What are /r/birding's favorite Products & Services?

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Just to clarify for those who might be confused: Audubon is offering this app for FREE for a limited time only. I highly recommend this app, as do many birders I know. The app is normally $9.99.

There is an Android version available as well, check it out here.

Steady rain is not good for hawk watching. Sunday/Monday look like they will be much better. Also, with the east wind, it's not a good time to see lots of birds (generally coastal migration watches are more impressive when the wind is out of the west). If your dates are flexible, consider delaying.

I know you asked about bins+camera phones, but I think your success will be limited. Expensive DSLR isn't absolutely necessary, though, I have gotten a lot of great pictures out of my cheaper-and-smaller Panasonic Lumix FZ200, which has a builtin 600mm non-DSLR lens -- getting a lot of optical zoom is critical.

I've done some digiscoping with a spotting scope plus this relatively cheap Gosky adapter from Amazon (this one would fit bins: https://www.amazon.com/Gosky-Universal-Smartphone-Telescope-Microscope/dp/B01D5W0WES/ref=sr_1_sc_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1486338210&sr=8-3-spell&keywords=gosk+y+spotting+scope). It's ok, but it takes a bit to setup -- you're not getting any warbler pics with this kind of setup, but it serves for ducks and other things that tend to be not moving.

What kind of birds are you hoping to take pictures of? And are you looking for pics-for-ID or pics-for-aesthetic-beauty?

here’s the link just an iPhone & flexible tripod thing that clamps to the deck. He was coming back every few minutes so I didn’t have it running constantly, just set it up in between his trips

We set up a small (and inexpensive) fountain to attract birds, and the hummers fly through the fountain water. Plus it attracts a lot, lot of birds. We bought this from Amazon and this from Lowes. We set the pump on a small inverted flower pot because the pump can only be submerged in about 1.5 inches of water. It doesn't look very fancy and we have to dump and refill every couple days to make sure no mosquito larva get growing in it, but I am amazed at how much some birds prefer this to our regular bird bath.

Edit: the solar powered one I linked to is meant for shallow water and would work in a regular birdbath as long as you kept water in it. It also has a long cord so if there is anywhere nearby that you could set the panel it would work. But, if your patio is shaded I don't know if the hummers would like it.

I have been using Olympus 8x40 since 5 years now for casual birding and I love them. I just checked Amazon, they sell them for $64. If they're in your budget, I highly recommend them.

https://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Trooper-8x40-DPS-Binoculars/dp/B0001M3612

It's a GoSky spotting scope I got on Amazon!

Gosky 20-60 X 80 Porro Prism Spotting Scope- Waterproof Scope for Bird Watching Target Shooting Archery Range Outdoor Activities -with Tripod & Digiscoping Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EBS3AJ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kdY8CbZMHB951

It came with an adaptor for smart phones, so I hooked up my Galaxy J7. Works great for an amateur birder like me, and I've gotten some higher quality pictures, but this might be my favorite.

I spent a couple nights at Crooked Tree (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g2151505-d1238396-Reviews-Crooked_Tree_Lodge-Crooked_Tree_Belize_District.html). Wasn't exactly crazy easy to get to, but amazing birding and a gorgeous little place.

Apparently blue is the only color animals can’t make, so it’s an optical illusion.

>"Blue is fascinating because the vast majority of animals are incapable of making it with pigments," Prum says.

>In fact, of all Earth's inhabitants with backbones, not one is known to harbor blue pigment. Even some of the most brilliantly blue things in nature — a peacock feather, or a blue eye, for example — don't contain a single speck of blue pigment. So, how can they look so blue?

>"They have evolved a new kind of optical technology, if you will, to create this color," Prum explains — it's a trick of structure.

That’s from NPR, but there are lots of explanations out there.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vanja-Adapter-Portable-Memory-Reader/dp/B00W02VHM6/ref=asc_df_B00W02VHM6/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309968313994&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13616537516917130962&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt...

I bought something like this, the camera's memory card slots in the side and as well as the usual USB for the computer, there's a type C that plugs straight into my phone so I can transfer the pictures straight across. I'd imagine they do a similar thing for iPhones or phones with a micro USB port, too.

Great picture, it would be nice to see it in all it's glory when you figure the camera out.

If you find a simple dish/bowl birdbath you like, you can add this solar-powered aquarium pump (I’m sure you can find something similar not on amazon) to move water. I have one and really like it. It only operates when the sun is shining on the solar panel, though, but it still is really simple and does the job.

Such a shame Eagle Optics closed. They had some great prices on starter binoculars. Amazon has comparable prices on these starter binos that my family uses as backups. https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-8217-Trailblazer-8x25-Binocular/dp/B000NO5OYA

We recently bought

National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, 7th Edition

and

National Geographic Complete Birds of North America, 2nd Edition: Now Covering More Than 1,000 Species With the Most-Detailed Information Found in a Single Volume

Off Amazon and I LOVE them! We opted for a Non-Amazon seller and we paid less than $5 each WITH shipping. I am very impressed with the layout, I have found it a pretty fast flip to find a species while looking at it.

