Bird feeding provides enjoyment to millions of North Americans each year. When proper feeding methods are followed, both humans and birds derive benefits from feeders. However, recent research on the impact of bird feeding has shown that feeders can sometimes be a source of disease for the birds visiting them. There is good news, too: With minimal effort, any feeder operator in North America can provide a safe, healthy feeding station for birds.

Looking for the best ways to attract hummingbirds? BWD editor Bill Thompson, III, lists the most effective ways to make your hard a hummingbird haven.

Sunflower seed may be the hamburger of the bird world, but don't you sometimes get bored scooping the same old seed out of those 50-pound bags? We'll never know if the birds get bored, too. But just in case they are yawning at your feeder offerings, BWD editor Bill Thompson, III, has a few suggestions to help you break out of the old feeder routine.

What bird is that? Consult our bird identification guide to ID mystery birds in the backyard and beyond. We have photos, song recordings, in-depth entries, and more to help bird watchers correctly identify the birds they spot.