June 26th

By Mutt Mulligan

Birdwatch with your kids this summer

When most kids hear “tweet” they think of the social media platform Twitter. But backyard birds can be a good lure for getting your children away from their mobile devices, television sets and computers this summer and into nature!

Photo courtesy of surfbirds.com

Birds are not only beautiful to look at, they also help boost tree growth by removing parasites and other damaging insects that stall growth. They are also natural gardeners, transporting seeds that they gather in their feet and aiding in pollination by visiting plants and dispersing the pollen.

Plan a bird watching excursion with your family this summer. Grab a pair of binoculars to see how many different types of birds you can find in your own backyard or neighborhood. Take some time to notice the colors, size and behavior of the birds. Listen to the sounds they make and watch how birds fly. Make a few notes, and then later identify the birds online or in books you can get at the library.

You can even make a plan to help attract more birds to your yard by installing a bird feeder or birdbath. It’s a great way to include the family in an activity that will bring lots of enjoyment for years to come.

For even more ideas on how to get your kids to connect with the green space around them this summer download TurfMutt’s Family Activities Guide.