This month you can help the RSPB by taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch between 27th-29th January 2023. All you need to do is count how many birds you see in your garden for 1 hour (not including those in flight) and then submit your results online. This survey helps the RSPB to monitor bird numbers in the UK and react to any species who are in decline. The survey has been running for 40 years so they have a lot of data, which is great news for our wildlife! There are some bird species identification sheets you can download and print too. It’s a great activity to get the kids involved in during lockdown. Perhaps they could compare their results with family or friends? Find out more here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/
In honour of the Big Garden Birdwatch I’ve put together this list of fun bird crafts and activities for you to try. Why not make it into a weekend family project?
Homemade Bird Feeders
Kerry from Blissful Domestication has put together an amazing post full of different ways you can make your own bird feeders at home. They are so creative and use all sorts of things from around the house. I particularly like the cookie cutter ones. We’ve got a vast assortment of cutters so we’re going to make lots of different ones to hang around the garden. Thanks for the idea Kerry! https://blissfuldomestication.com/homemade-bird-feeders-kids-can-make
Paper Plate Robin
Jenny from The Gingerbread House has made this lovely Robin out of a paper plate and some tissue paper. Great for little ones to have a go at and super easy to do. You could have a go at making some other bird species like this as well. https://the-gingerbread-house.co.uk/paper-plate-bird-craft-for-kids
Bird Mobile
Luschka from Diary Of A First Child made this very pretty bird mobile which I absolutely love. You could use all different coloured papers and designs to suit your taste. I think it looks lovely! https://diaryofafirstchild.com/2015/06/13/how-to-make-a-bird-mobile
Pom Pom Bird’s Nest
Jane from Hodge Podge Days has made this super cute pom pom bird sat in a little tissue paper nest. I love it so much! https://hodgepodgedays.co.uk/crafts/pom-pom-bird-paper-nest
Winged Bird
Susan has 3 cute bird crafts in this post but I particularly like the winged bird. I can imagine these hanging from the ceiling of the kids bedroom looking like they’re flying around. https://www.susankmann.com/2017/04/simple-bird-crafts-for-kids.html
Encourage Birds To Your Garden
Sarah has some ideas in this post to help encourage birds into your garden, including having a bird bath for them. We have a bird bath in our front garden and I plan to add some bird feeders too. https://www.boorooandtiggertoo.com/activities-which-will-encourage-birds-into-your-garden
If you’re taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch I’d love to know the results of your survey. Please let me know in the comments below.
