Fun Friday activities are quick-and-simple ways to explore nature in your own backyard.
If you haven’t heard by now, let me be the first to share with you a simple way you can spend time exploring nature with the kids this weekend. The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) starts today, February 18 and runs through Monday, February 21.
Your task is simple: Count the birds you see for at least 15 minutes on one or more of the days. Here’s a little video that tells you everything you need to know to join the fun.
We love going backyard bird watching. In anticipation of this year’s GBBC, we’ve been paying extra close attention to our feathered visitors all week.
Our patience paid off big time earlier this week when we caught our first glimpse ever of a hummingbird using our feeder.
What’s especially memorable about this shot is that we were standing maybe five feet away from the feeder at the time. Which explains why I share this photo, capturing the look of awe on the big explorer’s face as he watched.
These are moments I treasure.
I hope you’ll head out to see what bird friends come to visit your backyard this weekend. You never know what you might discover.
Take-Home Tips
- Consider your timing. I’ve noticed that the hour just before sunset seems to be a busy one among the birds in our yard.
- Print out a regional bird checklist. This will help you get an idea of the types of birds you might expect to see in your area in February. You can find one here.
More Ideas for Winter Outdoor Fun
Are you itching for spring or still enjoying winter to its fullest? I hope that in either case, you’re making time to head outdoors with the kiddos. If you need a little inspiration these week, maybe one of these ideas will help:
- Start a moon journal.
- Play a game of “Three Little Twigs” (for the complete rules, check out the Nature Rocks Winter Activity Guide)
- Go on a winter nature scavenger hunt.
- Or try one of these 30 Ideas for Winter Backyard Nature Fun.
And if you live in the Los Angeles area, get your science on! Kids ages 6 to 9 years old and their families can participate in the junior scientist program at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. This month’s session is all about cats. The program is FREE, plus you get your own field notebook! Sat., Feb. 19, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. sessions.
Happy exploring!
