars mixed in with the occasional visitor arriving to feast. Keep a journal and a bird book handy so you research the wild birds that visit, and take notes of distinguishing marks of the birds. The notes will also help you track when certain birds return. This can add fun to the avocation and again, you can enjoy it almost effortlessly at a moment's notice right from your window or doorway.
Watching wild birds in their natural surroundings does involve traveling to the serenity of the places and forests where they prefer to be. If you only want to see some beautiful birds, however, putting a bird feeder or two close at hand in your yard is a great beginning to this very pleasurable hobby.