I consider myself a bona fide nature loving urban girl, but ever since referring to a seagull as a “beach pigeon” one vacation, I don’t exactly get props for my ornithological taxonomic prowess.

There may be hope yet. Through my in-laws’ and our neighbors’ new spring feeders, Laurel and I have discovered a lof of fun in backyard birding. Not surprisingly, our resident preschool sponge already has matched my bird ID abilities, and she’s now looking for answers that I don't have. I couldn’t find a quick, visual online catalog of common backyard birds, but the Audubon Songbirds and Other Backyard Birds calendar looks like it will do the trick. Even though we’re already a third of the way into the year, this visual aid looks worth it based on the rave user reviews; you also can preorder the 2008 calendar.

For budding birding enthusiasts, check out the Audubon at home guide for tips on how to create your own little backyard bird sanctuary.