Celebrate National Bird Day with These Tips and Tricks

Hey birdwatchers! Do you know what today is? It’s National Bird Day!

It’s National Bird Day, and we’re here to help you celebrate in style (and with snacks for the birds, obviously).

Whether you're a seasoned birder or just here for the aesthetic of birds in snow, we’ve got a few tips to make your birdwatching adventure feel less like wandering and more like wow, I’m good at this.

Get the Right Gear (or at Least Pretend You Did)

Binoculars are a must. You don’t need anything high-tech or bank-breaking. Just something that helps you spot that tufted titmouse without squinting so hard your face cramps. If you're new, look for a pair with solid light gathering and image stabilization. That way, even shaky hands and cloudy skies can't ruin the view.

Notebook or notepad. Trust us—you will forget what you saw five minutes ago. Jot down bird sizes, colors, weird little dances, and wing drama. Bonus points if you sketch (no judgment if your blue jay looks like a potato).

Bird ID guide. Don’t be the person who says “uhh, maybe it was a duck?” A good field guide or bird app helps you figure out who’s who. Plus, there’s something weirdly satisfying about checking a new species off your list.

Go Where the Birds Are (Hint: Everywhere)

One of the best parts of birding? You can do it almost anywhere. Backyard? Yep. Local park? Perfect. The tree outside your window while you sip coffee in your pajamas? Counts.

Want to level up? Look for local wetlands, forests, or nature trails. These spots tend to attract a wider variety of birds—and bonus, they’re usually pretty peaceful too. Before you go full explorer mode, double-check park rules. Keep your distance from nests and always respect the space. No one likes a birdwatcher who scares the birds away.

Feed the Birds, Obviously

Want the birds to come to you? That’s what bird feeders and seed are for. Stock up on their favorites—sunflower seeds, suet, peanuts—and set up shop right in your yard. Then grab a lawn chair, a warm drink, and enjoy the fluttery chaos. Need seed? Swing by Merriam Feed. We've got bulk blends, suet flavors birds write tweets about, and feeder options to suit every setup.

Happy birding from all of us at Merriam Feed. And don’t forget to tag us if you spot something cool—we love a good bird photo.