NatureKids – December 2024
December was Christmas Bird Count month, so naturally, our theme of the month was birds! The Christmas Bird Count is North America’s longest-running citizen science project, dating back to 1900. Each year, groups head outdoors to observe and record the birds they see, contributing valuable data to help scientists track bird populations over time. Anyone can be a scientist for a day by joining in! It’s a great way for kids to connect with nature, build observation skills, and learn how they can help protect birds and their habitats. Check out Birds Canada to learn more and start planning for next year’s count!
For this month’s activities, groups were encouraged to step outside and connect with nature through a series of bird-focused experiences. They crafted their own binoculars to kickstart birdwatching adventures and used them to participate in the Christmas Bird Count, spotting and identifying local bird species. Nature journaling gave participants a chance to record their bird sightings and reflections, while the “Find Your Flock” game added an extra layer of fun—challenging players to mimic bird calls to locate others in their flock.
These activities were designed to spark excitement for nature, build bird identification skills, and create lasting outdoor memories. For this month’s activities, groups were encouraged to step outside and connect with nature through a series of bird-focused experiences. They crafted their own binoculars to kickstart birdwatching adventures and used them to participate in the Christmas Bird Count, spotting and identifying local bird species. Nature journaling gave participants a chance to record their bird sightings and reflections, while the “Find Your Flock” game added an extra layer of fun—challenging players to mimic bird calls to locate others in their flock.
These activities were designed to spark excitement for nature, build bird identification skills, and create lasting outdoor memories. We hope everyone had a wonderful time discovering birds, exploring their surroundings, and maybe even finding a new favorite feathered friend!
Check out the resources below to start your bird watching learning journey. Check out the Birds Canada Website for a winter bird ID guide for your region.
- Christmas Bird Count – NatureKids NB
- Backyard Bird Guide – Nature NB
- Bird Calls – NatureKids NB
