Bird watching, also known as birding, is the activity of observing and identifying birds in their natural habitat. It is a popular hobby for nature enthusiasts and can be done in various locations, including your own backyard.

To attract birds to your backyard, you can provide bird feeders filled with seeds, nuts, or suet, as well as birdbaths for drinking and bathing. Planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers can also attract a variety of bird species.

Basic equipment for bird watching includes binoculars, a field guide to bird species, and a notebook for recording observations. A camera or smartphone can also be useful for capturing photos of birds.

Common backyard bird species in North America include the American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, House Finch, and Black-capped Chickadee. These species are often seen in suburban and urban areas.

You can learn more about local avian species by joining bird watching groups or clubs in your area, attending birding events and workshops, and participating in citizen science projects like bird counts and surveys.