Family Birding Resources

Kids and birding are a natural combination. Parents will be happy to slow down and reconnect with nature. For kids, though, birding can be full of adventure and challenge. There’s no denying the thrill of finally finding a rare species or identifying a hidden bird by its call.  Best of all, birding is an inexpensive family hobby that requires only a one-time investment in a field guide and a pair of binoculars.

The following resources will help you learn the ropes on birding for kids.

Getting Started

Easy Ways to Get Kids Birding (National Audubon Society)
How to Get Kids Interested in Bird Watching (DIY Gardening)
How to Get Started Bird Watching with Kids (Back Road Ramblers)
How to Start Birding With Your Kid (Childhood by Nature)
Tips on Getting Started (birdwatching.com)

Family-Friendly Birding Tools

Audubon Guide to Buying Binoculars (National Audubon Society)
Best Apps for Birding with Kids (Cornell University)
Bird Books for Children (North Cascades Audubon Google Sheet) 
Family Camera Guide (National Audubon Society)

Community Science Projects for Your Back Yard

The Cornell Lab Great Backyard Bird Count
The Cornell Lab Project FeederWatch

Other Resources

Birding Activities for Kids: A weekly guide (National Audubon Society)
Birding Areas in Whatcom/Skagit Counties (North Cascades Audubon)