Hello, welcome to the sub!

eBird definitely seems like the most popular option in the US based on this subreddit!

In my country for example www.waarneming.nl is used a lot, and they have an international page (www.observado.org) as well.

eBird have an android app

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=edu.cornell.birds.ebird&hl=en

You might also be interested in the Merlin app

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.labs.merlinbirdid.app&hl=en

Vibration Reduction can help a lot but is not a panacea. A tripod or a monopod can help.

Basically, you are trying to "balance out" several things. First, is the "reach", i.e. the magnification of the lens BTW 55mm = 1X magnification roughly. The higher the better because it allows you to get good closeups. HOWEVER, large lenses (300m+) make it hard to get a steady picture. A way to counteract this is fast shutter speed (rule of thumb: 1/(2 x lens mm), i.e 400mm lens - shoot at 1/800 sec. HOWEVER, this reduces the amount of light that gets to the sensor so you need to be concerned about the lens aperture (f stop). The lower the f/stop, i.e f/2.8 vs. f/5.6. the bigger the aperture is, and more light is let into to the sensor. (confusing I know).

So when looking at a lens you are looking for the "longest" lens, i.e. 300mm, 400mm with the smallest f/stop, eg. f/2.8 (known as fast lenses because they allow you to use fast shutter speeds)

In the real world, trade offs need to be made:a 400mm f/2.8 lens costs about $9,000. I started with a 70-300mm f/5.6 and got some good shots, I now shoot a 50mm-500mm f/4.5-6.3 (Sigma) and I'm very happy with it. Visit here to see some examples with all the lenses (including a 70-200mm f/2.8)

Good luck

Yup! We found one in one of our Lights Out DC walks. It's the one at the top, center.

My phone is a galaxy s10 and I use it's auto focus Im using 12x42's - here's the amazon link

These nocs come with a digiscoping adapter. It isn't very good, so I'd get a better one if you can, but the image above was taken with it!

I'm still learning but these tips help me get crisp photos:

1. Learning to use and focus your binoculars/spotting scope before shooting anything. There's like 4 things to twist and its all important lol. I pre-focus on my feeder when shooting there so I'm instantly ready to go. I shoot through the right side. If there's an advantage to that, great. I'm just right handed lol.

2. Favourable lighting can help illuminate detail and make the bird pop! Figure out when 'golden hours' in your area are in effect.

3. Editing the photos makes a big difference in the final presentation. I just use the program on my phone right now and there's a lot to work with. Even just pulling the saturation up on birds alone generally make for a more interesting image. Contrast and exposure sliders might see it more crisp.

4. I set up a bird feeder 10ft. from my house and I have clean windows haha

5. Patience. As I get better at shooting, I notice the quality of photos I take keeps going up, even though my equipment hasn't changed. My body is getting steadier, my composition choice is keener, and I can better recognize quality from not.

Hope this helps!

Just used my phone, gets hard after a while to hold it in the right place so I bought some cheap binocular mount for smartphones https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013D2ULO6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_A82aYr58aStmv

As for the slow mo, it is just a feature on the phone

It can be because they do still have sides and a roof, it just isn't fully enclosed like a bird house also, but it is still far more exposed than a regular birdhouse, just not as exposed as a straight up ledge that may have sides but no roof etc, if that makes sense! Here is what the Cornell Lab of Ornithology recommends as a house/platform. Here is one I'm thinking about buying from Amazon, still very open while also providing a bit of protection. A lot of robins will still nest on open ledges, bushes, tree branch forks or branches that are close together (like a shelf), and even straight up on the ground (this one surprises me the most!)

Ok, I actually own a GoSky smartphone adapter and I really don't like it. I think you may get better results if the hole in the adapter was bigger. In fact, if you look closely at the adapter hole, it may look like it has some room to be milled out at the factory, but they never did. I haven't tried doing it yet myself.

I own another adapter and it works much better, but the viewing hole is bigger, and it's a friction fit, as opposed to the rotolock-style on the GoSky adapter. That adapter came with my Vivreal monocular, but you look like you need a better universal adapter. I haven't used one of these, but this looks better: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JW9KHZ2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_P3SbGbA9MQFBS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Also, try zooming in on your phone to get rid of the vignette, which is the circle you see around the image. You may need to use a 3rd party app, such as PhoneSkope, if the iPhone gives you zooming problems, but that is moreso for the iPhones with multiple cameras. Good luck!

My wife has limited me to four feeders:

One is a cage suet feeder. I prefer plain true suet, no peanut butter or gimmicky cake feeds.

I have two of these feeders: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008661GPS/ref=sbl_dpx_B008661GPS_0 One I keep mostly stocked with sunflower seeds both striped and black oil. The other I keep with about 80% peanuts 20% whole kernel corn. I'll probably stop using corn altogether once its gone. I used to get cracked corn but turns out it's actually House Sparrow crack.

