Feathered Stories: Carrissa’s Backyard Birding Journey

In this edition of Feathered Stories, we interview Carrissa, a Michigan-based bird enthusiast whose journey into birdwatching has reshaped her daily life and deepened her connection to the natural world.

Birdwatching is often seen as a peaceful way to reconnect with nature, inviting us to slow down and appreciate the world around us. For Carrissa, it becomes something even more personal—one that has sparked a passion for sharing high-quality wildlife videos and showcasing the best bird-feeding accessories. Through her eyes, birds are not just creatures to observe, but symbols of resilience, beauty, and tranquility.

The Moment That Sparked the Passion

Carrissa’s birdwatching journey began in the spring of 2023, during a period of personal loss. As she spent more time in solitude, she became deeply aware of the natural world around her. She shares:

“After my dad passed away in the spring of 2023, I found myself spending a lot of time sitting in silence on my deck. That’s when I started to notice just how ‘loud’ the world actually was—the birdsong filling the woods around my home. I was amazed at how many different calls I could pick out, realizing I had lived in this house for five years without ever truly hearing them. Curious, I put up my first small window feeder, and from that moment, I was hooked. What started as a simple distraction quickly turned into a deep passion for birdwatching.”

This transformative moment sparked a lifelong love for birds and the desire to learn more about the creatures around her. Over time, her small backyard turned into a haven for a variety of bird species.

A Special Connection with Favorite Birds

For Carrissa, picking a favorite bird isn’t easy, but a few have left an undeniable mark. “Red-bellied woodpeckers hold a special place in my heart—I have a beautiful mated pair that visits my feeders regularly, and watching them is such a joy.” Their visits have become familiar highlights in her backyard routine, moments that never fail to bring delight.

And then there are the birds that don’t stay year-round but are no less cherished. “If I had to pick a favorite migratory bird, it would be the Baltimore Orioles. Their arrival marks the start of summer, and their absence in the winter makes me appreciate them even more. It’s always so exciting to see them return!” With each seasonal return, these vibrant birds bring a quiet reminder of nature’s rhythms and the joy of watching them unfold.

Special Moments with Birds

Over the years, Carrissa has shared countless magical encounters with the birds in her backyard. Among the most memorable are her interactions with hummingbirds. As she recalls, “They’re incredibly curious and often fly right up to me while I’m changing out their feeders. Since they’re known for their excellent memory and ability to recognize people year after year, I like to think they remember me, too. It makes every encounter feel even more magical!” These close-up moments with the tiny, fast-moving birds leave a lasting impression each season.

In addition to these everyday wonders, Carrissa has also been fortunate to witness rarer visitors. She shares, “One of my rarest visitors has been the Northern Flicker. The first time I spotted one, it felt like such a special moment—I was lucky enough to capture it on video! Their unique markings and behavior make them so fascinating to watch, and seeing one up close was an unforgettable experience.” 

Recognizing Birds by Their Songs

Beyond their colorful appearances, Carrissa has developed a keen ear for identifying birds through their unique songs and calls. She shares, “Yes! I can identify most of my backyard birds just by their calls. One of my favorites is the Chickadee’s cheerful ‘cheese-bur-ger’ song—it always makes me smile. I also love the bold, almost barking call of the Red-bellied Woodpecker. Their sounds bring so much life to my backyard!”

Birdsong is often the first sign of seasonal change, and for many birdwatchers like Carrissa, it’s a soundtrack that turns an ordinary backyard into a living, breathing world.

A Small Rescue with a Big Impact

Not every memorable moment involves just watching—sometimes it calls for action. Carrissa recalls, “Yes! I once found a small House Finch stuck in an empty feeder. It was a bit of a surprise, but I was able to quickly and gently release it. Thankfully, it flew off just fine! It was such a relief to see it unharmed—it reminded me how important it is to keep an eye on our feeders and make sure they’re safe for our feathered visitors.”

Small incidents like these are a reminder that even the simplest acts of care can make a big difference. House Finches, known for their cheerful songs, remain some of the most common but cherished backyard companions.

Witnessing Fascinating Bird Behavior

Some of Carrissa’s favorite memories come from observing birds’ natural behaviors up close. One moment she treasures is watching a unique courtship display: “The mating dance of the Northern Flickers is absolutely magical! I’ve had the chance to witness them hopping around each other in my yard, almost like a choreographed performance. It was such a beautiful and fascinating display of their courtship behavior—definitely one of my favorite birdwatching moments!”

