It’s almost Purple Martin time. Are your houses ready? Need a new house to start that colony? You’d be hard-pressed to find a greater joy in birding than being a Purple Martin steward. Find out how.

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Rather Be Birding

Discover the joy of Birding - no experience required.

Become a better birder, connect with nature, and enjoy every moment outdoors.

Why Birding Matters - Our Mission

Birding invites us to slow down, look closely, and reconnect with the living world around us. In noticing birds—their colors, songs, migrations, and quiet presence—we become more attentive to nature and to ourselves. Birding sharpens our curiosity, restores a sense of calm, and reminds us that wonder can be found anywhere, from a backyard feeder to a distant trail. It also builds awareness of the delicate ecosystems we share, encouraging stewardship, contributing to ecosystem conservation and care for the natural world. At its heart, birding is not about how many species you know or how far you travel—it’s about being present, learning continuously, and finding joy in the simple act of paying attention.

We’re having so much fun with our new smart birdfeeder. You really need to consider one for your backyard birds!

Happy Winter everyone!

Birding Journal:

January 27, 2026

Is it spring yet?

We survived the Winter 2026 Ice-palooza here in Central Texas. Almost 1/2” of snow and a thin crust of ice was enough to slow almost the whole state to a crawl and we pray for those that were hit much worse than our little acreage.

The weather has encouraged more birds to join our backyard buffet from the little raccoon that helps “clean-up” each night to the Yellow-rumped, Orange-crowned, Pine and Palm Warblers that have visited our cam-feeder this past week. They join the hundreds of Chipping Sparrows and all the usual suspects eating suet and peanut pieces and seed to keep their energy flowing during this cold spell.

We’re getting ready for Purple Martins who arrive in mid-February and our trip to Arizona in a few weeks.

Happy Birding!

Who we are

At Rather Be Birding, every product, post, and photo comes from a lifelong love of birds. I’m Marj — birder, backyard feeder, and nature enthusiast — here to help you bring more birds, beauty, and joy to your own backyard and your life. Because no matter the season, there’s always something new to discover when you’d rather be birding.

Read the rest of the story
A Red-tailed Hawk soaring in a clear blue sky with its wings spread wide.

Red-tailed Hawk

A chickadee, perched on a cluster of red berries with a green background.
A godwit with a long pink beak walking on sandy beach near water
Close-up of a golden eagle's head with a green background.
A Painted Bunting with a blue head, green wings, and red body perched on a rock.

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