My 4th feeder is this one: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Belle-Fleur-Grande-Squirrel-Proof-Bird-Feeder-with-4-Feeding-Ports-and-catch-tray-10-3-Diameter-2-9-lb-Seed-Capacity/24918456

I needed something that wouldn't drop feed all over the ground. In this feeder I keep mostly thistle, safflower and mealworms. Squirrels were still a bled to hang onto thed side and reach in with their paws and scoop out feed in the tray. I added aluminum flashing around the bottom inch plus a baffle. Squirrels still get to it occasionally but they can't get that much feed out of it.

It’s actually just a simple blink xt2 security camera. I use some around the back yard to catch beautiful things like this. Motion detected and records for you. There are definitely better cameras out there, but this filled my need and I’ve been happy with it so far. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086DKSYTS?gclid=Cj0KCQjwufn8BRCwARIsAKzP695Q5t6Hfkw8SNCTWJUKsophYCM7UX3UYnuR8KQurUBMJhKvDsFQe5QaAhJSEALw_wcB&th=1&psc=1

I have an older Bushnell Spotting scope and it has worked well for me. I don't know how good the newer models are, but, given the advances in optics over the past twenty years, I'm guessing it's still a decent scope for the price. Amazon has one listed for about $350 USD.

The Cornell Lab has a bunch available. Note that the Voices of Eastern & Western Backyard Birds albums are free downloads – it only includes a few species, but it's a start, and more are available if you're willing to shell out some $$.

If someone knows of more extensive free collections, I'd be interested too.

I do have a 1999 edition of the Stoke's guide to Western North America, which is an extensive 4-disc collection. But I was given an old used copy so I didn't have to pay for it. They have an Eastern audio guide as well. Note that the link I provided was from the Canadian Amazon site, so if you're not in Canada and you want to buy it then you should probably search for it on Amazon.com.

I've got the Sibley guide pretty well used, and my Nat Geo guide is older than a lot of people I know, so it's probably time to get the updated edition to complement the Sibley guide.

Here's the Amazon link for the 7th guide book.

https://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Field-Guide-America/dp/1426218354

I just checked. Mine is a no-name Chinese brand 12x50. It's no longer sold on Amazon but it's like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015CORKYM

I think they're all made by the same factory but just with different names. I would highly recommend somethihg like that because I've used it a couple of years and it's great for backyard birding.

It's only 12x50 but I'm not sure I'd recommend a bigger one. I have a high powered one but I only use it for stargazing because it's too heavy and the field of vision is too tight for birds.

I have two recommendations. I got a monocular a couple of years ago and I use that all the time instead of binoculars. Much lighter and easier to hold than binocs. Don't get the cheapest ones, I got one about $70.

For binocs, I have 4 pairs but the one I swear by is a pair of Tasco 10x50 I got a dozen years ago. I don't know if the quality has decreased but it's only $36 on Amazon now. I keep waiting for this cheap pair to break or the lens to get loose or something but they're cheap and still work great.

I just checked. Mine is a no-name Chinese brand 12x50. It's no longer sold on Amazon but it's like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015CORKYM I think they're all made by the same factory but just with different names. I would highly recommend somethihg like that because I've used it a couple of years and it's great for backyard birding.

It's only 12x50 but I'm not sure I'd recommend a bigger one. I have a high powered one but I only use it for stargazing because it's too heavy and the field of vision is too tight for birds.

Sorry for the late reply! Actually, I just bought this guide from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0691139261/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_WBQfBbDJ3S967 It's a Princeton field guide that covers East Asia including Korea. Not sure if you could find it while you're over there though... I've never used iNaturalist before, is there an app or something?

I live in the outskirts of Gangnam, so in Seoul :) Heading back before the end of the month.

I just recently got into birding and wanted a cheap pair of binoculars for a trip I took to Panama. I ended up with these from amazon for just about 30 dollars. I am sure there are tons of issues with them that someone with more experience would notice, but they work great for me. Focusing is really easy and the clarity honestly seems nice. One problem I had in a humid climate was fogging, but once I was out in the field for about 15 minutes, the fogging actually went away.

I plan on upgrading soon, but I am glad I got this cheaper pair to make sure I would even enjoy the hobby.

Cardinals prefer a tray feeder. They do use my small bird feeder from time to time but mostly one of my tray feeders.

Something like this:

https://www.amazon.ca/Natures-Way-Bird-Products-CWF3/dp/B00C61VR2G/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=tray+feeder&qid=1596490169&sr=8-2

We had this issue recently. A robin was RELENTLESSLY attacking our bedroom window every morning from 5:30am to 8:30am. It was driving us insane.

We knew it was going after it’s own reflection, so after a few days and realizing it wouldn’t stop on its own, we taped wax paper to the outside of the window. Press N Seal would have a worked too, but we had wax paper on hand already.

