Birdwatching has been a pastime of mankind for untold centuries, birds are fascinating to us due to their bright colors, beautiful calls and, most importantly, their ability to fly. We've been watching birds since we first looked up, and I'm glad to say that we've made leaps and bounds when it comes to information on birds, what attracts them, and ways to bring them close enough to see in their full, natural glory. Whether you're an amateur birdwatcher or an Audobon aficionado, setting up a bird house in your yard can be a fun and rewarding experience for home bird watching.

There are basically two kinds of birdhouses out there, those that are purchased and those that are built. Many birds will love and enjoy any store bought bird houses you add to your yard without complaint. Others, however, have very specific living needs and will only live in bird houses built to their specifications. A quick online search can tell you what kinds of birds would live in your area and what kind of housing or nests they prefer so you can do your best to attract them with housing they'll seek out aside from more natural roosts.

Once you know what kind of birds live in your area, you can get to work on finding or building the perfect homes for the birds in your area. Be sure that they are high enough off the ground that birds will feel comfortable approaching them. Being close to natural cover like trees is also a plus, it makes the birds feel safer and gives them somewhere they can escape to in case of natural predators (or neighborhood cats). Whether your bird houses are built or bought, you're sure to be rewarded with a little extra company in your yard this season to enjoy from the comfort of your living room or porch.