Infographic: Zoom Tube Coffee-Bird Challenge

Coffee-bird. That's what we call it. It's like a coffee break, but we see who's flying in our trees while we sip our java. Think of it as a stay-in-the-moment change-up that you can practice alone, with your spouse, or a kid. By the way, we also do Wine Bird some evenings.

A Zoom Tube monocular and the Merlin phone app are perfect partners for the Coffee-Bird Challenge.

Here's how to Play

We use a Zoom Tube monocular and Merlin, a free phone app. The Zoom Tube is a handy, powerful scope that boosts how you see nature. I love it and use mine all the time. Merlin, available on iOS and Android, listens to the birds where you are and identifies them for you. That's a great combo.

Step 1: List the ten most common birds in your yard.

Step 2: Be able to spot your feathered neighbors by their color, size, and shape.

Step 3: Learn them by their calls and songs.

Feel free to take your time.

There's no rush, and you might appreciate a break from the rest of the world. The first three or four birds will be easy to spot (American crow, anyone?), but it might get more challenging as you try to identify the final five types.

Payoff.

Knowing the ten birds is a simple way to strengthen your connection with nature, much like getting to know everyone at your local coffee shop. You don't need to become an expert birder, but this knowledge will undoubtedly boost your appreciation for the daily flyers you see.

Here's the list Julie and I created:

1. American Crow. Sure, they're loud and brash, but I love them. In our neighborhood, they'll fill a tree and then suddenly form a squawking black cloud, abruptly moving to the "right" tree.

2. House Finch and

3. Lesser Goldfinch. The sound of these two birds is home for me. The red finch is a nonstop chatterer, while the yellow finch's call and reply make me sigh with contentment.

4. Hermit Thrush. I love how bold this bird is. While I turned soil in the yard several times this year, this guy shows up to see and eat what I've exposed. It's like me and pizza.

5. Black Phoebe. He's a happy flycatcher, often near water, singing, and eating. How can you not like a Phoebe?

6. Cooper's Hawk: Yikes, orthoraptors. A couple built a nest in a tree near our house. The male flew missions over our yard every morning like clockwork until their nest was built. Look out, little birds.

7. Ruby Crowned Kinglet. If you were a bug, this bird would be like a velociraptor. It's a cute little yellowish-green specimen with a bright red spot on its head. It visits in the fall for a few weeks, then goes off again.

8. Cedar Waxwing. They are stunning birds but do they kinda look like fiendish-winged robots?

9. White Crowned Sparrow: Cool head and a fantastic song.

10. Scrub Jay: Who's louder, jays or crows? But I appreciate them. They are the screaming blue streak that livens up my yard.

Super Smart.

Powerful and resourceful, Jays are related to crows. They can comprehend both the past and the future.

Puffing my Feathers

I get a secret smile when I see one of "my birds" in another neighborhood.