As part of the Bird-Friendly Communities initiative, Audubon is sparking bird-friendly innovation from the ground up. There are many opportunities to make your home a more bird-friendly environment and to bring your kids along for the journey.

A love of birding can start at any age and from any source of inspiration. As part of the Bird-Friendly Communities initiative, Audubon is sparking bird-friendly innovation from the ground up. There are many opportunities to make your home a more bird-friendly environment and to bring your kids along for the journey. 

Here are a few of our favorite bird-friendly activities to make your next adventure a family affair:

Nest boxes for Nuthatches

While children are growing and learning about families, take an opportunity to teach them about another family: the Brown-headed Nuthatch. By installing a nest box in your yard, you are providing a home for a new family of birds while also giving your kids a chance to observe growing chicks up close. And it’s okay to get attached. Once a nuthatch has chosen a nest box, it will return again and again. Find a nuthatch nest box retailer to get started. 

Birding In The Kitchen

Your bird-friendly backyard is a popular spot for birds, but do they have enough to eat? Building your own suet feeders is as easy as 1…2…3… and hang! This is a great activity for the budding top chef of the family and makes a great decoration for a bird-friendly backyard. All you’ll need is a bundt cake pan, birdseed and some flour to get started. 

Crafting and Bird-Watching

Children can begin to build their first bird list from an early age with a printable bird book from Buggy and Buddy. With this book, kids will be inspired to learn how to identify and record birds, and draw what they’ve spotted. Soon, your kids will be a little crafty and a lot savvy with their bird-watching skills.

Becoming a Bird Sleuth 

With trivia cards, birding bingo or a guided scavenger hunt, your family can learn how to identify birds in a fun and interactive way. Visit BirdSleuth for details or to purchase a set of cards. Birding games are the perfect activity to engage and entertain kids for long car rides too.