You may have heard of the 
Christmas Bird Count put on by Audubon in December. Each year individuals and families participate in a one-day bird count that contributes to the longest running community science project in the country!
It’s easy to join up, and every group includes one experienced birder, so you don’t have to be an expert to take part. The data from the count allows researchers, conservation biologists, and wildlife agencies to study the long-term health of bird populations across North America.
Check out this video of kids participating in the count here. Or if you want to find out more about signing up, click here.
If it’s difficult to schedule time outside this December, consider bringing the birding indoors with the award-winning picture book, Paddle Perch Climb: Bird Feet Are Neat. This rambunctious, rhythmic book invites 3-8 year olds to guess which beguiling bird is which based on their feet—and then teaches them all the unexpected ways that birds adapt and survive, while hungry predators lurk in the corners for observant readers to discover.
Paddle Perch Climb just won the CBC/NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book Award for the way that it encourages budding scientists to observe and engage with nature. It’s also a captivating read aloud with plenty of kid-friendly surprises.
“…unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library Pets/Wildlife picture book collections…” – Midwest Book Reviews
One way or another, it’s always time to tune in to the fascinating display of nature—through the pages of a book or out in the (crisp!) fresh air. I hope you enjoy your winter season!