Since it was pretty ugly, a more long-term solution is this window cling stuff we found on Amazon that comes in a roll. It was fairly inexpensive and easy to apply, and has so far help up on the outside of the window. There’s cheaper and more expensive versions also available if you shop around. It’s a much nicer looking long-term solution.

Hope it helps anyone out there dealing with an aggressive territorial robin.

This app is pretty good, but I don't have experience with it in Western Australia. It worked well in the East:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.coolideas.eproducts.ausbirds&hl=en

There are some sites out there that can help you find good areas in which to look for birds, too:

https://www.waxwingeco.com/birding-near-me.php?lat=-31.933001&lng=115.833000&city=Perth,%20WA,%20Australia

I would recommend the eBird app. It's useful for recording your personal sightings and feeds the data into a massive worldwide citizen science database. You can look up the data that people have collected on their website.

Both Birdseye Bird Finding Guide and Merlin Bird ID do this better AND work on Android :)

Merlin - http://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/download/

BirdsEye - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.birdseyebirding.birdseye

The wind here makes the mini fountains send the water over the edge unfortunately.

My current:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00075M3W6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This wiggles the water well and keeps mosquitos and such away and the birds love it but the algae is coming from them bringing material (or depositing) into the bird bath which gets hit by direct sun light all day.

What's your budget? Field guide, binoculars, Wingspan game, Cornell Lab of Ornithology Bird Academy class, bird feeder, Bird feed, genuine Fred perched bird sponges (https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Fred-5274185-Perched-sponges/dp/B08L5P8M7P)

Instead of starting a new post, I'll just post mine here too, as it's very similar and I thought it was an immature eagle as well.

Do you guys agree? Young Bald Eagle?

Young Bald Eagle?

I have about 4 hours of 1080p up close footage of 5 adult Bald Eagles and 2 of whatever these birds are. If anyone is interested I'll share the raw footage. Still working on editing it all into something tolerable. Half the footage is from about 10 feet away and the other half is what I'm calling the "carcass cam" and literally has the eagles standing on it while eating.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B73JONS?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

$98 right now. Bought a pair and was happy with them, gave to a friend when I wanted more expensive ones and he's also happy with them.

What about one of those Sibley fold out guides?

I've seen journals where you can track your life list. One example: Amazon

Get some of this:

https://www.amazon.com/Anti-Collision-Stickers-Silhouettes-Protection-Transparent/dp/B07YZ54JFW/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=ABC+Bird+Tape&qid=1666621406&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjk1IiwicXNhIjoiMy41OCIsInFzcCI6IjMuMzIifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-8

Amazon also has reflective tape for windows if you don't like birds.
I used to have doves kamikazi-ing themselves into my door until I put some stickers up.

Most people use apps these days, the most popular being Audubon, Merlin, and Sibley. If you’re set on books, what you have is a good start. I’d also recommend the Warbler Guide, as you’ll almost certainly get into birding for warblers if you keep up the hobby for a few seasons.

I had the same challenges in my current apartment. I ultimately settled on these. They've worked nicely so far! You can loosen the knob and swing the rod in to add food and then swing it back out. Here's what one of mine looks like.

Great idea! There are a few apps out there that try this, but I think their results are about 50% accurate. See: https://lifehacker.com/shazam-for-birds-three-apps-that-recognize-bird-calls-1797955537

It would be a fun machine learning problem to try to do better.

My family bought me a game: What bird is this? Has a series of features of birds like range, habitat, call, and photo and helps you hone your ID skills!

https://www.amazon.com/Bird-Trivia-Game-What-Educational/dp/B001TABLXK

I have a feeder that has wire mesh sides they do quite well with. They can hang from about anywhere and peck where they like. Similar to this: https://smile.amazon.com/Perky-Pet-TSS00349-Dual-Mesh-Feeder/dp/B07NLS2V9D

A photografic wildlife guide for the Ecuador is "Wildlife of Ecuador: A Photographic Field Guide to Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, and Amphibians (Wildlife Explorer Guides)" by Andrés Vásquez Noboa (https://www.amazon.com/Wildlife-Ecuador-Photographic-Reptiles-Amphibians/dp/0691161364) This might be the one i choose for Ecuador as im also interested in other wildlife besides birding.

Theres also "Birds of Belize (Princeton Field Guides)" by Steve Howell and Dale Dyer (https://www.amazon.com/Birds-Belize-Princeton-Field-Guides/dp/0691220727) As of now it is only available to preorder for April 2023.

Another immersive book about the whole history of the species is this one. I thoroughly enjoyed it, though that's not the proper word. It's very good, and deeply disturbing.

https://www.amazon.com/Feathered-River-Across-Sky-Extinction/dp/1620405342#customerReviews

I use an Amazon basics one and it works great. I'm 6'0 and it goes higher than I'd need, 6'5 might also work fine or have to lean down a couple inches. I'm mostly using this with a camera though it is an old DSLR camera that is heavier than my 10x50 binoculars so I'd trust it to hold those just fine.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-60-Inch-Lightweight-Tripod-Bag/dp/B005KP473Q

Fellow glasses-wearer (standard bifocals) here.

