5 Tips for Becoming a Backyard Birder
 If you have to stay close to home, use it as an opportunity to become a backyard birder. Birds are very active attracting mates and rearing chicks in spring, and many avian visitors are passing through. Get an idea of what birds you can expect to see with Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine's list of Texas backyard birds.
Watch birds from your porch, lawn or window in early morning or late afternoon – and keep a camera close by to capture their antics. Here are 5 ways to encourage visits from our feathered friends:
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Water: Birds are amusing when they take baths, and they need drinking water, so place 1"-2" deep containers (like plant saucers) of fresh water in an open area. Containers should be refilled daily and cleaned weekly.
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Food: Try raw sunflower seeds or raw peanuts in a feeder or on the ground. If you hang a hummingbird feeder, clean it each week.
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Shelter: if you don't have a wildscape yet, buy or build a birdhouse or two.
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Avoid Pesticides: Many birds eat insects and spiders.
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Keep Cats Indoors: Cats kill birds, so birds will avoid areas with cats.
Watch our short video with tips from a wildlife biologist on how to get started birding. Be patient if the birds don't show up right away... they will come.
 Wildlife live streams can be entertaining, calming and a little bit addictive. Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine has put together a list of some current live streams, including one on the Bolivar Flats that allows you to take control of the camera. A very popular live stream is the West Texas Hummingbirds cam – the frenzy of hummer antics should ramp up in May.
April 22 is the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. The creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Endangered Species Act were both in response to Earth Day demonstrations in 1970. It is now observed around the world as a day to raise environmental awareness and engage citizens in creating a cleaner, healthier world.
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