We've been enjoying getting to know the birds that live on our property -- there are quite a few different species here since our land includes a variety of habitats, from meadows to aspen groves to mixed conifer forest.
We have found that the Merlin app from Cornell Labs is a useful tool for identifying birds. We listen for birds using the Sound ID feature of the app from several locations on the property morning and evening most days. Over time, we've been able to spot some of the birds we've learned by their song with the binoculars, so we can confirm the sighting and add our observations to our life lists on the Merlin app and on eBird.
So far, the species we've heard and/or seen include
Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
American Robin
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Warbling Vireo
Cassin's Finch
Townsend's Solitaire
House Wren
Mountain Chickadee
Dark-eyed Junco
Cordilleran Flycatcher
Common Raven
Pine Grosbeak
Western Bluebird
Spotted Towhee
Green-tailed Towhee
Tree Swallow
Pygmy Nuthatch
Black-Capped Chickadee
Pine Siskin
Brown-headed Cowbird
Dusky Flycatcher
Mountain Bluebird
Hairy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Clark's Nutcracker
Stellar's Jay
Northern Flicker
Vesper Sparrow
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Cedar Waxwing
Common Nighthawk
Dusky Grouse
Canada Goose
Over the next few years, we intend to track the species that visit our land and make small improvements to their habitat, adding some native fruiting shrubs for food and shelter and perhaps a water feature.