Birds are incredible animals. They exist on every continent, many are capable of flying and swimming, and they can be as small as 2 inches or as large as 9 feet!
North Carolina is home to over 400 species of birds. Get to know some of our feathered friends by completing the activities below.
To earn your badge, complete ONE activity for each section. Then, log your experience using the link at the bottom of the page.
Section One
Go birding – Spend at least 15 minutes sitting outside, walking around your neighborhood, or visiting a TLC preserve. Use this guide and see how many of the birds you find. We recommend doing this activity in the morning when birds are most active.
Observe a bird feeder – Set up a bird feeder and identify 5 birds that come to it. All About Birds is a helpful tool for identification.
Learn 5 bird songs – Choose five birds, search for them on All About Birds, and learn their song. Then take a walk outside and see if you can hear them. Common species you might hear are: Blue Jay, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren, American Goldfinch, Northern Cardinal, Song Sparrow, Tufted Timouse, American Robin, and Cedar Waxwing.
Watch Wild Kratts – Watch Wild Kratts – Feathered Friends, available on YouTube.
Section Two
Contribute to Ebird – Submit a list of birds you saw or heard while bird watching using Ebird’s website or phone app. Your data will be used by scientists for research and conservation decisions!
Build a birds’ nest – Collect twigs, grass, leaves, and other natural materials from around your yard. Use them to build a birds’ nest, and then leave it outside for birds to use.
Make a bird feeder – Collect a few pine cones and wait for them to dry out. Once dried, tie a string around the top and spread a layer of either natural peanut butter or Crisco on it. Sprinkle on some bird seed and hang it up outside. Make sure you place the bird feeder away from ledges to keep the birds safe from predators.
Take Part in the Great Backyard Bird Count – The GBBC is a citizen science project all about birds! For 2021, the project is from February 12th-15th and anyone can participate. You can find more information on how you can help here.
Visit a Story WalkTM- We have two Story WalksTM on our preserves right now that are all about birds. These will remain out for the month of February so come give them a visit and if you are out the weekend of the GBBC, make sure to participate in the project! At Horton Grove we have Counting is for the Birds by Frank Mazzola where we learn about common birds that visit a bird feeder that have to outwit a wily cat! And at our Williamson preserve you will find Ruby’s Birds by Mya Thompson where we follow the young girl Ruby, discover her love for birding!
