Birdwatching is an excellent hobby for kids of any age and ability. It is easy to pick up, works for any budget, and you can do it from anywhere! Birds are fascinating little creatures that can tell us so much about the health of our local ecosystem. You may not even have to leave your house (but we encourage you to)!
Have some budding "birders" in your family? Check out these articles, tips, and activities below!
Lesson 1: Why Birdwatching is a Worthy Hobby
Because it’s fun!
Birds are curious, interesting, and adorable. Once you begin learning about the birds you are watching, you may never want to stop! Each season brings new visitors, while some of our feathery friends remain in our yards (and hearts) all year round. They can be bright and flashy, or camouflaged and sneaky. You never know what you might spot!
Because it’s good for you!
Studies have shown that hearing and watching birds can lead to a happier life. Not only that, but being outside in nature, moving your body, and getting a little vitamin D are all good for you!
Because it’s good for them!
Learning about something is a great way to develop more respect for it. The more you learn, the more you may realize how connected we are, how interesting these animals can be, and how much we need each other.
Birds can also tell us much about the health of our local ecosystems. Because they can fly they are easier to spot and record than other animals that are smaller or more reclusive. A higher and more diverse population of birds tells us there is ample food, shelter, and other resources to support them. Areas devoid of birds could be a red flag that something about that area is putting wildlife at risk. Watching birds leads to asking questions and asking questions in the first place is how problems get solved.
Lesson 2: How to Start Birding
Birdwatching is not a difficult hobby to get into! In fact, you don’t really need anything to go “birding”. However, there are a few materials that may make the experience more enjoyable. Here are a few items we recommend:
- Binoculars
- Bird pamphlets and books
- Apps
- Audubon (for reading up on specific species and tracking your "life list")*
- Birding in Utah (for viewing birding "hotspots” in Utah)*
- eBird (for logging your birding observations into a global database and viewing global “hotspots”)*
- Merlin Bird ID (for trying to figure out what an unknown bird might be)*
How to Start Birding from Audubon.org
Go out birdwatching! See how many birds you already know. If you find a bird you don’t know, try to use an app, field guide, or friend to identify it.
ACTIVITY
Kid’s don’t need much nudging to get them outside, but if you’re looking for a way to make birdwatching even more interesting, try Bird Bingo! Make your own bird bingo card, or print one of ours. We have created two different bingo cards - a beginner and intermediate. These cards include some of the most common birds in and around the Salt Lake Valley.
Planning on attending a GSLA Fledglings Club Meetup? Print off this “Getting to Know You” page to fill out ahead of time.