by Paula M. Bodah
discover the joys of birding, without leaving home
YOU DON’T HAVE TO TRAVEL FAR to get into birdwatching. In fact, your own backyard is one of the best places to begin. With just a few simple steps, you can turn your outdoor space into a birdfriendly haven and start observing right away.
Create the right environment by choosing a variety of native plants, says Pamela (PD) StClair, of Albuquerque’s Wild Birds Unlimited. Native species provide food, nesting material and shelter. Sunflowers, thistle and native grasses like bluestem grama offer seeds that attract finches, sparrows and doves. Desert willow and milkweed draw hummingbirds. Yarrow and goldenrod support pollinators from birds and bees to butterflies, while larger trees like cottonwoods and junipers give birds a place to nest and perch. Shrubs like New Mexico olive produce fruit that many species eat.
A reliable water source is also important, especially in Albuquerque’s dry climate. A birdbath is a good start, but moving water works even better. Try adding a pump or small fountain to the birdbath for sound and motion that catch birds’ attention. “Our beloved lesser goldfinches are drawn to it,” StClair says.
You don’t need much gear to begin birdwatching, but a pair of binoculars and a regional field guide or two are helpful. Add a notebook to track your sightings, or use an app to help with IDs. Once you start noticing birds, it’s easy to get hooked.
When you’re ready to explore beyond your yard, StClair suggests a visit to Rio Grande Nature Center State Park or Los Poblanos Fields Open Space, where feeders, native plants and peaceful observation spots welcome beginners.
Helpful Hints for Beginning Birders Free to download from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (on the App Store or Google Play), the Merlin Bird ID app helps you identify birds by sound or photo. It’s easy to use and a great way to learn more about the birds in your yard or nearby parks.
A good guidebook is indispensable. StClair recommends two: “The Field Guide to Plants and Animals of the Middle Rio Grande Bosque,” by Jean-Luc E. Cartron, a local favorite that covers bugs, butterflies and enough bird species to make it a smart addition to any beginner’s shelf, and “Birds of New Mexico Field Guide, 2nd edition,” by Stan Tekiela, a user-friendly, photo-rich publication that’s a go-to resource for anyone starting to notice the birds flitting through their backyard.
