Birdwatching is a captivating activity that can be enjoyed by children of all ages. So a birding adventure for the whole family can be a fun and memorable way of spending time together.
Some of you may already be familiar with the ‘but why?’ phase of many toddlers…! As children’s curiosity about the world around them blossoms, birdwatching is a natural fit for young minds.
Not only is it enjoyable at the time, but you can continue to share the lasting memories of what you experienced. A well planned trip to bird watch with children can plant seeds of more shared time, as well as nurturing a new hobby or enthusiasm for nature.
So to give yourself the best chance of it going well, we have some suggestions on:
- how to plan and prepare before going on a birding trip with kids
- what to do while on a family birding adventure
- what to consider doing afterwards to get even more value from the experience.
Family birding adventure ideas: Key Takeaways
- Birdwatching is a fantastic activity for families to bond, nurture curiosity, and appreciate nature’s wonders.
- Before you go, planning the trip together, considering timing and target species, engages children and builds excitement.
- Safety measures, like checking weather forecasts and trail conditions, ensure a smooth and secure outing.
- Emphasizing enjoyment over a bird checklist and observing nature beyond birds enriches the experience.
- Incorporating other outdoor activities, like picnics and nature walks, bird-spotting games and competitions, complements the birdwatching adventure.
Top tips to plan a birding adventure with kids
Before you go on your trip, there are a few things to do and prepare. We have some suggestions on what to consider and what to take along with you.
Involve the children in the planning
Getting ready can be part of the fun for kids. Planning and anticipating can whet their appetite for the adventure.
Before setting out on a birdwatching adventure, it’s essential to gauge the interests and preferences of the entire family. Discuss with your kids what excites them about birdwatching and what they hope to see during the outing.
Some children may be particularly intrigued by colorful birds, while others might be fascinated by bird songs and calls. Understanding their interests will help you tailor the birdwatching experience to make it enjoyable and engaging for everyone.
It can give them a sense of ownership if they are involved in the choices of where to go and what to do. Older kids may like the responsibility of working out what to take on your birdwatching trip, and gathering some of the equipment and resources that will help.
As well as encouraging them to take ownership of a birding trip by allowing kids to plan it before you go, you can then offer them the option to lead the group once you get there. This can help to boost their confidence and make the trip more exciting for them.
Best timing for the birding Trip
Choosing the right time of year for your birdwatching trip can significantly influence the diversity of bird species you encounter.
Understanding seasonal patterns, such as migrations and breeding, will help you plan an outing that maximizes the chances of observing a wide variety of birds.
Here is a quick overview of specific times of year and what to consider.
Spring and fall
Migration periods generally occur in the spring and falls. These seasons are prime times for birdwatching due to the migratory movements of many bird species.
During the spring, birds are returning from their wintering grounds to breed in their northern habitats.
In the fall, they embark on their southward journey to warmer regions.
At these times, look for local migration hotspots, such as coastal areas or large wetlands. Places like these are great locations to witness spectacular flocks of migrating birds.
Summer
The breeding season in summer is an opportune time to observe birds engaging in courtship displays, building nests, and caring for their chicks. Local parks and woodlands can be excellent places to witness these behaviors.
However, remember to maintain a respectful distance from nesting sites. Take a look here for more tips on how to avoid disturbing the birds during nesting season.
Winter
Although some bird species migrate south for the winter, many remain in their home territories during the colder months. So winter bird watching can be very rewarding.
Certain species are more visible when foliage is sparse. Keep an eye out for winter visitors like waterfowl or hardy songbirds.
Have a good idea of time frame for birding with kids
Remember that children have shorter attention spans and may not be able to spend hours birding. Start with short periods and gradually extend the duration as their interest and attention span grow.
Plan shorter, more frequent trips and make sure to include plenty of breaks. Have in mind a selection of fun bird-related outdoor activities to keep them engaged.
Help kids build their birdwatching skills and patience by doing a few practice sessions in familiar places like the yard or a local park before embarking on longer day trips. These mini birdwatching sessions serve as a training ground where they can practice sitting quietly and observing birds in a more controlled environment.
It also provides an opportunity to introduce kids to basic bird identification and spotting techniques, such as using binoculars and listening for bird calls. By getting used to birdwatching in a familiar setting, they’ll feel more confident and excited when heading out on more extensive birdwatching adventures.
The best times for birding, when birds are most active, tend to be early in the day or in the hours around sunset.
