How to Feed Your Kid’s Urge to Bird
Children are curious, imaginative, and resourceful. By nurturing those traits, you can turn them into young birders, too.
In my nine years as a parent, I’ve come away with a universal observation: Children like to collect things. My sons specifically like to collectinformation. I marvel at how the kindergartener absorbs every stat and bit of trivia surrounding each kooky character in the Pokémon, Marvel, and Star Wars universes. Birds can be the real-life channel for the same collective obsession, especially because there are so many free and inexpensive ways to inspire little avian lovers.Here are four I’ve picked up on while raising my kids in Brooklyn, New York.
Start at the library.There's a huge selection of kids’ bird books at our local library, and we’ve borrowed them all. My five-year-oldloves learning about newspecies.He absorbsevery fact and takes great pride insharing the information with any adult who crosses his path.
Embrace everyday birds.While they often seem invisible to adults, everyday birds can be magic for children. Watching a sparrow giveitself a dust bath is a joy that, to my kids, is as thrilling as any rare sighting. And it’s not just sparrows: The avianpopulation in cities as the people.
Invest in a feeder. No yard? No problem. I don't have my own lawn space, but I have a stoop andtrees on my block.Anyone can hang a bird feeder on the fire escape or a branch out front (if your landlord permits it, of course). Suction-cup mightalsodothe trick.
Keep track of local events.My sons lovedissecting owl pellets at , which regularly offers kids' programs. Raptors are a strong draw, too; seeing them up close is an unforgettable experience. These activities tend to be free, just like most small-scale birdingwalks.
Foster creativity. I sometimes wonder if my kindergartner's passion for birds has done more for his education than school. He's practically willing himself towrite just so he can fill out his bird log. He spends hours copying pictures of avians, so Ifound several drawing books to encourage them.
Over the last few years, birding hasendlessly absorbed both my children.Some kidstake to birds like fish to water. All you need to do is turn on the faucet.
***
Three More Ways to Get Your Family Birding
Participate in 'Celebrate Urban Birds':This from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology aims to reach diverse birders from preschool age on up. It offers species-ID tools and supports local art, gardening, and science events.
Join a young birders club:Founded , these groups, usually for birders between the ages of 8 and 19, are now spreading across the nation. If there isn’t one in your community, talk to your teen about starting one through school, 4-H, or your local APP chapter.
Get involved with community science:Birding ventures that ask and answer scientific questionscan fuel inquisitive young minds. Options include the in October, in winter, and the in February. —Jason “The Birdnerd” St. Sauver, community education director,