The Joy of Birding with kids
Finding activities that enrich the bond between parent and child while nurturing a love for nature can be transformative. As a professional birdwatcher, I’ve had the privilege to merge my passion with parenting. It all began during Covid -19 and the lock down in Peru. We were forced to move to the country side since the quarentine was very strict in Peru and my son was having troubles on doing activities. With a seemingly routine walk along a river in the Sacred Valley of Peru, I had my son, Rafa, snugly strapped into his Osprey baby carrier, thinking it was just another day out in the highlands. Little did I know, this walk would spark a journey that both of us would grow to cherish deeply.
The Beginnings of a Young Birdwatcher
Rafa was only two years old when his fascination with birds began. He never showed any particular interest in birds before, althouh we lived into the woods in a relativly diverse area. Something changed that day; as we walked along the river, Andean swallows darted around us, energetically chasing their meal with acrobatic flights close to the water’s surface. Rafa pointed one of them and, with his little eyes wide with wonder, watched intently, each time a swallow swooped by. It was a simple moment, but it marked the beginning of his birdwatching journey.
Over the next few months, our walks by the river became more frequent and intentional. Rafa’s initial amusement turned into keen interest. Without even needing binoculars, he began to recognize and name the birds we encountered. He liked the reflections of the iridescent feathers of Hummingbirds and their dances with flowers, gulls gliding overhead, sparrows flitting about in the bushes, with their melodious calls, owls peering down from their hidden perches, siskins and grosbeaks showcasing their distinctive markings, and seedeaters blending into the grasses, he even learned how to ID and mimic thrushes (well, he tryied).
Growth Through Shared Passions
What struck me most was not just Rafa’s ability to identify these birds but the joy and excitement each discovery brought him. His enthusiasm reminded me of the first time I held a pair of binoculars—a gift from my own father in my early ages. This shared passion has not only been a bridge between generations but also a way to teach Rafa about the delicate balance of ecosystems and the importance of conservation.
As a professional birdwatcher, I have had the privilege to explore some of the most remote and stunning areas known for birding. Bringing Rafa along, first in his carrier and now on his own little hiking boots, has added a new layer of joy to these expeditions. Each bird we spot together, each new sound we identify, adds to a growing list of memories that far outweighs any list of bird sightings I have in my journals.
The Journey Continues
Today, Rafa is not just a casual observer but an active participant in our hikes. His sharp eyes often spot birds before I do, He doesn´t know yet but he already has a life list in E-Bird (We only annotate the species he was able to ID well, most of the times he tells the name or some other times he describes the bird). This journey, which started with a simple fascination with swallows by a river, has blossomed into a profound shared passion. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best parts of life are the unexpected moments that lead us down new paths.
We are learning together how important it is to allow our children to connect with nature and how outdoor activities with children. Far from being an obligation, can be exciting and fun. We hope that Rafa can, perhaps, inspire the next generation of birdwatchers.
Why Birding with children
Birdwatching is an activity that can be both meditative and exciting, making it exceptionally beneficial for children of all ages. From our early walks along the Sacred Valley to more structured birding with kids trips, I’ve observed firsthand how birdwatching has contributed to his growth. Here are a few reasons why it’s a fantastic activity for young minds:
1. Encourages Curiosity and Learning: Each bird sighting is a new mystery solved. Children learn to recognize different species, understand bird behaviors, and even pick up on the subtle differences in bird calls. Rafa’s questions about why a particular bird behaves a certain way or how they can fly are endless. This natural curiosity fosters a love of learning that transcends birdwatching.
2. Develops Patience and Focus: Birdwatching requires waiting quietly, sometimes for long periods, to catch a glimpse of a bird. It teaches children the value of patience and the reward of seeing a beautiful bird after a period of stillness and quiet. For Rafa, learning to sit still was a challenge at first, but the anticipation of spotting something unusual has honed his ability to focus.
3. Enhances Physical Health: Birdwatching often involves walking, hiking, or even trekking to different habitats. These activities are great for physical health and are done in a fun and engaging way. Rafa, who started his birdwatching in a carrier, now treks alongside me with enthusiasm, eagerly moving towards the next spot on our map.
4. Boosts Social Skills: When we join other birdwatchers on group trips, Rafa learns to interact with people of all ages who share a common interest. He’s learned to share his sightings, listen to others’ experiences, and work as part of a team when we’re on group birding with kids challenges.
Benefits of Connecting with Nature Early
Introducing children to nature through activities like birdwatching can have profound impacts on their development and well-being. Here’s how connecting with nature has benefited Rafa:
1. Builds Environmental Stewardship: Regular interactions with nature have made Rafa more aware of the environment and its challenges. He understands why we need to protect bird habitats and the role birds play in our ecosystem. This early education is crucial in raising the next generation of environmental protectors.
2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress and anxiety. For children, who are increasingly facing the pressures of modern life, being in natural settings can provide a much-needed break. Birdwatching, with its peaceful settings and focus on the present moment, has been a calming activity for Rafa, especially during more tumultuous days.
3. Promotes Creativity: The natural world is full of wonders that spark the imagination. For Rafa, birdwatching has inspired drawing, writing, and even making up stories about the birds he sees. These creative outlets are essential for cognitive development and emotional expression.
4. Enhances Sensory Skills: Nature engages all the senses in ways that indoor activities cannot. Listening for bird calls, watching for slight movements among the leaves, and even smelling the earth after rain—these sensory experiences enrich a child’s perceptual abilities.
As we continue to explore the world of birds, the benefits for Rafa keep unfolding. It’s more than just a hobby; it’s a comprehensive educational tool that touches on biology, ecology, art, and physical health.
