We all know them. They buy 25-pound bags of sunflower seeds at the local warehouse club. Their backyards are a hodgepodge of feeders. You'll find binoculars on the windowsill above their kitchen sink. They're the backyard bird lovers in our lives, and when it comes time to shop for a special gift for such a person, what better way to go than to cater to their love of all things feathered. So when it comes time to shop for your favorite bird lover, here are a few ideas to consider:

Bird Baths: Bird baths make a great addition to any garden. From heavy, concrete stand-up varieties, to smaller resin models and even some that are meant to be hung from tree branches, bird baths are attractive, functional, and a great way to attract birds to a yard. As an add-on gift -- or for someone who already has a bird bath -- why not purchase a small bird bath heater to keep water flowing in winter months.

Bird Waterers: Okay, so your favorite bird lover cannot possibly fit another feeder into their backyard. For something a little bit different, why not purchase a waterer. Generally these are similar in style to bird feeders, but they hold a reservoir of water, and ports that allow birds to drink. They can usually be hung right beside bird feeders, and are something that even the most avid bird lovers usually don't have.

Plants: So what do plants have to do with birds? Plenty. A great gift for a backyard bird lover is any plant that will attract birds. Most garden centers have plant guides and one of the things that's usually indicated is which plants attract birds. Choose perennials that will be around for many seasons to come or a bright annual in a hanging basket for immediate gratification.

Nesting materials: Another great gift idea is a box that holds nesting materials such as raffia, straw, and bits of fiber. They can often be found in specialty stores such as feed stores and garden centers or online. What's nice about these boxes is that once they're empty, they're a great way to recycle. You can refill them with dryer lint, hair from your (or your pet's) hairbrush, bits of string, and the like. It encourages birds to nest in your yard, and makes an unusual gift for a bird lover.

Bird books: Most bookstores have a large nature section that include a variety of bird books. Whether it's a book geared to attracting birds to a garden or one that focuses on identifying local birds, a book makes a great gift. Some books even come with CDs that identify birdsongs.

Accessories: Why not make a bird lover's basket? Fill it with suet cakes, specialty birdseeds, hummingbird nectar mix, and maybe a few bird-themed novelties such as bookmarks, earrings, or garden ornaments.

The Gift of Giving: If the bird lover in your life has everything he or she possibly needs, then consider making a donation in their name to an organization such as The National Audubon Society. What better way to honor the recipient's love of wildlife than by supporting its preservation.

If none of these gift ideas strike your fancy, then head out to your local garden center, pet shop, or feed and supply store where you'll be sure to find plenty of additional inspiration. These days, the merchandise available for bird lovers is plentiful and creative, and you're certain to find just the right gift.