Friends in the Meadow

                                                                    For  Parents

"GET READY! You are about to discover a world of fun!

This book is an introduction to the hobby of bird watching. Some think this hobby becomes more of a lifestyle than just a hobby as one evolves into a “birder,” or more formally, a naturalist or beginning ornithologist.

Bird watching helps people in many ways. For children, birding becomes a learning experience that is so much fun they do not realize they are learning. Nature lessons become real life lessons for the child, everything from learning how to just have fun, to being responsible for themselves and other living things. Learning to share, care about others, helping others and when necessary how to stand up for what is right and how to pick their battles carefully. It also gives them an appreciation for God’s world and how there is a cycle in nature that was set in motion from the beginning and continues every day when the sun rises. It offers a sense of routine and security. Birding builds awareness that every living thing is special, the child, the family, even the little birds.

For adults, the health of birds gives a clue as to the general condition of the environment. If you do not see birds, something is very wrong. It also gives us hours of low cost entertainment and adventure for the whole family. Many families center their vacations around birding.

For some, birding brings them closer to nature, to a sense of Serenity and closeness to God. Especially when given a few minutes of quiet and stillness to listen to the song of the Mockingbird or Chickadee. One can truly find the foundation or center of their universe through Nature.

This book is an introduction to birding that gives the child a view of the bird’s world, the “birder’s” world, and begins to teach children the language of bird watching. Younger children will need the parents help in reading and understanding the meaning of the birder language. Older children will need help and encouragement with setting up feeders, bird houses, and other activities you can enjoy together.

After your child finishes this introduction to birding, he or she may be ready to grow more in the world of birding. Two books recommended include Bird Watcher by David Burnie. This book is packed full of fun activities that will help the child grow in his understanding of birds and have fun with parents at the same time. It also helps inexperienced parents learn birding along with their child. The book has detailed instructions for each activity.

The other book is Peterson Field Guides for Young Naturalists - Backyard Birds by Jonathan Latimer and Karen Nolting. This book helps the child when out on a birding adventure. It has details of bird markings and features to look for when identifying birds. It also has information on the habitat, voice and food for each bird and other interesting facts. It trains the child in how to use a field guide. No doubt if he continues in birding, as he matures he will move into the adult version of field guides. These guides cover every bird everywhere and really are the encyclopedias of birding.

For the internet user, there is no better site for birders, young and old, than www.birds.cornell.edu. This is the site for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It is a treasure trove of knowledge if you are just getting started or have years of experience as a birder. They have backyard bird counts and feeder watch programs that birders all over can participate and add your data to the scientific research of birds. You can have a real part in research, or you can use the sight to simply learn about birds, their songs, view photos and other activities."

               Goldie Goldfinch                     Bobby Eastern

                                                                  Bluebird

             Fee Bee Chickadee                    Lovie Dove

A portion of the proceeds from each book will be donated to the Make-a-Wish Foundation of America for children. This important foundation provides wishes to children who will not survive their terminal illness.

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