Exploring garden birds with children is a wonderful way to connect them to nature, spark curiosity, and develop observational skills 
Here are some fun and educational ideas:
1. Bird Watching Basics
Binoculars: Provide child-friendly binoculars so they can observe birds up close.
Observation Spot: Set up a quiet spot in the garden where children can sit and watch birds without disturbing them.
2. Identification and Learning
Bird Guide: Use a simple bird identification book or app tailored for children.
Flashcards: Create or use bird flashcards with pictures and facts about common garden birds like robins, blackbirds, sparrows, and blue tits.
Songs and Calls: Teach children to listen for and identify bird songs. Online resources like recordings can help.
3. Create a Bird-Friendly Garden
Feeders: Let children fill bird feeders with seeds, nuts, or fat balls. This attracts birds and teaches responsibility.
Water Station: Set up a shallow dish of water for drinking and bathing.
Nest Boxes: Build or install birdhouses with the children to attract nesting birds.
4. Crafts and Activities
Make Bird Feeders: Use pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed to create homemade feeders.
Draw and Paint: Encourage children to draw or paint birds they see.
Bird Journal: Keep a journal with sketches, notes, and dates of bird sightings.
5. Games and Challenges
Bird Bingo: Create a bingo card with common garden birds and tick them off as you spot them.
Feather Hunt: Search the garden for feathers and guess which bird they might belong to.
Scavenger Hunt: Include items like nests, feathers, and footprints on a scavenger hunt list (without disturbing nature).
6. Seasonal Exploration
Spring: Look for nests or baby birds.
Winter: Observe how birds adapt, and make sure feeders are stocked.
Autumn: Spot migratory birds and learn about their journeys.
7. Incorporate Stories and Songs
Read bird-themed books such as The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck or The Puffin Keeper.
Sing songs like Three Little Birds or Little Robin Redbreast, Peter and Paul, sing a song of six pence.
Follow me on my Social Channels for more ideas and inspiration.
https://www.facebook.com/lottiemakespage
https://www.instagram.com/lottie_makes/
Lottie Makes 