Birdwatching, also known as birding, is the observing of birds in their natural environment as a hobby or for science. Birdwatching can be a great hobby for kids. It can help connect children to nature, develop their concentration, patience, observation and research skills and it gets them outdoors! Birdwatching can be done anywhere and at any time of the year. We have some tips to help get you and your kids started with birdwatching.
1. Start with your local area
You don’t have to go far to start birdwatching. In fact, one of the best places to start is in your own backyard. Create a bird friendly backyard by hanging bird feeders or setting up a bird bath or bird house. Stock your bird feeder with the favourite seed blends of local birds and keep it stocked up. Consider planting a variety of native bird friendly plants and trees in your garden. Create a haven where local birds will want to visit.
A great place to take kids birdwatching is at your local parks, walking tracks or reserves. Areas near water such as lakes, creeks, beaches or wetlands are great too. Explore your local area for birding hot spots. It is also a great opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise with your kids.
Birdwatching can add to your travel experiences too with the opportunity to discover beautiful green spaces and bird species in distant locations that you may have never seen before.
2. Do some research
Ask your kids to write down a list of birds they know or have seen in the local area. Visit your local library to borrow a book on birdwatching and a field guide for your local area. Choose books that your kids are interested in. You can also research on-line birds in your local area and download bird ID cards. Come up with a list of 3-4 common species in your local area and learn all about them.
Ask your kids to try and learn about 1-2 new birds each week. There are plenty of fun games you can download on-line and play to help them learn such as a bird scavenger hunt, bird bingo, spot the difference and build a bird.
3. Strike up a conversation
Birds can often be harder to spot, easier to hear. Birds can make a variety of sounds such as chirping, honking, whistling, cawing, talking and screeching. Some birds will even mimic mechanical sounds they are exposed to in the environment.
Ask your kids to listen to the sounds the birds make and try to mimic them. This can be lots of fun for everyone!
4. Invest in some binoculars
Invest in a pair of kid friendly binoculars to help improve their view. A kid friendly camera can also add to the experience and add another level of enjoyment.
If your child is struggling to use the binoculars, just ask them to lie still, look and listen for signs of movement of birds or any other animals.
5. Create a bird book
Offer them a journal along with some pencils or markers to keep a record of their journey. They could create a sketch of the birds they are researching, along with simple facts about the species.
Ask them to draw distinguishing features on the birds they are researching such as their colours and markings. This can include their tummy, head, beak, chest, tail feathers, feet and eyes.
They can also journal places you visit, the date and birds that you see. If you don’t see birds on your visit, look for signs they leave behind such as nests, cracked seeds or poop!
6. Have fun
The most important part of birdwatching with kids is to have fun! Birdwatching doesn’t have to always involve special outings, field guides and binoculars. Follow your kids lead and enjoy the experience.
Some kids will do anything to be in charge. If this is the case, let them pick a park to visit, choose a trail and lead the way, pointing out areas or objects they want to study as they go. If they prefer to simply spot different birds and mimic their sounds, then that is fine too. Some might prefer to simply draw pictures of the birds they see and research some interesting facts. Providing everyone is enjoying the experience, that is all that matters.
Birdwatching can be a great hobby for kids. It is also an opportunity to get outdoors, connect with nature and learn about local wildlife. There are many ways to help your kids start birdwatching. The most important part is to have fun and enjoy the birding experience!