Observing Birds

Notice and point out birds you see together at or near a bird feeder. Tip: You and your child can make your own bagel bird feeder in this activity [link]. If possible, find pictures of birds on the Internet or in bird books from the library. Look up what kinds of birds live in your area and talk about their different characteristics. How large or small are they? What colors are their feathers?

Encourage your child to look carefully at the birds. What does each bird look like and what is it doing? How does your child think birds' feet help them to perch on or near the feeder? How do they use their beaks to get the seed? Invite your child to describe what the bird looks like and to imitate the bird using their own body. He can pretend his arms are wings and his mouth is a beak.

Give your child the “My Bird Observation” printable to draw some of the birds they see.

Encourage your child to share their bird observations with other family members. Help him to remember the birds you saw and to describe what they looked like.