LEARN ABOUT BIRDS
Getting Started
Watching and listening to birds is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to engage with nature. Anyone who has watched the fascinating behaviors of birds at their backyard feeders can tell you that the pastime is both rewarding and regenerating.  It is even more rewarding when you are armed with a little knowledge about the birds you are observing, and that’s what Learn to Bird is all about. Here you’ll find a rich array of resources to help you get started learning about birds.
These resources include a rich video library of tutorials to build your birding skills, an accessible community outreach program for live presentations and field trips, tools for educators, and more. If you’re new to birding, start here with these introductory brochures.
John Cebula shares guidelines for a good birding experience. He explores the basic tools you need, where to find birds, how to look at a bird, best time of day, and how to work a trail for optimum sightings.
DBC member John Cebula explores methods that experienced birders use to see more species of birds. These include keeping lists of seen birds, exploring different habitats and regions, understanding the influence of weather and time of year, studying closely, tapping into the many resources available for birders, and of course, doing a lot of birding!
DBC member John Cebula explains how to put down the welcome mat for your backyard birds with food, water, housing, and bird-friendly plantings. This leaflet covers the basics for creating a habitat for birds.
DBC member John Cebula says "YES" birds need our help. He explains why we should care, discusses the main threats to birds and lists 10 things we can do to help the birds.
DBC member John Cebula discusses the basics of constructing bird houses, their placement, and how to protect and clean them. Also included is a list of nest box dimensions for common birds in our area.
Your most important investment in birding gear is a pair of binoculars. DBC member Stan Barrack explores everything you ever wanted to know about bin selection.  This deep dive covers all the factors that affect your viewing experience, including magnification, objective lens, field of view, exit pupil, eye relief, close focus capabilities, prism type, glass coatings, depth of field, and size and weight.
An article about hummingbirds and how to attract them to your garden by John Cebula.
Hundreds of live-action birding webcams let you do a little armchair birding any time of day.
Words on Birds
DBC member Jeff Reiter writes a monthly column on birding for The Daily Herald newspaper. Jeff also leads a regular bird walk at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL where he works. These columns are available on his blog, Words on Birds. Topics are relevant to DuPage County birders of all levels. http://wordsonbirds.blogspot.com/