First, I'm not clear on why you need to remove your glasses when looking through binoculars. On many binoculars, the little rubber "spacers" at the eyepieces can be folded back so that glasses-wearers can still have their eyeballs at an appropriate distance close enough to the eyepieces.

Second, you might find it more manageable to use a monocular rather than binoculars. That is what I do. Here are two models that I own & like, both are Kenko brand:

8x32 model -- currently unavailable at Amazon, but you might find them for sale elsewhere.

6x16, smaller more compact lighter-weight model -- also currently unavailable at Amazon.

Hope that helps.

p.s. I tried wearing progressives for a year or so, but now have standard/old-school bifocals. I didn't like that wasted "no-man's land" area between the reading and distance portions of progressive lens. Is it a perfect solution? No -- I've become resigned to my eyesight just getting gradually worse as I age.

I got one from Amazon that's actually not ideal for my current setup (in the shade most of the day) because it relies on solar power. But it was relatively well-priced, and the birds like chasing the water beads when there's not much sun light.

​

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S348HQ2?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

​

I use it without attachments because my bird bath is too small.

Amazon

Ok, thanks for the info. I bought it years ago at Home Depot.. I looked it up & here's a similar one on Amazon. It's designed to be wall/fence-mounted & comes with coconut husk liner.

"Amazon.com: Mintcraft Wall Mount Planter Coco - 14" : Patio, Lawn & Garden" https://www.amazon.com/Mintcraft-Wall-Mount-Planter-Coco/dp/B002YG8FLY/ref=mp_s_a_1_9_mod_primary_new?crid=3DT40PX5YR6QR&keywords=metal+planter+coconut+wall+mount&qid=1657569229&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=metal+...

https://www.amazon.ca/Allied-Precision-4WW-Wiggler-Agitator/dp/B00075M3W6/ref=asc_df_B00075M3W6/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=342780425021&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14500859189368955700&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqm...

It agitates the water. Basically creates a small ripple effect and bugs cannot lay their eggs in the water which is no longer still-water.

Birding is so much fun, so glad you’re enjoying it! Me and my husband have one of these binoculars they’re super cheap but do the job for us just looking around our backyard. Maybe they are worth a try for you?

I flipped my numbers…impassioned by my contempt of free roaming cats. Calver et. al. 2007. Cat bib reduces avian death by 81% (so one in five don’t make it) and mammalian by 54%. That is far better than I stated in my previous post, but far from good. There are 58,385,725 pet cats in the US, and Loss et.al (2013) found that 69% of wildlife killings by cat were carried out by feral ones…but the owner cat problem is at least preventable, and it is frustrating to talk to cat owners about it. Bottom line being that one cat in a bib that only catches 1 in 5 is probably negligible, the problem is a lot bigger. And in my experience, the cat owners that feel their non-native predator has the right to our ecosystems mostly know about the bibs and won’t use them because they encumber the cat…who is likely in someone else’s yard…and encountering dogs. Anyway- only solution to the problem is to regulate from an ecological perspective and NOT an animal welfare perspective. Cats kill as many as 2.4 bil birds a year in the US (don’t ask about mammals) are responsible for 14% of modern extinctions (IUCN), and yet we can still just let them run around free with no regulation or modification. It is ridiculous. I do have cats. Have had them all my life. They live a lot longer and are free of disease when kept inside. The only person I know who hates free-range cats more than I do suggested this. It is a great read. She also runs a bird rescue. https://www.amazon.com/Cat-Wars-Devastating-Consequences-Cuddly-ebook/dp/B01EBEIKKW/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=2ca06ef0-0b88-44e1-895d-d562daf7decb

I used the Pratt field guide when I visited Hawai'i. He did a lot of the plates for the Nat Geo field guide, which is what I use for mainland US birds, so I was already used to translating that style of illustration to actual bird appearances.

Great advice!

OP, if it sounds intimidating to just show up randomly with binocs one day hoping to meet bird folk, you can sign up for tours in advance. Caveat I don’t live in the city anymore but I loved Birding Bob’s tours when I was there. The few times I went he, and everyone else there seemed lovely—very chill, down-to-earth, old-NY-friendly. I still get his weekly newsletters, which are filled with photos of interesting sightings and IDs submitted by local birds, as well as fascinating historical/identification notes. It’s a lesson into itself!

