If you had told me a few years ago that one of my favorite hobbies would be sitting quietly on my back porch watching birds, I probably would have laughed. Now, it's one of my favorite parts of the day.
Most mornings and evenings you'll find me outside with a cup of coffee or my camera, watching the birds come and go. Some stop by for only a few seconds before flying off. Others have become such familiar visitors that they almost feel like family Most of them even have names.
One of my favorites is named Jeffrey. He's a bright red Northern Cardinal who visits our yard almost every day, and yes, I talk to him like we're old friends. If you've followed me on social media for very long, you've probably seen him make an appearance once or twice.
People often ask how I get so many bird photos, and the answer is pretty simple. I spend time watching them.
The more time you spend outside, the more you begin to notice their routines, their personalities, and even the sounds they make before they land. Jeffrey has a high pitch “chirp”. You start recognizing familiar faces, noticing who shows up first each morning, and learning which birds prefer certain feeders or favorite spots in the yard.
You don't have to travel to a wildlife refuge or a national park to experience nature (although I often do go to both to photograph the beautiful birds there as well). Sometimes all you need is a comfortable chair, a little patience, and a bird feeder in your backyard.
Why I Started Feeding Birds
Like a lot of hobbies in my life, bird watching began with simple curiosity.
I put up a feeder because I thought it would be nice to have a few birds visit the yard. Before long, I found myself wondering what each species was called, why some birds came every day while others only appeared during certain seasons, and what kinds of food they liked best.
The more I learned, the more fascinated I became. Eventually, my camera started coming outside with me.
As a photographer, I've always loved noticing small details. Bird watching has given me even more opportunities to slow down and pay attention. Every visit feels a little different, and every season brings something new to discover.
More than anything, it reminds me to stop and take a break. In a world that's constantly moving, sitting quietly and watching God's creation has become one of the simplest ways I can reset after a busy day.
My Five Favorite Backyard Birds
1. Northern Cardinals
If you've spent any time around here, you've probably already met Jeffrey (our regular Northern Cardinal).
Northern Cardinals have become my favorite backyard visitors. There's something about that bright red flash against the green trees that never gets old. They're beautiful in every season, and they're often among the first birds to arrive each morning. Jeffrey is here at 7 am sharp most days.
Jeffrey has become such a regular visitor that I genuinely notice when he doesn't show up. Whether he's perched on the fence or waiting patiently at the feeder, he always brings a smile to my face. He's become part of our family's daily routine, even if he doesn't realize it.
2. Eastern Bluebirds
Eastern Bluebirds are some of the prettiest birds we see in North Florida.
Their soft blue feathers and warm rusty-orange chests almost look painted. They have such a peaceful presence, and seeing one perched on a fence post always feels like a little gift. Unlike some birds that seem to announce their arrival, bluebirds often appear quietly. You look up, and there they are, until it is mating season or the babies are born. Then they become quite loud.
They're one of my favorite birds to photograph because their colors are so bright and beautiful, especially during the soft light of early morning or just before sunset.
3. House Finches
House Finches may not be the flashiest birds in the backyard, but they're some of my favorites. I love watching them gather at the feeders together. They're social, active, and always seem busy.
The males wear soft shades of red, while the females have delicate brown streaks that blend beautifully into the landscape. We have a couple that visit our feeders often named Ashley and Bob.
They're a reminder that beauty doesn't always demand attention. Sometimes it's found in the quiet details.
4. Mourning Doves
Mourning Doves bring a sense of peace wherever they land, especially our regular pair named Dilly and Dally. There's something calming about their gentle cooing in the morning and the way they quietly wander beneath the feeders, cleaning up seeds that other birds have dropped.
They come faithfully, even on rainy days, and I think that's exactly why I enjoy them so much. I can always count on seeing them perched under our banana trees and they always bring a smile to my face.
Their soft colors blend into the landscape, and they seem completely content moving at their own pace.
5. Mockingbirds
Mockingbirds are some of the most entertaining birds you'll find in a North Florida backyard. They're full of personality and always seem to have something to say.
