Birdwatching is more than just spotting feathered friends; it’s intricately connected to learning, discovery, and excitement. It allows children to appreciate nature while improving their environmental literacy and interest in environmental stewardship.
Here are some fun activities to get kids excited about birdwatching:
Create a Birdwatching Journal
Children who are already digitally connected may want to jump into recording their birdwatching activies and birds they spot by completing an eBird checklist or joining community science programs like Project Feederwatch, both offered through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It also can be fun and engaging for children to create their own birdwatching journals, where they can express their creativity and hone their observational skills in artistic or non-traditional ways. For example, your child might want to:
- Draw or photograph birds: Capture their sightings through art or pictures.
- Record dates and locations: Note where and when they observed different species.
- Include behavior observations: Describe what the birds were doing.
For added fun, children can add information about birds' habitats, diet, and unique sounds, deepening their understanding of avian life.
Play Bird Identification Games
Games can transform a regular day into an exciting adventure! Here are some engaging bird identification games for kids:
Bird Bingo
Create bingo cards featuring various local bird species. As kids spot birds, they can mark them off on their cards. The first to complete a row, either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, can shout "Bingo!" This game promotes vigilance and knowledge about common birds in their area.
Spot the Bird Challenge
Set a timer and challenge the kids to spot as many different bird species as they can within a specific time frame. Afterward, they can share their findings with the family. This activity enhances their observational skills and encourages friendly mixed-age competition.
Build Birdhouses and Feeders
Involving children in DIY projects like building birdhouses or feeders can enhance their connection with birds and help them better understand the habits and seasonality of bird nesting and feeding activities. They can research birds that are found locally or that they want to attract, and either design or find plans for birdhouses and feeders that are appropriate for their favorite species. While parents may need to assist with more elaborate plans, there are simpler ways that kids can get involved with feeding and housing local birds.
- Designing and decorating birdhouses: Let the kids create unique designs to attract specific bird species. Or find birdhouse kits online and work together to assemble and decorate these birdy homes.
- Making bird feeders: Use materials like pine cones smeared with peanut butter and rolled in birdseed. Researching the kinds of foods your local or favorite birds eat can help you attract those birds to your yard.
Once the houses and feeders are set up, kids can observe which birds visit their creations and even run mini-experiments to see whether or how bird behaviors change when the kinds of foods are changed or if different birdhouses are added each nesting season.
Take a Nature Walk with a Twist
Transform ordinary nature walks into adventure-filled learning experiences. Parents can organize themed walks where kids search for specific bird characteristics, such as:
- Colors: Identify birds with vibrant plumage, making it a color game.
- Sizes: Compare small and large species to understand size differences.
- Sounds: Listen for and identify birds using their calls or songs. Investing in a Haikubox can help you know which birds might be identified by their sounds along the way. Birding-by-ear is a great skill that can be learned by anyone of any age. Learning bird sounds can also help children appreciate the ways birds communicate.
Birdwatch at Home
Creating a Backyard Bird Feeder Station
Letting your children help with the set up and maintenance of a backyard (or front yard, or balcony, or...) bird feeding station can help them gain a sense of ownership of the space and connection to the birds that visit. Kids can observe bird behaviors and interactions right from their windows. As birds flock to the feeders, they can:
- Identify species: Use a Haikubox, field guides or apps to determine which birds visit.
- Learn about feeding habits: Identify which birds prefer the feeder foods and how their behaviors and body shapes might play a role in their food choices. These are great conversation starters as parents discuss which birds prefer seeds, nuts, or suet, and why they might make those choices.
Birdwatching Videos and Documentaries
Utilizing educational platforms, kids can watch documentaries about birds and their habitats. This method allows them to learn about diverse species worldwide, their roles in ecosystems, and the importance of conservation. Post-viewing discussions can enhance knowledge retention and spark further interest, and its a fun way to connect with your kids.
Join Others in Your School or Community
Engagement can also take place in wider circles, such as schools or community programs. Suggest introducing birdwatching clubs or local groups where children can:
- Participate in group birdwatching: Encourage teamwork in observing and identifying birds.
- Organize community events: Help coordinate birdwatching days or conservation projects.
By collaborating with peers, children can share their experiences, making birdwatching even more exciting.
Utilize Technology for Birdwatching
The integration of technology into birdwatching can heighten engagement for tech-savvy kids. Here are some digital tools and resources:
Mobile Apps
There are numerous mobile apps designed for birdwatchers of all ages. Some popular options include:
- Haikubox: Because it is always listening for birds, investing in a Haikubox can be a great resource for children (and adults) who want to know more about the birds in their backyards, including those that don't visit their feeders.
- Bird ID Apps: These apps allow kids to identify birds using pictures, sounds, and additional information, and are a terrific resource when birdwatching away from home.
- Bird Observation Checklists: Create digital representations of their observations with visuals and notes in apps like eBird and Merlin.
Online Birdwatching Communities
Encourage kids to participate in online forums or communities where they can interact with fellow bird enthusiasts. They can share insights, ask questions, and even exchange their birdwatching journals. Such interactions can be immensely supportive and foster a sense of belonging among young birdwatchers. Some of these groups, like Project Feederwatch, also allow participants to become part of the next big discovery through community science projects.
Learn About Bird Conservation
Birdwatching should also be tied to conservation efforts. Involve children in learning about the importance of preserving bird habitats and the effect of human actions on avian populations. Discuss key topics like:
- Habitat destruction: Talk about how deforestation and urban developments impact bird species.
- Climate change: Educate on how changing climates affect migration patterns and nesting.
This practical awareness instills a sense of responsibility and ethics in children, making them advocates for the environment.
The Joy of Observation
Ultimately, birdwatching is all about observation and appreciation. Encourage children to slow down and savor the experience. With these fun activities, birdwatching becomes a cherished family tradition rather than a mundane task. Embarking on a new adventure in nature together can lead to beautiful memories, all while foster an appreciation for wildlife!
So grab your binoculars, fill that bird feeder, and start observing! The world of birds is waiting to inspire and enlighten the young minds of tomorrow.