When you discover the world of birding, your visual universe will expand ten fold, and before you know it, even the simple act of looking out the window can yield amazing new discoveries. Just look at what's been in my back yard...

What's that you say? Live in the city? Not a green thing in sight?

Plant window boxes with bright red flowers to attract hummingbirds, attach a birdfeeder to your window ledge (securely!), get out those lawn chairs and hit your building's rooftop...There are birds out there, trust me!

Still skeptical? Take a hop skip and a jump over to the Pemburns' urban oasis in Baltimore. Their tiny little yard has had its fair share of visitors...
98 and counting...so no excuses city dwellers!

Visit other yards and parks around the country:

Janet Slivoski in Indiana
Dan Marquis in Lewiston, Maine
Birding in Central Park
Wild Birds Unlimited Feeder Cam (3 minute refresh).

Looking to add a rare bird to your "life list?"
Try Voice of the Naturalist, birding hotline par excellence...Just pick up the phone and dial (301)652-1088, or visit them online.

Voice of the Naturalist is maintained by the Audubon Naturalist Society, a hallowed (100 years old and going strong) organization in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
If you find yourself hooked on their hotline, please consider becoming a member! Lots of great things going on there, especially for birders.

For up to the minute updates along the lines of:

"It's 5:35 am, the Kelp Gull has been sighted...I repeat, the Kelp Gull has been sighted. He's nibbling on a jumbo shrimp in the back parking lot of the Sea Breeze Restaurant....email for directions."