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.
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 Holidays everyone!
Birding Journal:
January 4, 2026
Happy New Year!
We enjoyed an unusual moment tonight. Coming out of the restaurant just at dark, I noticed birds calling overhead - lots of birds. Waves of birds flying in low over our heads but it was nearly too dark to make out their shape. We decided they must be cormorants or ducks and kept watching hundreds of birds fly in. They settled in a water retention pond next to the restaurant. Black-bellied Whistling Ducks by the hundreds roosting for the night in the pond were fun to see and hear. Love that whistle!
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.
Red-tailed Hawk
Contact Us
Keep in touch and tell us about your birding experiences. Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!