- 62 Days of Summer
- #62waystodo62days
- #62daysofsummer
- birds
- bird watchers
- bird watching
- birding
- birdfeeder
- bird lovers
- bird song
June 15, 2020 | kimba
One silver lining to the COVID-19 outbreak is that our lack of activity has benefited wildlife and the environment in unanticipated ways - including birds. Scientists have noted that fewer cars and planes makes a quieter soundscape for birds and humans. There may never have been a better time to enjoy birds and to fulfill your "Go Bird Watching" 62 Days 62 Ways square. The beauty of this activity is that you do not even have to leave the comfort of your home - just look out your window! Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
- Birding for Beginners from the National Park Service or Bird Watching for Beginners on YouTube
- Bird identification book or app - Audubon Bird Guide App is free and popular
- Bird feeder - You can make one with Creativebug class Cookie Cutter Bird Feeders. (CPL card required)
- Make your yard bird-friendly.
Activities:
- In addition to the bird feeder, Creativebug also has classes to help you make cute Yarn Birds and Paper Birds. (CPL card required)
- Audubon for Kids has some great bird-themed activities. Check out other kid-friendly arts and crafts!
- Interactive Bird Migration Maps - Spring 2020 Hummingbird Migration Map and Sightings and/or birdmigration.com which keeps track of Hummingbirds, Orioles and Purple Martins. You can even add your bird sightings!
- Raining out or you just don't feel like going outside?
- The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has fantastic live bird cams or you can watch the Falcon Live Cam from the Detroit Zoo.
- Birds of North America with Jason Ward - a fun YouTube series all about birds and those that love them.
- Take a picture of birds you see, bird feeders you made, or one of your bird crafts and share them with CPL! #howdoyou62
Resources:
Inspired by the Russian storytelling tradition, this contemporary fairy tale about a relatable heroine's inner transformation from materialism to gratefulness will captivate readers of all ages. The Blue Bird's Palace has beautiful illustrations. Blue birds have been abundant this Spring! Check out Bird Books for the Young at Heart and other kid-friendly birding titles including emedia.
This is my absolute favorite bird book in the world! It is great for all ages. Along with great pictures and descriptions of the birds, it contains an actual recording of the bird's song. You simply find the corresponding number and push a button to access it. It is fantastic! My niece actually carried this book around with her for a whole summer. Check out other birding titles including emedia.
The whole family will enjoy this NOVA documentary about the brainpower of birds. Long mocked as empty-headed, the feathered friends hide surprisingly acute intelligence. But how smart are they? Watch as scientists test avian aptitude and challenge the basic notions of intelligence. Check out other bird movies and emedia.
Head back to the 62 Days of Summer home page for more ways to participate in the summer program!