Birding: a great way to Inspire your Kids’ love for the outdoors
Bird watching is one of the best outdoor activities possible for many reasons, but one stands out from the rest: you can do it anywhere at any time. With a few rare exceptions, such as, say, the middle of the ocean, there are birds to be found everywhere on earth including in the wild, in suburbs and cities, and in every season, from the heat of summer to the winter chill or on a perfect fall or springtime day. Or night.
Birding is also a great activity because it requires nothing more than the use of the ears and eyes, though a pair of binoculars certainly helps, as does a camera. It's also an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and with years of birding experience or who are on their first outing. Amateur and experienced bird watchers will enjoy engaging with their environs by seeking out feathered friends who in turn have much to teach us about the places we live or visit. And the more you and the kids learn about birds and bird watching, the more you'll all enjoy it. To help your birding adventures take flight, we've rounded up a few of the best bird watching books for kids, tested out some kid-friendly birding binoculars, and tried out a bird-themed kit that will greatly enhance your whole family's birding know-how.
The Best BIRDING BOOKS FOR KIDS
“Curious about birds” is a wonderfully illustrated board book that introduces young children to the characteristicS of birds
Soar into the natural world of birds with this beginner’s guide for toddlers and preschoolers published by Peachtree. Award-winning educator and author Cathryn Sill introduces basic facts about birds, including how they look, where they live, what they eat, and how they move around. The simple one-line-per-page text pairs beautifully with detailed watercolor illustrations from noted wildlife artist John Sill to make this a dependable and informative first resource for budding birders.
Focusing on the diversity of the bird population this beautiful book highlights the “clothing” birds wear with a fun rhyming narrative
Award-winning author-illustrator Susan Stockdale offers a front-row seat to a vibrant fashion show starring the world’s most diverse and spectacular birds. Little ornithologists and fashionistas will marvel at this rhyming celebration of pattern, color, and nature. Birds may be simple and solid or speckled, striped, or spotted. They may “wear” a jacket, a scarf, an apron, a headdress. And just like people, each one contributes to our beautiful world, made more vibrant by their diversity.
This nonfiction narrative story shares an enjoyable tradition that will inspire the whole family regardless of the weather
For the New England Christmas Bird Count, young Ava and her mother prepare to be the best “citizen scientists” they can be. With the help of their team leader Big Al, they record the tally of all the birds they see. Ava dutifully counts all the birds along the way, using her most important tools―her eyes and ears―and the birding identification techniques she’s learned. But will she locate her favorite raven again this year in time for their town’s annual Christmas Bird Count party?
This Engaging Nonfiction book combines poetry, fun facts,SMILE-WORTHY ART, AND an in-depth dive into the science of some of the most fascinating birds on earth MAKING IT A FAMILY FAVORITE - OUR 4 YEAR OLD LOVES THE FUN FACTS OUR 8 YEAR OLD DEVOURS THE SCIENCE NOTES, AND WE ALL LOVE THE AMUSING POETRY
Ever wonder which bird has the loudest voice? Which one builds the biggest nest or has the most feathers? Get to know all about the best and brightest―and smelliest!―denizens of the bird world with this collection of nonfiction science verses. Award-winning science poetry author Leslie Bulion dedicates a variety of verse to these impressive birds. Witty drawings by Robert Meganck add another layer of fun to this humorous and informative gallery of the world’s most accomplished birds.
THIS MORE ADVANCED BUT EASY-TO-READ AND APPROACHABLE SERIES OF BIRD BOOKS IS IDEAL FOR OLDER KIDS AND ADULTS TRULY TAKING TO BIRDING AS A HOBBY.
Grouped by region, the "All About Birds" series of books are a great choice for birders interested in gaining a wealth of information about the avian animals in their area. These books not only share lots of great information about all sorts of types of birds, but they also open with several chapters packed with great information for birders, including everything from species identification techniques to tips for creating a bird-friendly backyard.
The Best kid gear to spark curiosity and Outdoor FUN
Educational insights GeoSafari JR. Kidnoculars
These focus-free, goggle-like binoculars are easy for even the youngest of bird enthusiasts to use. They provide 2x magnification and are tough enough to handle many bumps and drops along the way.
Educational Insights Nancy B’s Science club binoculars
These binoculars are a perfect fit for an older (8+) outdoor enthusiast. They provide 4x magnification and the ability for the child to easily adjust and focus the eyepiece, while still remaining lightweight and durable. As an added bonus they have a built-in compass and come with a nature journal with engaging prompts and plenty of room for recording findings in the great outdoors.
ALLtruists’ We can all help migratory birds box
This wonderfully curated box is full of hands-on guided experiences that help children understand the importance of migratory birds. Our 4 and 8 year old alike engaged in activities from adding window clings to our backdoor that prevent birds from flying into them, to learning to use the bird call whistle, to up-cycling the mailing box into a bird feeder. And that’s not to mention all of the compelling information written and illustrated in child-friendly mini books that empower kids to help migratory birds in our own backyard, building empathy as well as helping them engage in the big picture of the need for them to take care of our earth.