June 26, 2021

Quote of the Week

"I think the most important quality in a birdwatcher is a willingness to stand quietly and see what comes. Our everyday lives obscure a truth about existence - that at the heart of everything there lies a stillness and a light." -- Lynn Thomson, Birding with Yeats: A Mother's Memoir

The Benefits Of Bird Watching For Kids

"Bird watching for kids is a great activity that allows little ones to enjoy the environment while taking time away from screens and schoolwork to revel in the stillness of the world around them. Birding can be done from anywhere—even your own backyard—and there are many ways to build upon the experience and make it a lifelong hobby.

Our modern world encourages constant multi-tasking, but it's important for growing brains to stop and recharge. The stillness of bird watching is less of a skill and more of an opportunity to pause and take it all in. You and your family might be surprised at the things you discover besides birds!

Bird watching is a hobby that can be enjoyed at any age. By fostering an appreciation for nature in your children, you are giving them a gift that will last a lifetime." [Read Article]

Reading Corner

Title: Olivia's Birds: Saving the Gulf
By: Olivia Bouler (11 years old when this book was published)
Ages: 3-9

Why: "One 11 year-old girl can make a difference, as budding ornithologist and artist Olivia Bouler proved, single-handedly raising over $175,000 for the Gulf oil spill recovery. Devastated by the disaster, Olivia wrote a letter promising to send each donor to the cause one of her own bird paintings, many of which are captured in this lavish book that recaps her valiant campaign." -- Publisher

Be the Change

Explore bird watching with your kids on an upcoming weekend, whether you're out in natureful surroundings or even in a garden. Here are some handy tips to get started, including how to build your own bird house together with your kids!