As the life list grows it diminishes in importance as an incentive to bird in one's own neighborhood or region. Most birders are avid outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and camping. Many hunters and fisherman take up birding to give them outdoor recreation out of the hunting and fishing seasons. For me, birding was the introduction to a new career in wildlife management. A bird feeder can provide the opportunity to attract a variety of species.
Feeders are especially attractive to birds in northern areas in the winter when food is scarce.
Birding is a relatively inexpensive sport. The only items needed are a good pair of binoculars and a bird field guide. Binoculars should be light weight because of the many hours they'll be hanging around your neck. They should be wide-angle because you'll often be searching or trying to follow a moving bird. They should focus to within 15 feet for those birds that are approachable.