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

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