In December, we dove into the world of birds with the Christmas Bird Count and this month, we kept the excitement going! We introduced new activities and resources to inspire budding birdwatchers, encouraging kids to observe, explore, and learn more about our feathered friends.
1. Bird Count Bingo
Groups had the opportunity to take part in a scavenger hunt-style activity using cards featuring different birds and bird-related sights commonly found in winter. This activity encouraged participants to sharpen their observation skills while exploring the outdoors and looking for signs of bird life.
2. DIY Bird Feeder
Using either a pinecone or paper roll, kids crafted their own bird feeders to help support local birds through the colder months. Not only are feeders fun to make but a great tool for being able to observe bird behavior up close. Participants were encouraged to visit their feeders regularly, record their observations in a nature journal, and see how many different birds they could identify.
3. Bird Stretches
To get kids moving, we introduced bird-themed stretches—perfect for warming up before outdoor adventures! From reaching like a nuthatch picking pinecones to warming up wings before a flight, these movements encouraged kids to embody bird behaviors and shake their tail feathers!
4. Bird Parts Challenge
This hands-on problem-solving game got kids thinking like scientists. After solving riddles, they raced to find hidden bird part cards, learning about beaks, wings, and more while assembling their own labeled bird diagram.
The Cub Club set up their bird feeder hoping to attract some visitors. They used the Merlin Bird ID app, a free tool developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that helps identify birds through photos and sound recordings. With the app, they listened to and learned about different bird calls, making it easier to recognize species in their area. The group also crafted birds out of clay, bringing their learning to life in a hands-on way.
As with all our activities, January’s activities were developed to help kids connect with nature, whether by observing birds in the wild, learning about their adaptations, or mimicking their movements. They encouraged curiosity, problem-solving, and outdoor exploration, all while making learning fun!
Thank you to all the groups who took part this month! We love seeing our groups in action and finding new ways to connect with nature. We encourage you to take a look at the attached resources and try out these activities for yourself. Happy birdwatching!
