Did you know birdwatching (aka birding) is the number one hobby in America? According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, there are 51.3 million birders in the U.S. and the ranks are growing. Want to see what all the flap’s about? For starters, all you need are binoculars, a field guide and a notepad.

To attract more birds to your yard, try landscaping with seed-producing plants like sunflowers, snapdragons or larkspur. Larger trees such as flowering dogwood, oak and chestnut provide safe summer nesting and protection from predators.

Create additional shelter for smaller birds with nesting pockets or natural woven birdhouses and hang a bottle bird feeder filled with seeds – or a hummingbird feeder with red sugar-water – in a convenient location (keep at least six feet away from tree trunks, limbs or fences to discourage squirrels and other rodents from horning in). Complete the theme with a fun flamingo windchime, then sit back and watch the birdies.