Birds in the Garden: Slow Down, Look and Listen

Sometimes the best garden activity is simply stopping long enough to notice what is already around us.

Our Birds in the Garden lesson introduces children to birds they may encounter in New York City gardens, including the American Robin, Northern Cardinal, House Sparrow, Blue Jay, and Monk Parakeet.

Birdwatching can also be a flexible sensory activity.

Children can participate by listening for sounds, looking through binoculars, pointing to a picture, matching colors, drawing a bird, using AAC, or quietly watching from a comfortable place.

Try these simple prompts: Do you hear a bird? Where is it? What color do you see? Is it walking or flying? Which bird do you like?

There does not need to be a correct answer.

For children who enjoy art, you can extend the activity by drawing or painting birds or decorating a small birdhouse. For children who prefer movement, try walking slowly through the garden searching for birds. For children who prefer quiet observation, find a comfortable spot and wait.

Nature gives us many different ways to participate.

Source note: Adapted from Session 4, Birds in the Garden, in the Sensory Gardening Curriculum Packet.