Lots of birders plan vacations specifically to see birds. While I’ve not done exactly that, I do make it a point to go bird-watching where I go.

One place that has not been on my radar for birding is Africa. What a mistake. The more I ready about Africa, the more excited I become. Right now, I work with a woman from Tanzania, and I’ve spent hours listening to her talk about the wonders of her country….another place that is now high of my list of places to visit.

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Travel To Uganda - A Kingdom Of Birds: ”

Uganda is an equatorial country with an amazing diversity of Habitats. Truly a Kingdom of Birds, Uganda hosts over 1000 bird species, both Albertine Rift endemics as well as rarities with half of the species known on the African continent, and over 10% of those on record throughout the entire world. For a birding safari, Uganda is a perfect destination.”

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I suppose this should have been on my radar. The end of last year, National Geographic magazine was operating a 24/7 wildlife cam at a watering hole in Botswana. I was completely enthralled watching the animals come and go to this particular watering hole - which included many birds - many which were obviously new to me.

So the next time you think of a birding vacation - or any vacation - think of the wonders of Africa.

The Ponderlodge Golf Course (Cape May, MA) is the first - and hopefully not the last - to return habitat back to the birds.

You can read it here: Cape golf course goes to birds for open space

What is really important about this step is it will bring us back into balance. Right now, we are loosing wildlife habitat at an alarming rate. While we as people want spaces for our lives and own pleasures, it’s essential that we attempt to return to more of a balanced world. The earth, just like our bodies, does best when we are in balance.

To do your part on a more local level, you can provide space for birds and other wildlife in your own backyards. You can get more information on how to do that at BirdingMania.com

Are you looking for information on bird watching in Toronto?

Having spent some time in the region, I know there is lots to see there - especially around the lakes where I tend to hang out.

Here is a site that may interest those of you in the North.

Bird Watching in Ontario

It’s nearly spring and I’ve started to hear various song birds again. Aside from listening to the water, the next best sound is that of birds. Do you want to attract birds to your yard?

The easiest way to attract birds is with bird feeders. Start with a tray type feeder as it will make it easier for the birds to find the food at first. They will either easily see the food or other birds feeding. To really enjoy watching the birds at your feeder I recommend getting a good bird watching book. Any large bookstore should carry them and you can probably get one for just your region of the country.

You can read the rest of this article and more at www.BirdingMania.com

When you are just starting bird watching, the general guides can be somewhat confusion.

I really like the idea that many locations are coming out with their own guides. Here is one such guide for Kentucky, geared toward the beginner.

Lexington Herald-Leader | 02/18/2006 | A birding guide for beginners

Another good way to start is your own backyard. One of the reasons backyard birding is a great place to start is because as you watch all the birds, you begin to recognize them, their behaviors andhow they are similiar or not to other birds.

As you compare them to the guides you are using, you learn to quickly look for certain details as new birds come into the yard. To learn more about getting started, visit Backyard Bird Watching.

In the some part of the US, it’s time to get your hummingbird feeders ready. In fact, in some places in the Southwest, you’ve already got hummingbirds visiting you (lucky you!).

For the rest of you…do you know where to hang your feeders? What kind of feeders are best? Do you know how to make your own feed without using chemicals and dyes?

You’ll find more information at BirdingMania’s Hummingbirds in Your Yard.

Do you ever wonder which bird is singing that beautiful note you are hearing? I do that all the time.

When looking at various bird guides, they always include something to give you an idea of what that sound will sound like. But…I don’t know about you…but it never sounds like I read it. Besides, usually, I ONLY hear the bird, not see it.

One of my favorite bird songs is made by the RedWing Blackbird. I just get thrilled every time I hear it. But it just does not sound like chortle-deeeeee.

I have a cd that plays sounds and identifies birds, but I don’t find it useful. Since I don’t know what bird I’m hearing, it makes no sense to listen through both CD’s to find the sound of one bird.

So…other than taking an expert at sound identification out with you every time, how did you learn the bird songs? What resources do you use?

I’m looking forward to hearing your responses.

The ninth annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is taking place February 17–20, with a special opportunity to “Count Birds with a Buddy!” The National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology are asking birders to share their passion with someone new to this wonderful pastime. At the same time, every participant contributes to scientific knowledge by joining the only count that creates a mid-winter snapshot of what the birds are doing across North America.

“People can take as long as they like watching birds as part of their GBBC day,” said Dr. Paul Green, Audubon’s director of Citizen Science. “Most important is that people get outdoors and have fun counting the birds they see. Then they can be amazed at the results they produce on the GBBC website; the animated maps are especially great.”

No fee or advance registration is necessary. Participants note the highest number of each species they see at any one time and enter their sightings online at www.birdsource.org/gbbc. The web site also includes instructions and bird watching tips. The count is run by the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, with sponsorship by Wild Birds Unlimited.

In 2005, birders sent in more than 52,000 checklists, with a record-breaking 613 species and more than 6.5 million birds counted. By visiting the results pages at www.birdsource.org/gbbc, participants can see what was reported in their own towns or across the continent, and read what scientists found about the changing numbers and distributions of birds. This year’s information could help show how birds may have been affected in areas stricken by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as update what we know about declining species such as Rusty Blackbird and Painted Bunting.

Something new for bird watchers this year: the first-ever GBBC contest will generate some friendly competition. Awards will be given to states, provinces, and localities that submit the most checklists. Participants can also enter a photo contest by taking pictures of birds during the event and sending them for posting on the GBBC online photo gallery.

For further information, and to find out more for your locations, visit the Audobon Society and check out local chapters.

Many of the birds that visit feeders and baths may stay and nest in nearby trees. Most of them, including cardinals, doves and orioles, don’t nest in boxes. You can still help them by considering their food and shelter requirements in your landscape plans.

More than two dozen North American birds nest in bird houses. The following descriptions will help you determine which birds might visit your neighborhood.

Read more to find out which birds you can attract with nest boxes….

Birders keep lists. It’s in their nature

They keep lists of the total number of species catalogued in a lifetime. They keep North American lists. State lists. Neighborhood lists. Day lists. They keep “man powered” lists of the birds they’ve seen while on foot or bike. Some even keep lists of the species they’ve spotted mating.

Read Up Earl with the Birds….