Purpose 

You have probably seen many birds in your neighborhood or your own yard. Now you have a chance to learn more about those birds through observations. One important ability in science is being able to carefully observe and record the natural world. This activity is an opportunity to practice science in your own home or backyard! 

Materials 

• Pencil and paper to document data 

• Bird identification resources (book, online website, or phone app) 

• Binoculars (optional) 

• Bird Count Tally Sheet (optional examples of basic or robust) 

• Look Up! Bird-Watching in Your Own Backyard (optional reading) 

Steps 

Step 1: Pick a place to observe, such as a window or a spot in your backyard.   

Step 2: Begin counting and identifying birds. Count for 15 minutes or for longer if you wish! Use your bird identification resource to help you make the best estimates of the type of bird you saw and note what the bird is doing (e.g. flying, walking, sitting, etc.). Be sure to record the date, time, and location to see how the natural world changes each time you practice being a scientist!  

Step 3: If you would like, enter your results on a Bird Watching website. Some that we recommend include Cornell Lab of Ornithology or the Audubon Society. Or compare your results with other birders who collected from their backyards this year: 2020 GBBC. 

 To Learn or Do More 

• AAAS’ Science NetLinks Lesson: Look Up! Bird-Watching in Your Own Backyard  

• Audubon Society’s Backyard Birding 

• Downloadable Backyard Birding Activity Kit from Candlewick Press

• Learn How to Turn Your Garden Building Into a Wildlife Watching Room

• Join a Citizen Science Project through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology