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