Welcome to Maddy’s Garden Birdwatch Adventure!
Oh, hello there, my curious friends! It’s Maddy the Ragdoll here, ready for another adventure. Today, we’re talking about something super special that’s coming up — fun birdwatching activities for kids during the Big Garden Birdwatch! It’s the biggest event in my garden calendar, and I simply can’t wait to share it with you.
Every year, the lovely folks at the RSPB (that’s the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) invite us all to count birds in our gardens, parks, or even from a cosy window seat. Isn’t that exciting? Yes, it’s like a birdie treasure hunt! Let’s dive in and find out how you can join in too.
First Things First: Why Count Birds?
Counting birds is not just fun, but it’s also a fantastic way to get your kids involved in nature. Fun birdwatching activities for kids during the Big Garden Birdwatch will help them practice counting while observing all sorts of feathered friends. It’s like a little puzzle that’s both exciting and educational!
It’s important because counting helps the clever scientists at the RSPB learn how birds are doing. Plus, it is a truly fabulous way to introduce kids learning numbers and letters. Are there more sparrows this year? Fewer robins? By counting, we can help solve this nature mystery. And guess what? It’s fun too! Certainly, numbers are magical, don’t you think? One, two, three little sparrows hopping in the hedge. Four, five, six magpies swooping through the sky. How easy is that?
And don’t forget — you can also use this as an opportunity to play with your very own nature-inspired shape sorter! Discover big birds, tiny birds, chirpy birds, and quiet birds. For instance, birds come in so many shapes: round like a robin, slim like a wagtail, and fluffy like a pigeon puffed up on a chilly day.
How to Take Part in the Big Garden Birdwatch
So, are you ready for some fun birdwatching activities for kids during the Big Garden Birdwatch? It’s simple to join in! First, find good spot in your garden, a nearby park, or even your balcony. The RSPB invites everyone to join this exciting event. Your little adventurers can get involved by counting birds and learning all about the different shapes, colours, and sounds they hear.
Pick an hour between January 27th and 29th. That’s when everyone across the UK will be watching and counting. You’ll need a pencil and some paper (or ask a grown-up to help). Write down how many birds you see of each type. It’s like keeping your very own birdwatching diary! And don’t forget to check the RSPB’s website for a handy bird ID guide — it’s like a picture book for bird lovers.
Remember: you only count the most birds you see at one time. If you spot three blue tits at first, and later five, you count the five. Easy-peasy!
Oh, and while you’re at it, don’t forget to jot down the location of your birdwatch. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even birdwatch in a different spot on another day! Maybe your garden on Friday, the park on Saturday, and the balcony on Sunday. Just remember: one birdwatch per location, per person.
Get the Kids Involved: Count, Sort, and Learn!
Alright, little adventurers, this bit’s for you. Let’s make fun birdwatching activities for kids during the Big Garden Birdwatch even more fun! First, grab some crayons and draw and colour in all the birds you see. Birds aren’t just different shapes; they’re all sorts of colourways too! Can you spot the bright blue tit or the robin with its red chest?
Listen carefully too! Birds don’t just look different — they sound different too. The blackbird sings a sweet song, while the sparrow chirps like it’s telling secrets. Can you match the bird to its sound? What fun!
And here’s another idea: try sorting your bird list by size. Who’s the biggest bird you’ve seen? Who’s the smallest? It’s like a real-life game of snap! Plus you’ll be learning all about numbers, sizes, and shapes while having a blast. Isn’t that clever?
Why the Big Garden Birdwatch Matters
By joining in and taking part in fun birdwatching activities for kids during the Big Garden Birdwatch, you’re helping protect birds and learning valuable skills like counting, sorting, and identifying animals. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity for families to bond over a shared adventure in nature. You’re not just birdwatching — you’re becoming a bird protector!
Winter may be cold, but it’s a fantastic time for fun birdwatching activities for kids during the Big Garden Birdwatch. With so many birds flocking to our gardens to stay warm and find food, your children will have a wonderful time spotting different species, counting them, and even making up their own games to learn about the birds they see.
Why Just One Weekend?
Now, you might wonder, why is the Big Garden Birdwatch only held over one weekend? Well, that’s because it gives everyone a snapshot of how garden birds are doing at the same time. Birds come and go throughout the year, so having everyone count on the same weekend makes the results easier to compare with past years. Isn’t that smart?
