Think walking is boring? Set your sights on birding and listen closely

Backyard birding - it's easy, free, and just outside your door. If you're looking for something to do that doesn't take too much time (an hour or less), take a walk, look, and listen.

Birds are everywhere ... in trees, on fences, power lines, and porches. Track what kind of birds you see—and how many. In my neighborhood, we’ve got blue jays, seagulls, pigeons, robins, cardinals, chick-a-dee, dee, dees, and sometimes, woodpeckers.

If you find you enjoy it, get ready for the Great Backyard Bird Count. It happens every year—and you can take part.

Of course there’s no equipment needed for watching birds ...  but if you have them, grab a notebook and the binoculars.

We took a walk this spring and heard the woodpeckers ... listen here!