Nature Journaling #210: What Winter Birds Have You Seen?

Nature journals are a fun way to pass the time. To many Great Parks nature interpreters, they are a tool that fosters meaningful connections with the natural world.

Want to create a nature journal with your child? Grab some paper and a pencil, step out the front door and use the prompt below. We’ll publish a new prompt daily, so be sure to check back here for more!

Dark-Eyed Junco in the Snow
You might spy a dark-eyed junco foraging for food. Photo by Courtney Celley/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Region

Today’s Prompt: What Winter Birds Have You Seen?

Today during a walk, make a list of all the birds you see on your excursion. Are they the same birds you saw this summer? Any new ones that you have to try and identify? What were these birds doing today? Where do you think they sleep at night?

A Few Tips for Success:

  • Work with your child’s attention span. If they aren’t enjoying an activity, allow them to choose a new one. If they are highly focused, give them plenty of time to continue the observations.
  • Allow creativity. Children often have interests that go beyond the questions we pose. Create a safe environment so they can create and explore on their terms.
  • Journal along with your child. You never know what you may discover and it’s a great way to spend some quality time together.
  • Try activities at different times of day. Observations may change with time and temperature.

Want to try your hand at different nature journaling topics? Click here for more prompts.