Enjoy Birdwatching Adventures

Connect with wildlife in scenic outdoor spaces.

Three burrowing owls standing in green grass

Birdwatching

Birdwatching is one of Americaโ€™s most popular hobbiesโ€”and one you can enjoy anywhere. From city backyards to open countryside, birds are all around if you know where to look. At Fence Foothills Equestrian Nature Center, birdwatching offers color, movement, and a deeper understanding of natureโ€™s seasonal rhythms.

Birds in the Backyard

Setting up feeders is an easy way to begin.

Simple green birdhouse graphic

Tray Feeders

Use quality seed or a mix of sunflower seeds, peanuts, safflower, nuts, and grains. These attract cardinals, titmice, nuthatches, and sparrows. Place feeders in open areas away from trees or rooflines to discourage squirrels.

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Perch Feeders

Ideal for finches, especially goldfinches. Thistle seed is a favorite, particularly during spring and autumn migration.

Peace symbol bird graphic

Be Patient

Birds are cautious. Visitors usually appear within a few days. Keep feeders clean and stocked with fresh seed.

Create a Bird-Friendly Yard

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    Plant shrubs and small trees like arborvitae or white cedar for shelter.

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    Add berry- and fruit-producing plants such as yews and crabapples for winter food.

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    Leave some dried perennial seed heads in autumn.

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    Allow part of a field or pasture to grow naturally.

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    Provide fresh water. In freezing weather, use a submersible heater to prevent ice.

Sparrows on fence with pink blossoms

Birds at Fence Foothills Equestrian Nature Center

Common sightings include:

Bird of prey with young in nest

Broad-Winged Hawk

Red-tailed hawk in natural setting.

Red-Tailed Hawk

Dove resting in pine tree branches

Mourning Dove

Black bird on textured wooden surface

Chimney Swift

Woodpecker perched on a branch

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Woodpecker clinging to bark

Downy Woodpecker

Woodpecker feeding young in tree cavity

Northern Flicker

Bird perched on mossy nest

Eastern Phoebe

Bird feeding chick in nest

Barn Swallow

Black bird resting on a branch

American Crow

Brown bird with white stripe

Carolina Wren

Vibrant bluebird against tree bark

Eastern Bluebird

American robin with orange breast

American Robin

Brown bird perched near green leaves.

Brown Thrasher

Small bird with blue and yellow feathers

Yellow-Rumped Warbler

Small bird with yellow throat among leaves

Common Yellowthroat

Cardinal sitting on tree branch

Northern Cardinal

Bird tending nestlings in natural habitat

Indigo Bunting

Small bird perched on a branch

Chipping Sparrow

Bird with brown and white feathers

Song Sparrow

Brown bird in natural habitat

White-Throated Sparrow

Bright yellow bird with black wings

American Goldfinch

Two birds among pink blossoms

Field Guides

Recommended guides for birders:

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    The Sibley Guide to Birds โ€“ National Audubon Society, Illustrated by David Sibley

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    A Field Guide to the Birds โ€“ Roger Tory Peterson

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    Birding (Nature Company Guides)

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    Everything You Need to Know About Birding and Backyard Bird Attraction โ€“ Alan Pistorius

Essential Birding Tools & Links

Bird perched on white bucket

Binoculars

Binoculars are labelled by magnification and lens size (e.g., 8x40).

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    7xโ€“8x magnification with 30โ€“50mm lenses is ideal for most birders.

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    Look for a wide field of view and image stabilisation.

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    Expect to spend $100โ€“$250 for good mid-range quality.

Small bird resting on pink flowers

Birding Links