Also, there a gorgeous, smart, and sweet-souled indie documentary about birds (and birders) of Central Park. Sensitive and varied human portraits as well as a stealth induction into a wonderful passion—would recommend it to all beginning birders but especially so those in NYC. :)

We offer freeze dried mealworms (in winter) which Carolinas enjoy as do Bluebirds...just to tide them over. We use a special feeder that other birds won't use...

https://www.amazon.com/Songbird-Essentials-Mealworm-Feeder-Blue/dp/B07CZYFMD6/ref=asc_df_B07CZYFMD6/

This won't be for the sound but you can get a larger bird foundation (or have more than one) and use a water wiggler. I use one with my larger bird pond and refill with water 1x/wk. It keeps the bugs away and the birds like the moving water.
Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00075M3W6/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I do not have a raccoon problem, just squirrels (though I do gave a raccoon too). This style that I have for squirrels might be what you're after.

https://www.amazon.com/Woodlink-NABAF18-Audubon-Squirrel-18-Inch/dp/B0010QD5QO

In addition to being wide, the mounting hardware makes it wobbly if grabbed, and the texture is pretty ungrippable. This has been 100% effective with my squirrels and chipmunks for at least 3 years now.

To add: WBU has a branding agreement with a company that packages for a lot of wild & domestic animal food companies. The packager sells many of the same or similar blends (some may be licensed) under the generic label Country Blends. Same seed, different label.

Anyway, it may be available through a department store or hardware/feed store in your area. Here is one on Amazon just to give an idea of what the packaging looks like (the color of the stripe varies by blend, but the blue + art are consistent on most of their items): https://www.amazon.com/Country-Blends-Complete-Patio-Blend/dp/B01N1U55J0

Prices will vary a LOT by seller, just a fair warning.

No problem! I had a junco die this winter due to this. I ended up purchasing theseon amazon to stick on my window. Window crashes are a huge cause of migratory bird death!

Lvydec Artificial Peony Flower Wreath - 15" Pink Flower Door Wreath with Green Leaves Spring Wreath for Front Door, Wedding, Wall, Home Decor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F2TY138/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_K79MY7QF5FJ32J703Q2P?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

If you don't already you need to install anti bird strike dots or strips especially since you have a bird feeder and have lots of traffic.

Reconfigure the setup as a pole feeder with squirrel baffle (I vouch for this one though it should be about $20). Also set up the pole out of ambush range.

Not really related to the identification of this species, but given how excited you are about your new woodpecker friends maybe consider getting a field guide to birds as it will provide even more joy! I still remember the first time I ever identified my first bird from a field guide and I was so excited! Field guides helped me realise the beauty and variety of birds and provided hours of birdwatching fun. My favourite is this one because it has pictures of real birds and also provides a lot of info about their habits, genetics and social structures: https://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Birds-North-America/dp/0061120405.

You'll be able to learn about all of your flying backyard buddies in no time!
Enjoy your new birdy friends!

Is this the one you’re talking about

Nikon Prostaff 8x42 are pretty good and will fall into your price range if they are on sale https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-8x42-ProStaff-Binocular-Black/dp/B01B6FBHV8/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1JISQ3IYRAWQZ&keywords=nikon+prostaff+3s+8x42&qid=1648032976&sprefix=nikon+prostaff%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-3

Is this okay?

https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Way-Bird-Products-CWH3/dp/B00BYTRWZM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15OU8OSLQLBOP&keywords=bird%2Bhouse%2Bblack%2Bcapped%2Bchickadee&qid=1647729993&sprefix=bird%2Bhouse%2Bblack%2Bcapped%2Bchickadee%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1&th=1

The link that "testing_is_fun" gave me says that chickadee's want an entrance that is 1 1/8. but someone in the FAQ asked about the hole diameter and was told that it's only 1 inch?

Would this be good for Sarlings or Black-Capped chickadee?

https://www.amazon.com/SZM-Bluebird-Cardinals-Birdhouse-Clearance/dp/B08TWK6RXM/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2FWSSLSYXXJEY&keywords=bird+house&qid=1647728740&sprefix=bird+house%2Caps%2C303&sr=8-3

Look for a guide that focuses specifically on birds in the Pacific Northwest….Believe it or not, in a pinch, those Little Golden Guides, small paperbacks, do have a lot of good info in them…

https://www.amazon.com/Birds-Pacific-Northwest-Timber-Press/dp/1604696656

something like this good You think this would be good fit to all the things u said ?I live in APT so I don’t know if that makes difference

You should be able to get one of these seed catchers to prevent the food from falling on the ground. I think I'm going to order one (not specifically this model) today because our ground is covered in sunflower seed shells from the birds. lol

I second Merlin app. It's incredibly useful. Related, I recommend signing up with eBird account (it's free) and checking out the "hot spots" in your area. This will show you birds that are recently logged so you can get an idea of what to look for when you're out. You can submit your own logs too, it's very easy to do.

I also suggest going on bird walks if they are in your area. You will learn a lot if you go birding with others.

If you want a rec for binoculars, these are the ones I have: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072QWD8GB Although, I do not use them often because I am interested in bird photography.

