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 Winter everyone!
Birding Journal:
Feb 10, 2026
Yesterday it was 83 degrees. Today 60. Last week it was in the teens. That’s winter in Texas. We’ve had precious little rain this winter (our rainy season) so we look more fondly at last summer’s July floods these days. We’ve had hardly any measurable rain since then.
There are lots of warblers and woodpeckers enjoying the peanut butter suet (bark butter). And a white-crowned sparrow has been joining us daily.
Most afternoons, the Gray Fox visits and cleans up the deer food that the Axis Deer and crows left behind at breakfast.
Purple Martins should be arriving in another week or so - always a happy time to first hear those wonderful birds twittering to each other as they soar over our backyard.
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.
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!