Of course, there are lots of gadgets and specialized items of clothing for birders. There are scope bags, birding vests, various kinds of headgear, thousands of books, videotapes, etc. that dealers are eager to sell you. You will see these items advertised in the back of birding magazines or in local stores. Like any sport or hobby, one can spend large sums of money collecting gear, but it is not necessary for the enjoyment of birding. Your Front Yard Consider installing a year-round bird feeder.
Hummingbird feeders can be fun in the spring and fall.
There are a variety of bird feeders available at many retail stores or through catalogs. The best overall bird food for your feeder is black oil sunflower seeds. Cheaper bird food sold in grocery stores usually contains a high percentage of millet. Few local species can crack the millet seeds, with the result that millet will become scattered on the ground beneath the feeder as the birds knock the millet out of the feeder seeking out the occasional sunflower seed in the mix. Black oil sunflower seeds are available at a number of locations in Birmingham including Massey's, HQ, Home Depot, Birds Unlimited, and many large grocery stores.