I didn't really see how the link you posted showed that the population of Bobolinks has declines, so I googled a bit and found this source. The abstract basically confirms what you were saying. Is this happening to other birds as well? The ones who can adapt to living with humans are reproducing at a higher rate, while those that cannot are declining?

On a side note, I go hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire a whole lot (I live in southern NH, but go to school in Rochester, NY) and I was wondering if there are some bird calls that I should listen for, or any cool birds to keep an eye out for! I know that one of my birding friends has never seen a boreal chickadee because they live in the higher altitudes, where I hear them all the time. Are there any other birds like the boreal that I should look out for?

Audubon has a recommendation in this range!!

https://www.audubon.org/news/category-get-game

Here is the only $50 pair recommended by Audubon on Amazon.

I don't think I'd second guess Audubon on this.

I would also not go over 8x magnification in this price range. And, I would avoid compact binoculars in this price. The glass will just not be good enough for either.

I got it off Amazon. If you search for “window bird feeders” a whole bunch come up. This is the one I got: Window Bird House Feeder by Nature Anywhere for Wild Birds with Sliding Seed Holder and 4 Extra Strong Suction Cups. Large Bird feeders for Outside. Birdhouse Shape. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00TI7OPP2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_Q8ENHZGNTHW60HDJH8QC

Allied Precision Ind DT250 250-Watt Aluminum Bucket and Utility De-Icer https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000TZ5A8I/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_57XRCVBC9THE3PAMQYYG

I got one similar to this. I like it because it is easy to clean. Although my birdbath is pretty small even at -40 it still kept the water from freezing.

lol I want to eat one since I'm part cat. I was snow white in another life. What kinda of question is that? I want to see them up close and it wasn't threatened any more than any other wild animal. It could fly away any time it wanted to and DID. lol It certainly didn't walk to the feeder even thought he wind was blowing. My chair is like right there all of 5 ft away. They're use to me.

I'm going to get one of those flower feeder rings and see if I get one to eat out of my hand.

Congrats! Speaking of swallows, I got this mobile for our son when he was born and it has been a HUGE hit. Even at 5 months old he loves to just lay and watch them "fly." I call it Swallow TV and am hoping so badly that he grows up to love birding as much as I do because it's how he spent so much of his time as an infant :)

I'd encourage you to go to an outdoor or hunting store and try a few pairs to see what works for you personally. For me, 42mm or larger can add a lot of bulk and weight around my neck or in a pack... I consider binoculars that large to be tabletop/home/beach binoculars and I don't carry them around. Binoculars that are both big and lightweight are way out of the budget range. I would stay away from cheap or off brand binoculars, but reasonable value and portability can be had in the $100 or less range with something like these (I think links are ok in this sub? I'm not affiliated with the brand or the website): https://smile.amazon.com/Olympus-8x25-WP-Binocular-Green/dp/B0091HOVC6/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?crid=FWTY784ZLN56&keywords=olympus+binoculars+8x40&qid=1641746894&sprefix=Olympus+binoculars%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-6

I bought the 10x25 version of the above binoculars for a trip to Colombia a couple years ago, and they are good for me as a casual birding and hiking set. Of course, they don't compare with $1000 binoculars.

Another thing to consider, and the reason I wouldn't buy 12x binoculars for birding, is shakey viewing. Anything above 9x or so is likely to have significant shaking from the vibration of your hands and body, and this makes birding difficult to enjoy. If you are older or not a strong person the shaking can be even worse. I think my 10x25's are actually more like 9x or 9.5x since I don't get much shaking with them.

There are lots of options. I'd definitely start in a store if that is doable for you.

Unless they're called Alexa i'm pretty sure this is infact stolen from the interwebs

this is the earliest version of this picture i can find. link from Aug 30, 2018

I'd have to say the Acorn Woodpecker. Their coloration is dramatic with red crowns and bold eyes. They create granaries to store their acorns and have a very interesting social structure.

Here are the three only good pictures of the bird of the day (yesterday). Here is an article about hybridization between the two species https://www.academia.edu/5372063/Hybridization_between_Yellowhammer_and_Pine_Bunting_in_Russia?auto=download

Nice this was the first upgrade I did last year when starting out. High-Power 500mm/1000mm f/8 Manual Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS 80D, EOS 90D, Rebel T3, T3i, T5, T5i, T6i, T6s, T7, T7I, T8I, SL3, EOS 60D, EOS 70D, EOS 5D, EOS5D IV, EOS 6D II, EOS 7D II SLR Cameras https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KMEPHF2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_M8NJG2B3AN2DF5B85S7R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Have you tried Bird Jelly for Orioles? This works for us with Orioles, but they do usually still go to the orange tree for fresh oranges

https://www.amazon.com/Songbird-Essentials-Bird-Berry-Jelly/dp/B003MAZ3JS/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=1H5GMV0H09WNG&keywords=bird+jelly&qid=1640186468&sprefix=bird+jelly%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Vencer-Outdoor-Products-Hummble-Heart-Shaped/dp/B07T6T67JC/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=DHDBVE3W929J&keywords=bird+jelly+feeder+heart&qid=1640186502&sprefix=bird+jelly+feeder+heart%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-5

