Backyard Birds

Year Published: 1988

Complete Record: Many birds live near people. Such birds are attracted to the grass, trees, shrubs, and flowers - as well as to the bird feeders, birdhouses, and birdbaths - of suburban neighborhoods. This film introduces a variety of birds that feed, breed, and groom in a family’s backyard. The family is able to observe birds in all season. In spring a house sparrow family builds a nest in a backyard birdhouse. Other birds, such as robins and cardinals, build nests and care for their broods in trees surrounding the family’s house. Birds drink at the birdbath, taking water into their beaks and then tilting their heads back to swallow. A starling and a robin seem to be enjoying their baths as they flick their wings, splashing water on themselves. the family even manages to attract a ruby-throated hummingbird to its backyard. By fall young birds are on their own and can be observed feeding. Migratory birds like hummingbirds and robins will soon fly south for the winter. the family sets up feeders for birds like starlings and house sparrows that remain in their breeding grounds during the winter. The family also puts out suet to attract birds such as woodpeckers and nuthatches, which usually live in wooded areas away from people. The birdseed and suet provided by the family supplement winter’s limited natural food supply. As spring begins, the family eagerly watches for the return of the robins, an event that marks the start of the breeding season.