Spring is right around the corner and so are the birds! Take an opportunity to get outside and enjoy their sights and sounds. Birds are pretty amazing creatures. Especially when you consider that newest estimates show that there are over 18,000 species of birds that spread from the poles to the equator.
Their songs and calls fill the air every spring with remarkable sounds. Bird songs are used to attract mates and defend their territory. Did you know bird songs sound different in different regions?! Calls on the other hand are usually short. Often times they’re just one syllable long. Audubon explains it in more detail and you can even listen to the differences.
Ornithology is the study of birds, and it comes under branches of zoology. When studying birds, don’t just limit the category to science. You can encourage creativity learn about birds during art, geography, cultural studies, history, and even math.
Here’s some Ornithology activities you can do at home.
• Observation: Watch Live Bird Cams
Your family can see and hear birds from in their natural habitats – learn about eggs, nests, feeding, and more
• Art: Kids can learn how to draw different types of birds with this easy class, Bird Chalk Pastel Video Course
• Geography: Explore the US by checking out this visual and fun Bird Map while you learn about state birds
• Life Skills: Get in the kitchen and have fun tasting these Edible Nests – you can’t go wrong learning through food
• Science: If you are looking to do some bird experiments, check out this post by Science Buddies, there 10 hands-on, backyard science projects to engage in
• History: Learn about the Native American tribes that used bird symbols to communicate. Birds were often considered a sign of freedom and connection to the heavens
• Math: Possibilities are endless, you can have kids measure migration routes, count and chart bird observations, or for older kids check out this cool Angry Birds Parabolas
• Music: This 15 minute nature music lesson teaches you about bird songs
If you want to take it easy and just feed the birds, we have ideas for that too. Everyone has heard of the traditional pine cone and peanut butter bird feeders. But just as easy and fun, is stringing food to decorate trees with.
Our BU communities celebrate Thanksgiving every year by leaving treats out for the birds. The kids love to make these pretty strings of food. You can do this simple activity with things you probably already have on hand. All you need is popcorn, berries, apples and/or other dried fruit, a needle, and thread. Start off by threading a needle and using it to string the food onto the thread. When you’re done, leave it in the trees for the birds. It looks so pretty and the birds love it.
No matter what you do to learn about birds, get outside and have fun doing it!
– Amber