Birdwatching - Connecting Kids to Nature!

What child hasn't been delighted to see his firstIf you are going to be outside you will want
bird up close?Maybe it was a humble sparrow or aeveryone to have proper attire -- including an
squawking seagull -- whatever they are, birds areextra pair of socks and a hat.Other than that you
a natural delight to watch and can be seenwill need at least one pair of binoculars, although it
anywhere in the world.If you are looking for anis 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 tobinoculars 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 inyou see. If you take along one that features birds
America -- and a great way for families to enjoyin your area it will also give you suggestions about
time together.What IS Bird Watching?Birdwhere you can find them.If your children are
watching is more than just observing birds. It is anolder, 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 onlyon birds you can't identify and look them up at
does it encourage a child (or an adult) to learnhome with your children to determine what you
about birds, but gets them outside and builds ansaw. You might also develop a list of local birds
appreciation of local wildlife and nature.Birdand check them off as you see them. This is
watching doesn't require a strong knowledge ofgreat for kids who thrive on challenge!Don't miss
birds; you can learn with your children as youout -- watch birds in your backyard daily. Just put
begin to locate and identify local wild birds. Keep aup a feeder to get started. But if you really want
list of the birds you've spotted and help oneto attract birds add a bird bath. You and your kids
another identify what you've seen by makingwill 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 andbeing raised.Bird watching is a fantastic hobby that
challenge yourself to identify the birds by theirthe whole family can enjoy. Try it one afternoon
songs.Where Can You Go to Bird Watch?Birdand see for yourself how your family bonds while
watching can be as simple an activity as settingenjoying the fresh air, local scenery and most of
up a bird feeder in your backyard and watchingall ... 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 spentbelow and a link back to There are no private
outdoors, properly geared up for an outing of birdlabel resale rights available and the article cannot
watching with you.You will soon learn about thebe modified or your name assigned to it.Shari
specific habitats that birds live in around yourCarpenter is the owner of a one-stop resource
home. As you become familiar with local birds youfor people that love birdwatching, bird feeding and
may even want to take trips to areas that willpet 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 Yousubscribe to "David's Wild Bird Club" Newsletter.
Need?Bird watching is a very inexpensive hobby.