Family Time is For the Birds!

This Friday, February 12th, kicks off the start of the Great Backyard Bird Count!

This is a great opportunity to get involved as a family, spend some quality time together and be a part of something bigger.

Great Blue Heron by Lynne Marsho, Illinois (Overall Photo Winner last year)

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds. (Excerpt from their site)

All it takes is 15 minutes together counting the birds you see in your back yard. This is a great teaching opportunity, as well as learning for yourself! They even have a site that shows you your regional bird checklist (with pictures too)...to help!

I recommend clicking on the GBBC for Kids page to start, and get your kids excited about counting and finding the birds. This would be a great time get out the camera and possibly have your children learn about taking great photo's of birds.

This is a great opportunity to think outside of the box to kickstart quality family time in your home....happy birdwatching!

Thanks!