Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Nature · The activity desk
Bird feeder observation
Watch visiting birds from indoors and draw what you notice.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
A shallow washable bird-feeder tray, suitable birdseed, paper, and child-appropriate crayons
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: An adult checks current local wildlife advice about feeding birds, sets the clean tray in a suitable outdoor location, and adds a small amount of appropriate seed.
Adult's role: Handle seed, feeder placement, and cleaning. Watch from indoors with the child and follow local advice if birds appear sick.
Let's make it happen
- Watch quietly from a window and wait for birds to visit. If none arrive, look for birds elsewhere in view.
- Notice a bird's colors, shape, or movements without trying to touch it.
- Draw what you saw, or make up a picture while you wait for another visit.
Make it simpler: Look for birds from a window without putting out food and point to their colors or movements.
Clean up: An adult removes damp or spoiled seed, cleans the area beneath the tray, and washes and disinfects the feeder regularly. Everyone washes hands after outdoor play.
Follow local wildlife guidance and stop feeding if advised or if sick birds appear. Adults keep seed and bird droppings away from children, and never handle sick or dead birds.