Trees for Bird Watching

Those who plant and nurture trees - or simply love being in and around them - can add to their enjoyment by one of the oldest (yet fastest-growing) recreations - bird watching.

Bird watching can be as simple an activity as setting up a bird feeder in your backyard and watching the local wild birds that come to you.

By carefully choosing the types of trees you plant - flowering, natives etc - you can to a large extent control the types of birds your garden attracts.

You will soon learn about the specific habitats that birds live in around your home. As you become familiar with local birds you may even want to take trips to areas that most likely feature different species than you have locally.

It can even become a competition as your children eagerly try to identify these new birds before you do!

Bird watching is a cheap hobby. If you are going to be outside you will want everyone to have proper clothing - including an extra pair of socks and a hat.

Other than that you will need at least one pair of binoculars, although it is more fun if everyone has their own pair so nobody misses out on a sighting. A bird book (called a field guide) will help you to identify the birds you see.

You should find one that features birds in your area since it will also give you suggestions about where to find them.

Alternatively - ask your local nursery just which trees you should plant to attract the types of birds you would most like to attract.