You don't have to be a hard-core birdwatcher to enjoy birds in your backyard. Many families find that a simple sunflower seed feeder is all that is needed to invite feathered friends into your world.

Why birds?

Basic bird watching is a doorway to several fundamental concepts in natural science. Backyard birds are easily accessible. Even in an urban environment a casual observer can identify the most common Rock Pigeon and House Sparrow. The youngest birdwatchers can learn that animals need food to survive; and birds have feathers and can fly.

More advanced young birdwatchers grasp that birds come in different sizes and colors, and live in different habitats. Their beaks are adapted to the type of food they eat. These concepts echo some of the state science standards used by school systems around the country.

Since many backyard birds come in bright colors, it can be relatively easy for even toddlers to recognize the "red bird" (Cardinal) or the "blue bird" (Blue Jay). There are field guides, such as The Peterson First Guides" that are designed for youngsters, but knowing the bird names is not nearly as valuable as watching the bird's behavior.

I had the opportunity to go birding with professional birder and nature writer, Kenn Kaufman a few years ago. He shared an important lesson he gleaned from his mentor, Roger Tory Peterson. WATCH birds, even the common birds. It is more rewarding to observe how certain birds tease the fluff from spent thistle flowers to line their nest, than it is to simply know those yellow and black birds are Goldfinches.

If we apply this for children, you can engage them in all sorts of observations. Do they notice some birds hop on two feet (e.g., House Sparrows) but others walk one foot in front of the other (e.g., Crows)? What about their eating habits? Some birds plant themselves at your bird feeder and dine (e.g., Cardinals). Others pluck a seed and fly off with it (like Chickadees).Are some types of birds more social coming to your feeders in groups (e.g., House Finches), and others are more solitary (e.g., Downy Woodpeckers)?

Questions and observations such as these are excellent introductions to scientific thinking. Beyond the pure enjoyment of watching birds in your backyard, you can foster an affinity for science in your child.

Family Project: Nest Helper

In May, birds are busy building nests. You can supply some suitable nesting material for them.

You'll need:

·A mesh onion or orange sack ·And a mixture of any of the following:

*Be sure to use cotton, because it will eventually decompose

Stuff the items in the mesh sack, then partially pull a few of the items out of the mesh so they will be easier for birds to see and grab. Hang the filled mesh sack from a tree limb or near your bird feeders and watch for birds to visit and collect the materials. Baltimore orioles will be especially interested in gathering threads and long hairs.

Which materials do the birds in your backyard seem to favor?

 

A Few Tips on Bird Feeders Black oil sunflower seed is considered the single seed likely to attract a variety of birds. Beware of cheap blends of seeds. They contain seeds less desirable to birds and much of the seed will be tossed on the ground as waste. It's OK to let the seed run out once in awhile. Birds will find new sources of food. But if you want a variety of birds to be regular visitors to your backyard, maintain seed in the feeder. Position the feeder where you can see it from a window, to enhance your ability to enjoy your backyard visitors. Clean your feeder periodically to keep the birds healthy.

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