Help your little one discover the wonder of birds, all within in the comfort of your backyard.
Birding, or bird watching, is a hobby that can develop into a life-long passion. You don't have to go any further than your backyard to share in the wonder of birds with your child. Here are some simple steps you can take to make birding an every day part of your preschooler's life, year-round.
Set up a feeding station with different types of feeders and food to attract a variety of colorful birds. Get started by making this easy soda bottle bird feeder with your little one.
Look for squirrel-proof feeders. Squirrels like to eat the same feed as birds, and squirrels in the feeder will chase most birds away.
Fill different feeders with different types of feed. Black-oil sunflower seeds, shelled peanuts, and suet will attract a good variety of birds in most suburban settings. In summer months, sugar-water filled feeders will attract colorful, insect-like humming birds. Log on to Howtoattractbirds.com for additional tips on attracting birds to your yard.
To ensure that seasonal birds spend time in your yard, consider installing several bird houses in your yard. Again, look for squirrel-proof bird houses to keep them out and the birds in.
Start a birding a journal with your preschooler where you can keep track of the dates and sightings of the different species of your winged visitors.
A beginner's guide book on birds can help your child learn to identify the various birds visiting in your yard. Our printable and colorable Bird Watching Guide is a good way to get her started.
Get your little birder a pair of kid-sized binoculars and keep them on a peg near the window for easy access.
