by 9 people |
Want to get your kids outside, away from TV and video games?
Get them interested in birding. Here you find my recommendations for field guides, fun books, and basic equipment.
It doesn't cost much and can turn into a lifelong hobby.
The Curious Wren - Your Birding Guide
Let the Curious Wren be your guide to birding.She has a whole series of lenses about birding, bird feeders, field guides, bird books, gifts and equipment.
Some lenses are "How To" lenses.
One part of her series is Birding USA -- state-by-state guides to birding -- Florida, California and more!
Go to the Curious Wren hub for links to all her lenses.
Field Guides
Birds (Fandex Family Field Guides)
Reading Level - Age 9 to 12
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Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/09/2009) 
Beginning Birdwatchers Book: With 48 Stickers
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Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 12/09/2009)
Backyard Birds (Peterson Field Guides® for Young Naturalists)
For Grades 4 to 7.
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Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 12/09/2009)
Backyard Birding for Kids
For Grades 4-8.
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Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/09/2009)
Other Books
Backyard Bird Watching for Kids: How to Attract, Feed, and Provide Homes for Birds
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Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 12/09/2009)
Birds in Your Backyard (Sharing Nature With Children Book)
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About Birds: A Guide for Children
For Ages 3 to 8.
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Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 12/09/2009)
The Burgess Bird Book for Children (Dover Science Books)
Renowned naturalist and author of children's books on wildlife successfully blends information and entertainment in his book about birds, among them saucy Jenny Wren, Redwing the Blackbird, Melody the Wood Thrush, Spooky the Screech Owl, Creaker the Purple Grackle, Downy the Woodpecker, and other feathered friends. 32 black-and-white illustrations. Learn all about birds' physical appearance, eating and nesting habits, migration patterns, songs and call.
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Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 12/09/2009)
Birds, Nests & Eggs (Take-Along Guides)
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Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 12/09/2009)
How to Learn Bird Songs
Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Song
Book has built-in audio player! 250 species profiled. For intermediate and advanced birders.
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Amazon Price: $31.50 (as of 12/09/2009)
Birds Calls (Play the Sounds, Pull the Tabs)
For ages 4 to 8.
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Amazon Price: $12.91 (as of 12/09/2009)
Identiflyer SongCard - Eastern Yardbirds
$9.95 Western - for states west of the Rockies.
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Amazon Price: $9.39 (as of 12/09/2009)
Calling All Kids!
Be Part of Important Scientific Data-Gathering
First, you could show the FeederWatch data maps to your kids by going here . Browse through the data already collected to show your kids how your data will be used.
It's easy - you just pay $15 to sign up (annually) and then watch the birds at your feeders and keep a tally of how many of each species you see at one time . So this is really a study of abundance. Of course with some species, you'll only see one at a time (and you tally those as well).
Don't worry that you'll be tied down to watching birds all day. You can do it casually and intermittently, and if you're too busy to watch at all, you just don't send a report. But you do have to take it seriously and follow the directions. Here's how it works - you choose two consecutive days that are one week apart (e.g. weekends). Keep the tally sheet out and jot down your species numbers. (You'll also be asked about temperature and precipitation, and how much total time you spend watching your feeders that day.) Then you enter your numbers online and hit the "Send" button, or you can submit on paper.
Read all about it and sign up here.
Beginner Binoculars
Tasco 8x21 Compact Porro Prism Binocular w/ Rubicon Lenses
A good starter binocular. Small for kids' hands.
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Nikon 7488 Medallion 8 X 21mm Binoculars
These compact binoculars got high ratings from customers. Small for kids' hands.
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Bushnell Powerview 8x42 Compact Folding Roof Prism Binocular
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Full-Sized Binoculars for Older Kids
Bushnell NatureView 8x40 Birder Binocular
Amazon Price: $42.99 (as of 12/09/2009)
Coloring / Drawing Books
Fifty Favorite Birds Coloring Book (Dover Coloring Book)
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Amazon Price: $3.95 (as of 12/09/2009)
Audubon's Birds of America Coloring Book
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Amazon Price: $3.95 (as of 12/09/2009)
Birds of Prey Coloring Book (Coloring Books)
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Amazon Price: $3.95 (as of 12/09/2009)
Birds: Peterson Field Guide Coloring Book (Peterson Field Guide Coloring Books)
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Books -- For Teens or Intermediate Birders
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Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.MORE BIRD STUFF from The Curious Wren
Check Out My Other Lenses
Best Bird Feeders -- my tried and true recommendations, and most are squirrel-proof!Great Birdbaths and Fountains -- a nice selection of practical baths, drippers, fountains and accessories.
Hummingbirds! -- Facts, feeders, books and fun merchandise for hummer lovers.
Bird Shirts and Hats -- Shirts and hats featuring wild birds!
by nancoix
Check out my 30 other lenses. Most are about birding, but also about iPods, kitchen stuff and Trader Joe's.
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