I'm taking a break from highlighting birds you may see in the area, and I'm going to point out what you can do and not me! Here are some ideas that you can do in your own yard and neighborhoods.

• Using your phone, download the app Merlin by Cornell Lab. This is a most enjoyable app where you can sit outside any location, activate the sound recording, and have it tell you what birds you are hearing. The bird's name will be highlighted when the app hears it! I have friends that send each other the session lists across country and share what they are hearing on their porch real time.*
• Keep a list. Whether you are bird feeding, walking in the neighborhood, or hiking, start a list of all the birds you see and hear. These are life lists and are a wonderful way to see how you can collect species of birds. Other list can be house list, vacation list, and work list.
• Feed the birds. After many years I have found that hard core birders and backyard bird feeding people are different. That's OK. The birder will want good binoculars, field guide, hiking attire, and often exotic places for travel. The backyard birder will outfit their yard with feeder, birdbaths, bird houses, and plants that attract wildlife. Check out this Indiana specific list of birds and what they eat. Print it and then use it to choose different foods to attract specific birds. You can also use the list to check off birds you see in your yard.

*Also check out apps Audubon Bird Guide, eBird by Cornell Lab and iBird Pro Guide to Birds