oshc activities
Bird Watching Day / Backyard Bird Count

Backyard Bird Count

Children sit quietly outdoors for a set time and count the birds they see and hear, contributing to citizen science.

How to run it

  1. Print simple bird identification sheets with common local birds.
  2. Choose a quiet spot outside and set a timer for 15 minutes.
  3. Children tally each bird they see or hear.
  4. Compare tallies and identify species.
  5. Optionally submit results to a national backyard bird count.

You will need

  • tally sheets
  • bird identification sheets
  • pencils
  • clipboards
  • binoculars (optional)
Make it easier or harderYounger children can count any bird; older children can identify species.
SafetyFollow sun safety.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 2, Outcome 4Children observe local wildlife and contribute to real scientific research.

Fits these theme days

Bird Watching DayNature Play DayOutdoor ExplorersScience WeekThreatened Species DayEnvironmental Day

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