Practical considerations when preparing to go birding with kids
While it’s an exciting activity, it’s essential to prioritize safety to ensure a smooth and worry-free experience. Here are some practical precautions to keep in mind before and during your birdwatching trip.
Check Weather Forecasts and Trail Conditions
Birdwatching encourages families to venture outdoors, embracing all types of weather. Rain or shine, birdwatching is an activity that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Before setting out on your birdwatching adventure, check the weather forecast for the day and the specific location you plan to visit. Weather can significantly impact bird activity, just like it affects our outdoor plans.
During extreme weather conditions like very hot, very cold, or stormy days, birds tend to seek shelter and may not be as active or visible. On such days, it might be more challenging to spot a wide variety of birds.
However, on pleasant days with mild temperatures and clear skies, birds are usually more active and easier to observe. If it’s a good day for a leisurely walk, it’s likely a great day for birdwatching too.
Opting for days with comfortable weather conditions will increase the chances of spotting a diverse range of bird species and make the outing more pleasant for everyone involved.
Whatever the forecast says, be sure to be prepared for any changes in weather conditions, such as sudden rain or temperature drops. Additionally, inquire about trail conditions to be aware of any potential hazards or challenges.
Other ideas to get kids ready before a birding adventure
Make a checklist of birds
A good way to encourage kids to participate in identifying the birds they see is to get familiar with the pictures and characteristics of birds that they are likely to see. Researching what bird species are commonly found in your chosen location, and listing these as targets gives a sense of purpose to the visit.
Some preparation ahead of time gets them ready to spot the birds because it helps with ideas of where to look for specific species, be it in trees, on the ground or on water.
Even basic knowledge like this will help set children’s expectations and help them to recognize birds more easily during the trip.
Set Realistic Expectations
An important part of making a target list is also managing expectations. The checklist is more of a way to get ready rather than to keep score.
While being ambitious and enthusiastic is great, it’s good to help kids to understand that you may not spot every bird on your bird-watching excursion. And of course that is okay.
What helps here is to emphasize the enjoyment of being outdoors, exploring nature, and encountering wildlife beyond birds.
Ideas of what to do during a birding trip
So, once you’ve planned the time that you are going to spend out birding, what do you need to do when you actually get out there?
While searching for birds can be rewarding in itself, it’s good to be prepared with ideas of other activities to switch to. Here are some suggestions of back-up plans.
Observe Nature Beyond Birds
Hopefully you will encounter additional flora and fauna, so make it clear that this is part of the experience. Encourage kids to observe not just birds but also other wildlife and natural elements around them.
This could include spotting small mammals, insects, plants, and flowers. Birdwatching provides an opportunity to appreciate the entire ecosystem.
Incorporating Other Outdoor Activities
Suggest complementing the birdwatching trip with other outdoor activities to make it a well-rounded experience.
Many birdwatching spots boast scenic trails that lead to diverse ecosystems, offering the perfect opportunity to witness more than just birds. Along the way, families may encounter native flora, spot other wildlife, and enjoy wide and open vistas.
A family picnic while you are in nature is an ideal way to take a break from birdwatching. Choose a picturesque spot near the birdwatching area to lay out a blanket and unpack a delicious spread of snacks and meals.
As kids refuel and recharge, the picnic provides a chance to share observations and stories from the birdwatching outing. Additionally, children can draw in their nature or birding journals or simply bask in the tranquil surroundings.
Patience and Presence
Birdwatching is a practice in patience and presence. Encourage kids to be still and quiet while observing birds, as sudden movements and loud noises may startle them away.
It’s a good opportunity to explore the importance of being present in the moment, fully immersing themselves in the sights and sounds of nature. The more patient and attentive they are, the more likely they are to witness exciting bird behaviors and rare sightings.
Birdwatching offers a unique opportunity to slow down and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding them.
Sharpening the Senses
Encourage children to use all their senses to identify birds in their natural habitats. Beyond just visual cues, listening for unique calls and songs is a valuable skill for birdwatching.
Teach children to differentiate between different bird sounds and associate them with specific species. Noticing bird behavior can also be informative, as certain actions or interactions can indicate mating, nesting, or foraging activities.
Paying attention to distinctive plumage patterns or colors can aid in bird identification as well.
Engaging Activities for young birdwatchers
There are a variety of interactive activities that will keep young birdwatchers engaged and excited during their field exploration.
