I mentioned The Great Backyard Bird Count in my February Fun post last week but wanted to highlight it this week since it starts on Friday. Plus, I've added additional bird-focused events and activities as well.
The Great Backyard Bird Count
- Where: Your backyard
- When: Friday, February 18th to Monday, February 21st
- What: A collaborative event between the Audubon Society and Cornell University Ornithology Department hosted annually over President's Day Weekend. You can keep it simple and just look and listen for fun or add on participating in the official count by submitting what you see via an app. For more information, visit the official website.
- How to participate:
- Watch and count all the birds your see or hear for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days.
- Report your sightings via an app. Beginners should use the Merline Bird ID app. This helps researchers learn more about birds.
- For more info on how to participate go here.
OTHER EVENTS
- Pollinator Garden Restoration and Backyard Bird Count
Where: Westcrest Park / 9000 8th Ave SW
When: Saturday, February 19th / 10AM–Noon or 1–3PM
What: Dirt Corps is hosting a restoration project and Seattle Audubon will be providing information on birds that use the park and helping folks submit observations for the Great Backyard Bird Count. Registration required. For more details and to register go here. - Birds of the Duwamish River Valley
Where: Duwamish Longhouse / 4705 W Marginal Way SW
When: Saturday, February 26th / 9AM–Noon
What: Bird walks and a presentation. For more information go here. - Waterfront Birding for Beginners
Off-island event but super close and easy to get to by hopping on the water taxi.
Where: Pier 62
When: Saturday, March 12th / 10–11AM
What: Free beginning birding event hosted by Seattle Audubon Society. Visit the website to reserve a spot.
ACTIVITIES
In addition to the events above, here are some ideas to do at home.
In addition to the events above, here are some ideas to do at home.
- Check out this website for kid-friendly bird info and more.
Audubon for Kids website has oodles of info written just for kids. Go here to check it out. - Try one of these bird-focused ideas, activities and crafts.
Also on the Audubon website is everything from making bird feeders and drawing birds to making your yard more bird-friendly. Go here for more info. - Rent a bird-themed activity kit from Sensa Play Rentals.
A West Seattle mama creates and rents hands-on sensory kits for younger kiddos. Each kit includes books and activities for four days of educational play focused around a theme. Rental costs run $20-25 for a week with pick-up and delivery included. You can find them on Facebook and Instagram or email them. There's also a write-up about them on Macaroni Kid, West Seattle.
Special thanks to my daughter for sharing her "Bird on a Wire" image.
