| What child hasn't been delighted to see his | | | | are going to be outside you will want |
| first bird up close?Maybe it was a humble | | | | everyone to have proper attire -- including |
| sparrow or a squawking seagull -- whatever | | | | an extra pair of socks and a hat.Other than |
| they are, birds are a natural delight to | | | | that you will need at least one pair of |
| watch and can be seen anywhere in the | | | | binoculars, although it is more fun if |
| world.If you are looking for an activity that | | | | everyone has their own pair so nobody misses |
| you can enjoy with your children, whether | | | | out on a sighting. There are special |
| they're five or 15, you might want to | | | | binoculars for kids. You'll also want a bird |
| consider the popular hobby of bird watching. | | | | book (called a field guide) to help you |
| It is one of the fastest growing outdoor | | | | identify the birds you see. If you take |
| activities in America -- and a great way for | | | | along one that features birds in your area it |
| families to enjoy time together.What IS Bird | | | | will also give you suggestions about where |
| Watching?Bird watching is more than just | | | | you can find them.If your children are older, |
| observing birds. It is an interest in the | | | | or you catch the bird watching bug, be sure |
| actual birds -- their names, markings, | | | | to take along a notepad and camera. Make |
| activities, songs and habitats. Not only | | | | notes on birds you can't identify and look |
| does it encourage a child (or an adult) to | | | | them up at home with your children to |
| learn about birds, but gets them outside and | | | | determine what you saw. You might also |
| builds an appreciation of local wildlife and | | | | develop a list of local birds and check them |
| nature.Bird watching doesn't require a strong | | | | off as you see them. This is great for kids |
| knowledge of birds; you can learn with your | | | | who thrive on challenge!Don't miss out -- |
| children as you begin to locate and identify | | | | watch birds in your backyard daily. Just put |
| local wild birds. Keep a list of the birds | | | | up a feeder to get started. But if you |
| you've spotted and help one another identify | | | | really want to attract birds add a bird bath. |
| what you've seen by making notes of the | | | | You and your kids will have even more fun if |
| color, size and markings on the bird. You | | | | you put up a birdhouse (nestbox) to watch a |
| may even start to learn their calls and | | | | new family of baby birds being raised.Bird |
| challenge yourself to identify the birds by | | | | watching is a fantastic hobby that the whole |
| their songs.Where Can You Go to Bird | | | | family can enjoy. Try it one afternoon and |
| Watch?Bird watching can be as simple an | | | | see for yourself how your family bonds while |
| activity as setting up a bird feeder in your | | | | enjoying the fresh air, local scenery and |
| backyard and watching the local wild birds | | | | most of all ... the natural world!Permission |
| that come to you. However, your children | | | | is granted to reprint full article "as is" |
| will no doubt appreciate time spent outdoors, | | | | with author credit as given below and a link |
| properly geared up for an outing of bird | | | | back to There are no private label resale |
| watching with you.You will soon learn about | | | | rights available and the article cannot be |
| the specific habitats that birds live in | | | | modified or your name assigned to it.Shari |
| around your home. As you become familiar | | | | Carpenter is the owner of a one-stop |
| with local birds you may even want to take | | | | resource for people that love birdwatching, |
| trips to areas that will feature different | | | | bird feeding and pet birds. covers a wide |
| species than you have locally. Watch as your | | | | range of information, products and supplies, |
| children eagerly try to identify these new | | | | including the blog "Birdwatchin' Buzz Today!" |
| birds before you do!What Do You Need?Bird | | | | It is also the place to subscribe to |
| watching is a very inexpensive hobby. If you | | | | "David's Wild Bird Club" Newsletter. |