field guide are valuable tools any time of year. Bring a notebook to mark which species you spy, and create a log for reference as you track a variety of species through different areas in the seasons and years to come.

One great resource for bird watching tips and events is the National Audubon Society ? you can even find state offices and local chapters for your area on their Web site. Once you're there, sign up for the 108th annual Christmas Bird Count, and join over 50,000 bird enthusiasts in identifying and counting birds throughout North America from Dec. 14 - Jan. 5. If you're up for yet more bird watching fun, check out the Great Backyard Bird Count (Feb. 15 - 18) ? last year's participants reported over 11 million birds of 616 species! There's also Project Feederwatch, which runs from November to early April (sign up is open until Feb. 28), and eBird, where birdwatchers can report sightings year-round.

Bird watching is a fun, often surprising, way to connect with nature, and it's one pleasure you can enjoy out in the wild or from the comfort of your own home. Are you an avid birder? Share your tips in the comments section below.