One of the things I love most about them is their incredible ability to mimic the songs of other birds. It's amazing to listen carefully and realize just how many different sounds they can make. It is so easy to mistake them for other birds.
They're also surprisingly bold. I've watched them chase away much larger birds when protecting their nests, and they do it without hesitation.
We even have one that chases a crow and plucks at its tail feathers every single day. It never gets old to watch and cracks me up every time I see it.
Their confidence, curiosity, and beautiful songs make them one of the most interesting birds to watch throughout the year.
What I Feed My Backyard Birds
People often ask what kind of bird seed I use. Thankfully, you don't need anything complicated.
I keep my feeders filled with a quality songbird mix along with black oil sunflower seeds. That combination attracts a wonderful variety of birds throughout the year without having to buy several different types of seed.
Fresh water is just as important as food, especially during our long Florida summers. Birds depend on bird baths for drinking and cooling off. It's amazing how quickly they'll discover a fresh source of water.
My Favorite Feeders
After trying several different styles, I've found that open platform feeders work best for my yard. They attract a wide variety of birds, they're easy to clean, and they give birds plenty of room to land comfortably.
As a photographer, I also like that they allow birds to move naturally instead of being tucked behind small feeder openings. It makes photographing them a little easier and creates more natural-looking images.
An Affordable Bird Bath I Love
One of my favorite bird baths actually came from Aldi. It cost only $14.99, and it's been one of the best additions to our backyard.
I've also had a lot of fun making bird baths from thrift store finds. Decorative plates, old lamp bases, and glass vases can all be turned into beautiful bird baths with a little creativity.
Not only do they save money, but each one has its own personality. I think those homemade projects are often my favorites because they're one of a kind.
Planting for Birds and Pollinators
One of the best things I've added to our yard is mealycup sage. It attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds (although I didn’t see any this year) while adding beautiful color to the garden for months at a time.
The more I've learned about gardening, the more I've realized that every plant can serve a purpose. Some provide food, some offer shelter, and others simply make the space more inviting for wildlife.
It's rewarding to know that even a small backyard can become a place where birds and pollinators thrive.
A Few Tips for Photographing Backyard Birds
You don't need an expensive camera to enjoy photographing birds. The biggest secret is patience. Spend time simply watching before you start taking pictures. Notice where birds like to perch, when they visit your feeders, and how the light changes throughout the day.
If you're using your phone, move slowly and let the birds become comfortable with your presence. If you're using a camera with a telephoto lens, focus on the bird's eye whenever possible. Sharp eyes make a huge difference in wildlife photography.
Most importantly, don't rush. Some of my favorite bird photographs happened because I was already outside enjoying the moment and happened to have my camera with me, not because I went looking for the perfect shot.
Looking a Little Closer
One of the unexpected gifts of bird watching is that it changes the way you see the world. You begin noticing things that once blended into the background; the bluebird quietly perched on the fence, the dove patiently waiting beneath the feeder, the mockingbird singing from the top of a pine tree, Jeffrey arriving right on schedule, the tiny House Finch gathering nesting material.
Those little moments remind me that God's creation is constantly pointing us toward His faithfulness. Jesus spoke about birds more than once, using them as a reminder that our Heavenly Father sees and cares for even the smallest parts of His creation. Every time I sit outside, I'm reminded that if we slow down long enough to notice, there's beauty all around us.
You don't need acres of land, expensive equipment, or years of experience to enjoy bird watching. Sometimes all it takes is a handful of bird seed, a simple feeder, and a willingness to pay attention.
You never know who might stop by tomorrow.
My Favorite Bird Watching Supplies
If you're thinking about creating a bird-friendly backyard, these are a few of the things I use and love:
- Open platform bird feeders
- Black oil sunflower seeds
- Quality songbird seed mix
- My Aldi bird bath
- DIY thrifted bird baths
- Mealycup sage for birds, bees, and butterflies
- My camera and telephoto lens
- A comfortable chair and a cup of coffee
Sometimes the best hobby is simply sitting still long enough to notice the life happening all around you. I know that's been true for me. Every bird that visits our backyard reminds me to slow down, look a little closer, and appreciate the beauty that God has placed right outside my back door.