Northern Flickers are one of the few woodpeckers that often forage on the ground, and their lively dances add a spark of wonder to any birdwatcher’s day. Catching such a performance feels like witnessing a small secret of nature.

Transforming a Backyard into a Bird Haven

Turning a simple backyard into a birdwatching paradise can start with just a few thoughtful changes. In her own journey, adding different types of feeders made all the difference.

“Adding a variety of feeder types has completely transformed my backyard birdwatching! I never expected to attract so many different species, but incorporating platform feeders alongside tube feeders was a total game-changer. Providing different feeding options has made my yard a hotspot for birds, and it’s been amazing to see so much diversity right outside my window!”

Finding Life Lessons Through Birdwatching

Birdwatching has a way of slowing down even the busiest minds. It invites a deeper connection with nature and teaches valuable lessons about patience and presence. Reflecting on these changes, she shared:

“Birdwatching has completely changed my perspective on nature—and life in general. It’s a daily reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us. Trying to capture birds on camera has taught me an important lesson: we can’t control nature. Birds come and go as they please, and all we can do is observe and appreciate the moments we’re given. There are times I wish I could record every incredible sight, but that fleeting nature is what makes it so special. It’s a beautiful reminder to embrace the present.”

A Special Place for Birdwatching

Sometimes, the best birdwatching adventures don’t require traveling far. For her, the magic happens just steps from her home.

“My favorite place for birdwatching is right outside my French doors! I’ve set up feeders on my deck, and it’s incredible to watch the birds fly in from the woods behind my house straight to the feeders. It’s such a peaceful and magical spot, and honestly, it’s my favorite place to be.”

Dream Destinations for Bird Lovers

While backyard feeders offer daily joy, dreams of seeing new species in the wild still linger. Among her dream destinations, one stands out vividly.

“Honestly, I’d love to go anywhere that offers unique regional birds! But if I had to pick one, I’d absolutely love to visit Iceland and see the Puffins. Their vibrant personalities and striking appearance make them such a fascinating species, and witnessing them in their natural habitat would be a dream come true!”

Dreaming of Flight and Conversation

Some birdwatching dreams go beyond observation. When thinking about experiencing life as a bird, one species immediately comes to Carrissa’s mind.

“I’d probably choose to be a Red-tailed Hawk. I’ve seen a few soaring through the woods near my home, and I’m always in awe of their graceful flight. To experience that freedom and see the world from their perspective would be amazing!”

If she could go even further and communicate with the birds she loves, Carrissa knows she would spend most of her time simply listening.

“Honestly, I’m not sure! There are so many things I’d love to ask them, but I think I’d be too busy just listening to what they have to say. Maybe I’d ask them about their journeys or what they think of the feeders in my yard!”

Encouragement for Bird Lovers

For those just beginning their birdwatching journey—or looking for a meaningful way to support local wildlife—Carrissa offers simple but heartfelt advice.

“One small action that can make a big difference is setting up a bird feeder, no matter how small. It’s such an easy way to help provide food for birds, and it’s amazing how much they appreciate it! I encourage everyone to just give it a try and see how rewarding it can be.”

But beyond the practical steps, she reminds others to embrace the quiet rhythm of birdwatching itself.

“Patience is key when it comes to birdwatching. Sometimes, it takes a little time for the birds to appear, but when they do, it’s always worth the wait. Embrace the seasons, too—each one brings different species and behaviors. Watching the birds change with the seasons keeps the experience fresh and exciting, and it’s a beautiful reminder of nature’s cycles. Take your time and enjoy the journey!”

Continuing the Journey

We’re incredibly grateful to Carrissa for taking the time to share her birdwatching journey and heartfelt insights in this interview. Her passion reminds us that the most meaningful connections with nature often begin by simply slowing down to observe and appreciate the world around us.

If you’d like to follow more of Carrissa’s adventures and experience the beauty of backyard birdwatching, be sure to check out her TikTok account @ChirpNook. Her videos capture stunning moments with birds and offer a glimpse into the everyday magic of wildlife. （All images and videos shown above—except for the two with credited sources—are Carrissa’s original work.）

Curious to read more stories from fellow bird lovers? Click on Feathered Stories to explore.

We also invite you to share your own birdwatching stories! Whether it’s a special encounter, a favorite species, or simply a peaceful moment spent with nature, every story helps celebrate the wonder of birds and the joy they bring into our lives.