Winter may seem like an unlikely time for birdwatching, but for families looking for outdoor fun, it's a perfect opportunity to connect with nature. The Northern United States and Canada’s unique winter landscape transforms birding into a peaceful and rewarding activity that encourages families to discover the resilience of wildlife while creating space for quiet moments of gratitude and wonder.
FIND YOUR FAVOURITE BIRDS
During the winter, many bird species remain active, adapting to the colder conditions. Some of the birds that families can expect to see include:
- Chickadees
- Nuthatches
- Woodpeckers
- Wintering owls
For more adventurous families, waterfowl like ducks and geese can be observed near open bodies of water.
Understanding the birds that brave the cold offers a new appreciation for biodiversity, and birding serves as an introduction to local conservation efforts.
HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT?
When observing birds, take a minute to check out their different:
- Beaks
- Wings
- Colours
How might each of these adaptations assist this bird in surviving through the winter?
LOWER YOUR FOOTPRINT
Birding in winter is also eco-friendly. It requires minimal resources, has no negative impact on the environment, and encourages families to explore nearby nature trails or parks rather than travelling long distances.
TIP: Research your walkabout to locate sheltered areas where you can rest. Don’t forget to bring your biggest thermos of hot chocolate!
TAKE PART IN A COUNT
Families can be community scientists too! Observing and documenting bird sightings contributes to projects such as the Christmas Bird Count, an annual census that supports conservation research. A local birding checklist can transform your walk into a scavenger hunt or a bingo game! You can look for local birding hotspots at ebird.org.
TIP: Attach two toilet paper rolls together with tape for instant binoculars! Effective for focusing their eyes on a single bird and blocking out distractions.
BACKYARD BIRD FEEDER
To make birding even more engaging for children, and to support the bird population, families can create bird-friendly habitats in their yards by adding native plants or small shelters. Winter bird feeders can be as simple as some peanut butter or lard spread on a pinecone and rolled in birdseed.
With winter birding, we can all nurture a deeper connection to nature. It may even be the beginning of a lifelong love for wildlife and conservation.
KID-FRIENDLY BIRDING RESOURCES
1. Birds Canada (Project FeederWatch)
This interactive program engages families in counting and identifying birds that visit their feeders during winter. Kids can participate by observing birds from their backyard or local park, and then contribute their findings to ongoing conservation research. The Project FeederWatch website also offers kid-friendly bird identification guides and interactive tools.
birdscanada.org/you-can-help/project-feederwatch
2. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Celebrate Urban Birds
While based in the U.S., this program has a presence in Canada and offers birdwatching resources for urban environments. The website provides fun activities, easy bird ID tools, and ways for kids to learn about common city birds like pigeons and sparrows. It’s perfect for families in urban settings looking to explore nature.
celebrateurbanbirds.org
3. Bird Studies Canada’s Birds of Canada for Kids
This resource is designed specifically for children to explore Canadian bird species. The site includes educational games, bird ID tips, and downloadable activities like colouring pages, making it a great tool for younger birders (look for kid-focused sections).
birdscanada.org