LOL... I have one male Downy that will purposefully chase sparrows out of the bushes I have have my feeders nestled in. Whenever I see him do that, I'm literally cheering him on. I also cheer on the Cardinals when they hiss at the Sparrows and chase them off the perch on my big feeder. It's one like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001G17E7Y/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_MNZKN724HSQ4YRWYYKS0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I have the counterbalance set pretty well. A Blue Jay can perch on it and it will slowly lower. Long enough for them to grab one seed and hop off to eat it, but not so long that they can be greedy filling their gular pouch.

I would recommend a pole mounted hopper feeder. Squirrels seem to be able to get around baffles but they can’t figure out my squirrel proof pole feeder.

https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Products-431-Classic-Feeder/dp/B000BP7NZO/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?crid=C1CCOK248AF5&keywords=squirrel+proof+feeder+pole+mounted&qid=1638903959&sprefix=squirrel+proof+feeder+pole+mounte%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-10

EBird and project feeder watch are two other really solid Bird organizations.

I also recommend thi book on bird drawing if you want to take it to the next level

The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds https://smile.amazon.com/dp/159714195X/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_K6WPK2QXTHZS1A4VM3K4

Milo honestly shouldn't be in any seed blend, it's just a filler that makes blends cheaper. Millet is eaten by some but is preferred by ground feeding birds and sparrows.

Get rid of the millet and milo. If you want to use up what you have now, throw it on the ground, but don't put it back in your feeder. Use a blend with safflower, sunflower, and peanuts, but no millet or milo, or any other small filler seeds.

Better yet, use just safflower. Starlings and some sparrows have trouble cracking safflower shells, so it can be a decent deterrent. Not fool proof, but effective enough for most people. If your seed blend has safflower plus other stuff in it, then the starlings will pick through it to find what they want. You'll find the best success by just using straight safflower. Regular safflower is better than golden safflower for this purpose because the regular safflower has a bit of a thicker shell, even though golden safflower (which was invented in a lab) is more nutritionally dense.

Changing your suet feeder could also keep the starlings off. Look for an upside down suet feeder like this(I'm not recommending this one, just an example) and starlings won't be able to cling to it, but woodpeckers and other small birds will figure it out.

Anytime you change seed and/or feeders it can take birds a few weeks to adjust, keep that in mind.

If you do the above, your problems should be mitigated at least.

I just bought my first scope, a Redfield Rampage, for just over $250 in Amazon. It works great and I can't complain, but I have nothing to compare it against. For digiscoping, I just hold my phone's camera to the eyepiece, I do not have an adapter for my camera.It's tricky, but if you just want documentation photos it works great. Examples: 1 2

Where are you located? The link below is for a book widely used in the US. If you are in the US, there are also books specific to regions or states.

https://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Field-Guide-America/dp/1426218354

Couple of things to try

Put the bird feeders in a big open area away from bushes where cats can hide.

Placing a 12 inch or so tall net fence around the area of the feeder. This way when the cat charges the birds on the ground under the feeder the cat must jump the fence before getting to the birds.

The mat shouldn't bother the birds. You can also use pointy twigs, or dried blackberry vines under the feeder.

The product "Shake-away coyote/fox urine" makes a cat deturent. Its a bit stinky and needs to be refreshed after rain. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VZYCPS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_HW9BKE5KGJG7BFE360A7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Good luck!

Celestron – Nature DX 8x42 Binoculars – Outdoor and Birding Binocular – Fully Multi-coated with BaK-4 Prisms – Rubber Armored – Fog & Waterproof Binoculars – Top Pick Optics https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B73JONS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_W3NDAXWY4DM8M95BQ5X7

I bought these for my mother a few months ago and I really like them a lot. Comparable to my Vortex pair which was twice as much.

Would this help the little guy? XPCARE Scare Tape - 150ft x 2in PET Reflective Tape Keep Away Damage, Roosting, and Mess https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0725YZJD8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_2V8WX98P996MK7Z4HZ3K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

We had squirrels pigging out at one of our feeders, started using this anti squirrel mace as I call it mixed in with the seeds….no problems since!

I use a solution healthy for the birds to drink and bathe in and keeps the water free of bugs etc! Haven’t seen a bug within the entirety of my patio so I think it’s pretty great! I don’t use bubbles or anything just a birdbath https://smile.amazon.com/Sanco-88002-Bird-Fountain-Maintenance/dp/B00HRHEOJC

Link to documentary: https://www.amazon.com/Hummingbirds-Paul-Reddish/dp/B0754NWHTF

Blows my mind that there are so many hummingbird species and very grateful that they're in the western hemisphere! You can find more of my stuff at www.instagram.com/dankwildlife