As well as the obvious things like writing or drawing in a birding journal or taking photographs of birds, we have some suggestions of bird-themed games to spice up the experience.
How to enhance the birding Experience After the Outing
A birdwatching trip doesn’t have to end once you return home. After the excitement of spotting birds in the field, there are plenty of ways to continue the adventure and deepen your connection with the avian world.
How can you make the most of your birding trips even after the actual outing? Reviewing the sightings and identifying the birds observed during the trip is an exciting post-outing activity.
Building on Identification skills
Don’t worry if you can’t identify all the birds right away. Embrace the process and take your time to research and learn about the species you encountered.
Review Key Features
Take a closer look at the characteristics of the birds you saw. Note their size, shape, color patterns, and any distinctive markings.
Did they have crests, long beaks, or vibrant plumage? These unique features can be vital clues for identifying different bird species.
Consult Field Guides or Bird Identification Apps
Field guides and bird identification apps are valuable tools for birdwatchers of all levels. Flip through the pages of a field guide or download bird identification apps on your smartphones.
These resources offer detailed information, illustrations, and photos to help you match your observations with specific bird species.
Record or remember Calls and Songs
Remember the sounds of the birds you heard during your outing. Birdsong is often distinctive for each species and can provide essential clues for identification.
Online resources or apps that feature bird calls can be helpful in narrowing down the possibilities.
Compare Habitat and Behavior
Recall the environment in which you spotted each bird. Different bird species have specific habitat preferences, so considering the location can aid in narrowing down potential matches.
Birds’ behavior also gives clues. Were they soaring high in the sky, hopping on the ground, or perched on tree branches?
How to develop depth of interest
Keep the spirit of curiosity alive by exploring more about birdwatching and the natural world. Visit libraries or online resources to find books, articles, and documentaries about birds and their habitats.
Encourage kids to delve into the lives of different bird species and understand the significance of bird conservation. Learning about birds from different regions or countries can ignite a sense of wonder and appreciation for the diverse avian world.
Preserve Memories with a Family Scrapbook
Capture the magic of your birdwatching adventure by creating a family scrapbook. Compile photographs, drawings, and notes from the trip, documenting the birds you spotted and the memories you made together.
This creative activity not only serves as a keepsake but also promotes artistic expression and storytelling. Kids can take the lead in designing and decorating the scrapbook, making it a collaborative and cherished project for the whole family.
Contributing to Bird Research via Citizen Science
Participating in citizen science initiatives can add purpose and meaning to your birdwatching endeavors. Several organizations and research projects allow birdwatchers of all ages to contribute valuable data on bird populations and behavior.
Families can report their sightings and observations to help scientists track bird migrations, breeding patterns, and species distribution. Getting involved in citizen science empowers kids to play an active role in conservation efforts and be a part of the global birdwatching community.
Ready to join a birding community?
Local birdwatching clubs or online communities dedicated to birdwatching are happy to have new members. These communities provide a platform for sharing experiences, insights, and photographs from birdwatching trips.
Engaging with fellow enthusiasts fosters a sense of camaraderie and offers opportunities to learn from experienced birdwatchers. Families can also participate in organized birdwatching events or bird counts, expanding their knowledge and contributing to scientific research.
Getting the most from birding adventures: final thoughts
The joy of birdwatching extends far beyond the actual outing as you and your family continue to explore, learn, and connect with nature. In the world of birds, every trip is a chance to discover something new.
A good start is to involve children in the planning beforehand. Then, while you are all out on the trip, embracing patience and presence as well as engaging in interactive activities, helps things go smoothly.
The adventure doesn’t end with the outing. We have covered ways to develop the experience through species identification, scrapbooking, citizen science, and joining birding communities.
From field guides to family scrapbooks, immerse yourselves in the joy of birdwatching. We hope each outing will fuel curiosity and a stronger bond with the outdoors and with each other.
If it all goes well, you can make birdwatching a family tradition by going on regular birding trips together. This will help to create lasting memories and a love for the outdoors that will last a lifetime.
Contents
- 1 Top tips to plan a birding adventure with kids
- 2 Practical considerations when preparing to go birding with kids
- 3 Other ideas to get kids ready before a birding adventure
- 4 Ideas of what to do during a birding trip
- 5 Engaging Activities for young birdwatchers
- 6 How to enhance the birding Experience After the Outing
- 7 Getting the most from birding adventures: final thoughts