BIRDWATCHING
Expert Advice On Getting Into the Hobby
And Getting Kids Into Birding, Too
Birdwatching is a lot like golf in that the ostensible main part of the activity actually isn’t the most important part. In golf, the “point” is to hit the golf ball into the hole (or 18 holes, rather) using as many strokes as possible, but the best parts of the game are the fresh air and open, green space, the exercise you get strolling over the greens, and the camaraderie you feel with your golf buddies.
When it comes to birding, sure, a big part of the hobby involves spotting and identifying specific birds, but it’s also all about slowing down and being present in the moment, it’s about hiking into woodlands (or enjoying cities in a new way), it’s about sharing the excitement of a find with friends or family and swapping stories and jokes between each spotting.
Where birdwatching and golf very much differ is that with the former, there’s no cost of entry barrier: all you need to start your avian adventures is a decent pair of binoculars (or a monocular) and some information, and that can come from a birdwatching book or from a birding app — we’ll get to that in a moment, by the way.
But first, let’s address the fact that, for some reason or other, there is a misconception among many people that birdwatching can be a hard hobby to get into; that it necessarily involves an advanced level of ornithological knowledge and advanced competence using field glasses and cameras and such.
To help dispel the misconceptions and help you ease into birding — and to bring the kids along for the ride, too — we connected with Natalie and John White, the co-founders of Birda, a free and very approachable birdwatching app.
John and Natalie have long turned to nature — and birding in particular — as a source of happiness and healing. Natalie even said: “The healing power of nature was paramount in getting me through my struggles with cancer. It’s motivated me to do more to protect our natural world, inspire others to do the same, and leave a legacy for my daughters.”
And together, the Whites explained the motivation behind Birda this way: “Our mission is to promote the enjoyment and appreciation of birdwatching as a means of connecting people with nature. We believe that people need to experience the natural world before they fight to protect it. We believe that nature is for everyone, and we know that spending time connecting with it makes people happier and healthier. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or just starting out, we want everyone to feel included and welcomed.”
How best to get everyone involved, we wondered, especially the younger ones? The folks from Birda addressed that like this: “Getting out into nature and enjoying their surroundings goes a long way to show children ways to appreciate the environment and reasons to protect it. Showing kids why something is important is a lot easier if it’s something that they actually like doing. By introducing fun bird-related activities and games, you can turn it into something engaging for kids of all ages. And while birdwatching may not be first on every child’s list, there are many who are looking for something new, intellectually challenging, and diverse in its offerings — a pursuit that keeps giving. There is [so much] content written by young birders online who exemplify exactly this.”
We wondered what were ways to get kids of differing ages into the hobby of birding, as children change so rapidly from the early childhood years as they age into the elementary years and on toward puberty. Fortunately, John and Natalie had it broken down.
Birding for Kids Ages Two to Four
“Toddlers may seem too young to benefit from the joys of birding. But many toddlers’ sensitive ears will tune in to the bird calls. Focus your child’s attention on common birds in your area and help them learn the names of the birds that are easy to spot. If you live in a city, the worst you can do is teach them about crows, or similar birds like magpies, and even the highest apartment blocks will be privy to the gentle coo of pigeons.”
Birding for Kids Ages Four to Six
“Pre-schoolers will listen to your every word given the opportunity. It is a wonderful time to show them how to engage with their surroundings. If you are able to go for a walk in your local park you will find the joy of waterbirds in the pond, and you’ll catch glimpses of songbirds in the trees. While children of this age will still find binoculars difficult to use, you can almost certainly see birds close to you. At this age, the fun may be short-lived while attention spans develop, but enjoying a walk in the park with the odd sighting will make a story to tell everyone when you arrive back home.”
Birding for Kids Seven to 10
“From about 7 years old, you can definitely begin to introduce real binoculars. Some will struggle more than others, so give them a try, and see how much your youngster can work out. This is a good age to help children remember the names of less common birds. They could begin to draw parallels and differences between the birds they see at home and on holiday. Consider making checklists of likely-to-see and rare-finds for these young birders, or have them compose lists of what they see. Holiday bird lists, backyard bird lists, and of course life lists!”
Birding for Kids 10 to 14
“This is a wonderful age to introduce children to group birding. Many birding associations host young birder groups. It’s a fun way to learn about birds and make friends. The science of biodiversity starts to become more interesting at this point, so introduce concepts to youngsters based on their interests and questions. Help them with the intricacies of using a bird book and have them hazard informed guesses before looking up birds they aren’t familiar with.”
Ideas for Making Birdwatching Into Great Family Fun
“One of the most engaging ways to observe birds in your garden with your little ones is by creating a bird feeder,” the Birda founders said. “You can see birds returning to your garden daily and the entire family can appreciate the birds chirping in the garden.”
“And attract birds by using the right tools. You can attract birds to your backyard by using bird feeders, bird baths, or nesting boxes. There are quite a few options to buy these items online – however, you can also create DIY feeders which can get everyone in your family – especially the kids – involved. If you don't have a backyard, you can also get suction-cup window bird feeders or simply hang one off your balcony.”
“Also, [try to] create a challenge with your family members and friends. One of the most important parts of birding is to be patient and wait, look, and listen. However, to make this a more interactive activity with your loved ones, you can set certain goals and challenges. Try competing with your friends and family by seeing how many birds you can spot in fifteen minutes from your window or garden. You can log your sightings in the Birda app, keep track of everyone's sightings, and unlock new achievements.”
“Turning your phone into an intuitive and powerful tool for logging the birds you see, Birda offers a free solution for those searching for a low-cost and relaxing family hobby to take up. Whether you're a serious birdwatcher or a newbie looking to expand your hobbies, all you have to do is download the app, head out for a walk, and look up.”