Bird Watching - How to Help Your Kids Make a Bird Book

Bird watching is a fun family activity.

When you are homeschooling or wanting to teach your kids about birds, bird watching becomes even more important.

We found that bird watching is even better when you create a bird book to go with the birds you see around your house, at the park or on a hike.

Our daughter, Elayna wrote about her bird book when she was 7 years old.

In her words…

Sparrows, Cardinals, Carolina Wrens, Gold Finch, House Finch, Nuthatch, Chickadee, Yellow Bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker… these are the kinds of birds that I see around my house.

Bird Watching - How to Help Your Kids Make a Bird Book

Since I was a little girl, my dad has taught me about birds. He made me a book of birds to help me remember what the different kinds of birds look like. I know what a lot of birds look like and can name them if I see them outside our big picture window.

Today, in school, I asked my mom if I could go bird watching… well, not go outside, just look out the windows!

I wasn’t seeing anything, but I had fun looking at my bird book!

I called my dad at work to see if I could use his binoculars. I wanted to see if they would help me see any birds.

I waited and waited but nothing came.

I think my dad has to refill the bird feeders. That might help.

I also think I should do bird watching outside in the summer.

It was fun though!

– Elayna

Now, for those of you who want to make a book like Elayna made…

Make your own Simple Bird Book for Bird Watching

1. Find pictures of birds you love

2. Print them

3. Add them to a photo book

4. Memorize the names and features of the birds

5. Keep your book close and watch for birds you can name

Optional Fun: Go to the library and get bird books to learn more about the birds in your book!

And a great resource: Free Bird Journal and Bird Identification Coloring Pages from Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus!

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Updated: July 2014

Abby using the book with Grandpa at their house! Bird watching fun for years to come.

And in 2018…

We’ve now added the Audubon App to our bird watching adventures. It is a great way to identify birds, keep track of the ones you’ve seen and learn about different bird species.