Birding with children is a rewarding and informative hobby, allowing you to involve the whole class or family. Birding for kids helps your child with their cognitive development by identifying bird species. It also contributes to their emotional development, as observing animals in the wild allows them to recognize the beauty and vulnerability of nature. Explore some ideas for getting your kids into birding below.
Bird Identification Games
Introduce bird identification games using flashcards and birding apps like the FeatherSnap App, and organize an age-appropriate bird identification competition to add some fun. Flashcards help kids recognize bird species, and birding apps are an interactive way to help your child navigate the unique characteristics of each species.
DIY Binoculars Craft
To get kids into birding, making homemade binoculars is as easy as using two toilet roll holders, some sticky tape, a stapler and a string. Staple the rolls together and decorate them with toxin-free paint before sticking the string with masking tape on each side. Decorate the binoculars and encourage kids to use them to explore different birds on exciting scavenger hunts.
Birdwatching Scavenger Hunt
Birdwatching can be very exciting, especially when you turn it into a scavenger hunt. Familiarize yourself with local birds in your area and make a list of these. Have children identify and tick off every bird they see on the list with their new DIY binoculars.
Bird Feeder Setup
Setting up a bird feeder is an easy way to catch views of the birds that live around your home. Hang the feeder up in an easy-to-see spot and pour bird feed into it to attract feathered friends. As you observe the feeder and birds, educate your children about the different types of bird feed and which ones seem most popular among the birds.
Nature Journaling
Encouraging your children to have a nature journal will instill a sense of pride and appreciation for nature. When you see birds to note, have them write down the birds' species, or write it down for them in their journal. Help them note the details of each bird they see.
Birding Field Trip
A birding field trip is an excellent way for you and the class or your family to get some fresh air and provides an informative opportunity for everyone to explore local birds. Arrange a field trip during a holiday or after school and have your children bring their nature journal to record what they see. One of the wonderful things about birds is that you don't have to go far - your local park is likely an ideal spot to take your child birding!
Birding Through Technology
Technology can be a valuable supplement to physical birdwatching. Explore some child-friendly bird websites and use interactive, fun apps to complement children's interaction with birds in nature. When you use two or more modes of learning, you help your child get a comprehensive understanding of birds and bird species.
Start Birding Today With FeatherSnap
You can use several activities to encourage your child to learn about birds and their habits. Spending time in nature and appreciating its beauty is calming and healing, and birding for kids presents a fun and educational way to reap these benefits. Discover how FeatherSnap can help you foster a love for birds in children with our smart bird feeder. For more information, contact us online or call +1 (218) 282-7121 today.