5 Ways to Winter Bird Watch with Kids
December 3rd, 2009 | Category:
Outdoor Kids |
|
binoculars by plindberg
Winter is a great time to bird watch with kids in your nature garden and beyond. In winter, with the leaves off the trees, birds are more visible. Also, some birds may be winter visitors to your area – winter will be the only time to see them.
Watch Birds from Indoors or Outdoors, with Kids
#1 – Watch Through a Window – probably the first idea that springs to mind for winter bird watching. Use black sunflower seeds and suet blocks to attract the biggest variety of birds. Place the feeders where you can see them through a kitchen window or some other place where kids will be spending time.
#2 – Walk Your Neighborhood – you can learn a lot about which birds live near you simply by exploring your neighborhood. A regular walk to school, store, or just for exercise will help you keep an eye and ear out for birds. Watch for flocks of American robins and listen for woodpeckers. You may well find some birds you’ve not seen in your own garden.
#3 – Hike a Wild Wood – in cold winter weather it’s best to be moving, but once you’ve warmed up you can stop for a quiet rest and find birds in the woods. Be sure to listen – birds searching in leaves make a fair amount of noise. It seems to me that birds get more active toward dusk – just put your detective ears on, or learn to call curious birds closer. You might be surprised at what you find.
#4 – Stop off at Wide Water – lakes and shores are great places to see birds in winter as well as summer. Flocks of larger birds such as gulls and swans are easy to spot. Bald eagles travel south along the Missouri river and can be seen in the hundreds if you know when and where to look. Try to go on a sunny day when there is more light contrast for a better view through scopes and binoculars. If you are driving for the holidays check your route for birding spots and take a break there, stop and get some much-needed outdoor time.
#5 – Wait in a Hide, if you have the patience to sit still. I admit I’m not much good at sitting and waiting, and most kids aren’t either, but if you have a kid who can sit still a hide is a great way to get among birds. Set up your own camouflaged hide, or visit one on a bird reserve.
What’s your favorite way to watch birds in winter?
Related posts:
- How to Make a Winter Bird List
- Birdwatching with Kids
- Ten Tricks to Get Kids Outdoors
Nice post, Alison. My 5yo and I admired a turkey vulture this morning. It had caught a thermal and watching it glide, well … we wished we were birds–able to take wing and savor this beautiful, windy day. :0)
What a great reminder to get ourselves outside. I’ve found that putting a pair of binoculars in a childs hands often changes their lives. They get so interested in observing the natural world around them and can learn to spot even the most elusive birds.
What great comments! I’ve referred to your blog on mine! Yea!
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Kids, nature … you know I love it! You’ve inspired me to take the little ones out for a bird watching walk around the neighborhood. Thanks!
Debi´s last blog ..Fun Friday: Roar at the Moon
Kelly, I’d love to be able to soar like the birds!
Carole, I’m imagining hordes of kids with binoculars round their necks, inspired by your efforts and enthusiasm.
Thank you MyGrandmaSue for the mention.
And Debi, I’m thankful that I inspired you. To me, that’s what writing is all about.
Another fantastic article, Alison! I agree with Debi, you’ve inspired me to take the little ones out for a bird watching walk around the neighborhood. Thanks!
Wendy ´s last blog ..WDAY Green Tip #23 – Green Cleaning Giveaway
[...] How to Successfully Design Your Ecosystem Garden | Ecosystem Gardening 3 Likes 5 Ways to Winter Bird Watch with Kids | Loving Nature’s Garden | A Green Earth Begins at Home Winter is a great time to bird watch with kids in your nature garden and beyond. In winter, with [...]
Love this post Alison, you know I’m a huge bird fan. Bird watching is an excellent way to get kids outdoors and introduce them to the magic mother nature has to offer.
Thanks for sharing!