This year, the birdwatch runs from Friday, January 27th, to Sunday, January 29th. That means we’ll all be counting together, whether it’s sunny, rainy, or frosty. And since the birdwatch spans three days, there’s plenty of time to pick the perfect hour for your bird-spotting adventure.
Why Winter is Perfect for Birdwatching
Winter might feel cold and blustery, but it’s actually the best time for birdwatching. When it’s chilly, more birds visit our gardens looking for food and shelter. This makes them easier to spot. And since the Big Garden Birdwatch happens at the same time every year, it helps us see if anything is changing for our feathered friends.
So, wrap up warm, grab a hot drink, and let the winter magic unfold. You might just see some birds puffing up their feathers to keep warm. They look like little balls of fluff!
What About the Weather?
Oh, the weather can be quite cheeky, can’t it? One moment it’s sunny, the next it’s raining cats and dogs. But don’t worry! Because people all over the UK take part, the weather in one place won’t spoil the birdwatch. In fact, counting over three days means we get a good mix of weather, which evens everything out.
So, whether you’re birdwatching in sunshine or spotting sparrows through the drizzle, your count will make a difference. And isn’t that the best part?
Maddy’s Top Tips for a Brilliant Birdwatch
- Bring Snacks!
Firstly, birds love snacks. Secondly, so do I! Pop some seeds or fat balls out for your feathered friends. You can even make your own bird feeders with pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Yum! And of course, while you’re at it, you can keep the fun birdwatching activities for kids during the Big Garden Birdwatch going by watching the birds nibble away. - Stay Warm and Snug
Next, bundle up warm. A scarf, hat, and a flask of hot chocolate make birdwatching so much cosier. Or, if it’s too chilly, stay inside and watch from the window. The birds won’t mind one bit. And the best part? You’ll still be enjoying fun birdwatching activities for kids during the Big Garden Birdwatch from the comfort of your home. - Be Patient
Finally, patience is key. Birds are shy, you see. Sit still, be quiet, and wait. Soon, they’ll swoop in to say hello. And as you wait, you can play games and think about all the fun birdwatching activities for kids during the Big Garden Birdwatch.
Turn Birdwatching into an Adventure: Fun Birdwatching Games for Kids During the Big Garden Birdwatch
Oh, I do love a good escapade. And birdwatching is more than just counting — it’s about adventure, exploration, and creativity! Fun birdwatching activities for kids during the Big Garden Birdwatch include wonderful nature walks. Where you look for bird footprints in the snow. Or check out nests (but don’t touch!). Or try making bird sounds. Can you chirp like a sparrow or whistle like a robin? These activities make birdwatching a full-on adventure, and your kids will love it!
And remember, my last blog is full of other nature-inspired adventures just like this one. From bug hunts to tree-climbing tips, there’s something for every little explorer. Just pop over to Maddy’s Kids Nature-Inspired Adventures Blog for more ideas.
Some Feathered Friends to Spot
Ready to spot some feathered friends? As you go birdwatching, you’ll discover all kinds of birds. And, of course, the fun birdwatching activities for kids during the Big Garden Birdwatch will help them identify and learn about the birds. The robin’s bright red chest, the blue tit’s sunny feathers, and the blackbird’s beautiful song will all add to the excitement!
Let’s meet the stars of the show. Here are some common birds you might see:
- Robin: Red chest, round body, tiny legs. Perfectly festive!
- Blue Tit: Blue and yellow feathers, like a tiny sunshine.
- Blackbird: Sleek and shiny, with a golden beak.
- House Sparrow: Brown and chirpy, usually in a group.
- Starling: Shiny feathers that sparkle in the sun.
Can you guess which is the biggest bird? (Hint: It’s not the robin!) Thirdly, see if you can spot a magpie. Count their tail feathers — so long and elegant.
Fun Birdwatching Activities for Kids During the Big Garden Birdwatch: Join Me!
So, will you join me for fun birdwatching activities for kids during the Big Garden Birdwatch? Grab your notebook, your snacks, and your binoculars, and let’s see how many birds we can spot! It’s going to be an adventure filled with counting, sorting, and most importantly, fun!
With all these playful ideas and a focus on fun birdwatching activities for kids during the Big Garden Birdwatch, I hope this adventure sparks joy and curiosity for all the little adventurers out there. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get counting, sorting, and exploring — see you in the garden!