Children are inquisitive by their nature, so why not take advantage of this and teach them a healthy hobby?
Birdwatching becomes inspiring and refreshing for us. It connects us to the place and takes us outside in our yards and neighborhoods to explore the outdoors. How do you begin this hobby, and how do you make it exciting for the children? Some ideas and games for your children to play to get them into birding are here: Take a look at some tips and games that your children can play to get them birding.
How to Bird
Prepare the children with the understanding that sometimes it is not that simple to spot birds, or sometimes even adults may not be capable. But if you listen quietly and carefully, you’ll be able to hear one. Help them close their eyes, listen, and then point to the area where the call is coming from.
Where to go
This is one hobby where you don’t need to go far. You can see birds on the street, in your yard, in parks, and conservation areas. But having water or a dam in an area means it will attract birds. You may see herons, ducks, egrets and if you are lucky, swans.
What to look for
Not having much luck finding birds? Look for telltale signs that birds leave behind. Try finding nests, the remainder of cracked seeds, or bird poop.
Which binoculars to use for birding
It takes time to get used to binoculars and to use them effectively; this is especially difficult for the little ones. Kids also find it difficult to spot things through scopes. Why not teach them to focus on staying still and looking for the movements of birds or other animals? Or simply make a pair of DIY cardboard binoculars for fun, and get them in the habit.
Games
So how do you get children interested in things? Turn it into a game! Here is a list of some of the ways these can help children get into birdwatching.
Scavenger hunt
Get them to a goal – try to see the most different birds. Counting from zero to ten is enough for many kids to keep them excited about learning and focused.
Teach children to be more observant. Before heading out, come up with a wish-list of bird species: things such as hawks, doves, and sunbirds would suffice, or even smaller animals grouped under four pairs.
Leader
This is one way that promises independence in children. Let them choose a place, marked on a map near your residence, with a green patch for you to visit. When you reach there, allow the child to decide which trail to take and guide you toward what things or places he has chosen to study along the path.
Binocular spy
If your child knows how to use binoculars, teach them to use them properly by asking them to read signs at varying distances. Start with proximity to you, and gradually move farther away until they can keep the barrels steady while turning the focus wheel gently while operating.
Once they have it in their skill set, play “I Spy” with them to find smaller objects.
Sound off
Most kids can easily tell what a dog sounds like or how it quacks, but guineafowl? Get your kids to imitate a bird’s sound and then, while using a field guide app, access the bird and listen to the clips. Get them to reinterpret songs and calls afterward.
Now that you have the actionable steps to get those birding skills in order, making and booking ahead for the tour should have been done.
