Taking notes is a great way to learn about birds like me. And also capture many good memories and experiences.

When you see a bird, don’t rush to the bird book or field guide to identify it. Remember, the bird isn’t going to stick around for you. It will eventually fly away. The photo in the book will remain, but the actual bird will not. So relax and study it, noting what you see.

Some things you might want to jot down about us include:

• Shape and size: Is it plump or slender? About the size of a robin or larger?

• Body parts: Do the legs look long or short? Is the beak short or skinny? Does it have a crested head or maybe a forked tail?

• Color and Markings: Are there prominent bands of color or eyestripes? Does it have a speckled breast?

• Movement: How does it fly? Does it glide or swoop? How does it do on the ground or on a branch? Does it run or hop? Does it bob its tail?

• Location/Season: Where did you see it? What was the habitat like? What was the weather like?

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My friends and I are hungry! Read on for tips to help you.

1. Don’t buy bags of mixed birdseed. They contain filler, like red millet, that we won’t eat. It’s not a bargain. We’ll kick it to the ground where it rots. Stay away from mixed birdseed.

2. When you first put food out for us, be patient. It takes some time, as long as several weeks, before word spreads it’s there. And make sure you keep them filled, even if you don’t see us. Often we may come when you’re not looking, or those squirrels will help themselves to our feast.

3. Store the seed in a cool, dry place, in a rodent-proof, metal can. Seed doesn’t last forever, and we’re not fond of old seed. Or any questionable seed. If you think there may be mold, do us a favor, pitch it!

4. If it’s winter and you’re going on vacation, please have someone fill our birdfeeders. We depend on your food source, especially in the winter!

5. Don’t forget the drink! We need clean water to wash down your tasty seeds. Check out this cool seed and water feeder at birdfeeders.com.

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Dave McNamara of FOX8TV reports on hummingbird action in Louisiana on the coldest days of the year! (See our popular Perky-Pet® pinch waist feeder throughout this video!)

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