Every year, the RSPB’s Big Schools Birdwatch provides a brilliant opportunity for children to connect with nature and sharpen their observational skills. It runs from early January through to mid February each year (the exact dates can vary slightly so check their website).
This event invites schools across the UK to spend an hour observing and recording birds in their grounds. It’s not just about spotting birds; it’s about contributing to real scientific data while nurturing a love for the natural world. How amazing is that?
But more than this, it helps children and young people connect with their local environment and the nature within it. If we want to create children and young people who actually care about their world and consider sustainability, then building connections with their local nature is key. After all, we can’t care about what we do not know.
Participating is easy! Simply register with the RSPB to access resources tailored for different age groups, from Early Years to Secondary. Spend an hour birdwatching with your students, record the highest number of each species seen at one time, and submit your results. The children can do the submitting as part of an ICT lesson. Every entry helps the RSPB monitor bird populations, and your class can even work towards earning a Wild Challenge Award by completing other nature-based activities.
While heading outside and counting the birds is valuable, we can deepen the learning experience by making it part of a series of lessons rather than a simple stand alone lesson. There are so many ways to do this and we are going to explore some just now. The more interested we can get the kids in birds, the more they will care.
But, before we start that, when I started outdoor learning lessons like this would scare me as I did not have a good knowledge of my local birds. I am the first to admit that it is something that I am still working on. So, if you don’t know your birds, how can you get involved?
There are brilliant apps out there that can help you. The Merlin Bird ID app, developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is a fantastic free tool for bird enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. It offers several helpful features, including a step-by-step identification process based on a bird’s size, colour, and behaviour, as well as a photo ID feature where users can upload a picture for instant recognition. One of the coolest tools is the sound ID, which allows users to record bird songs or calls, and Merlin identifies the species from the audio. With over 10,000 species in its database, users can explore bird information, listen to calls, and even download Bird Packs for offline use, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
Google Lens, integrated into Google Image Search and the Google Photos app, allows users to take or upload a photo and enhance it with additional information before conducting a search. Using Google Lens, you can capture an image or select one from your gallery, then tap on specific parts of the photo, such as text, objects, or plants, to focus your search. You can add context by typing additional keywords to refine the results. For example, if you photograph a bird during an outdoor activity, you can zoom in on the bird and type “UK species” to get more accurate results. This feature is especially helpful for identifying plants, animals, or landmarks, translating foreign text, or even finding similar items to purchase.
Of course, if the children can remember what a bird looks like, or even just take a photo, you can then go indoors and look up books etc. The Field Studies Council guides can be really handy as well as normal bird books.
There is a real magic in learning something along with the children – you don’t always need to know all the answers!
And through doing this you can then find out interesting facts about the birds.
The chiffchaff, a tiny warbler that weighs a little less than a £1 coin, migrates all the way from West Africa to the UK every spring—a journey of over 4,000 miles! Pretty impressive for such a small bird.
Activities to Build on the Birdwatch Experience
1. Bird Feeder Crafting
To create a bird-friendly environment in your school grounds or garden, try making simple bird feeders using pinecones, peanut butter (be mindful of allergies) or lard, birdseed, and string. Start by attaching a string to the top of each pinecone for hanging, then spread peanut butter or lard all over the pinecone. Once it’s sticky, roll it in birdseed until fully coated. I find it easier here to pop the bird seed into a tray so it doesn’t end up all over the classroom – or even better, make them outdoors! Finally, hang the feeders around the school grounds to attract local birds. This activity is a great way to encourage children to care for wildlife, provides an ongoing opportunity for birdwatching, and helps birds find food during colder months. Just remember to have children wash their hands thoroughly after handling the bird feeders.
2. Bird Scavenger Hunts
To help children learn to quickly ID birds you can turn birdwatching a fun and interactive game by organising a scavenger hunt. You’ll need bird identification sheets, featuring common local birds, and pencils. Head outdoors with binoculars (they can be fun but equally, not necessary) and the identification sheets, and encourage children to tick off birds as they spot them. This game helps develop keen observational skills, encourages teamwork and friendly competition, and reinforces bird identification knowledge. Just remember to keep the focus on enjoyment, making it a positive experience for everyone.
3. Bird Watching Hide
Creating a simple birdwatching hide in school grounds is a fun and easy way to help children observe birds up close without disturbing them. Start by choosing a quiet area near trees or shrubs where birds are likely to visit. Use natural materials like branches, sticks, and leaves to build a basic shelter, or repurpose a large cardboard box by cutting out small viewing holes. You can even add camouflage by decorating it with leaves and twigs. Encourage children to sit quietly inside the hide with their binoculars and identification sheets, making it a peaceful spot to watch and learn about local birdlife. This activity not only enhances observational skills but also fosters patience and a deeper connection with nature.
4. Bird Poetry
Encourage children to use creative writing to reflect on their Birdwatch experience by turning their observations into poetry. All you need is paper, pencils, and a bit of inspiration from nature. Begin with a quiet moment of birdwatching, allowing the children to focus on what they see, hear, and feel. Then, ask them to describe their observations and transform them into poems—whether haikus, acrostics, or free verse. Once complete, share and display the poems around the classroom to celebrate their work. This activity not only enhances literacy skills but also encourages mindfulness and provides a creative outlet for personal expression. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to write poetry—it’s all about capturing the moment! The book Lost Words can be very inspirational here.
5. Nest Box Building
Building nest boxes is a fantastic way to provide safe nesting spaces for birds while teaching children practical skills. Using pre-cut wood, nails, a hammer, and safety goggles, guide the children in assembling the boxes, ensuring safety throughout the process. Once built, place the nest boxes in suitable locations around the school grounds, ideally near trees or shrubs. This hands-on activity not only supports local bird populations but also offers a long-term opportunity to observe nesting behaviour and learn about different bird species. Remember to research the best types of nest boxes for local birds to increase the chances of them being used. Some birds, like swallows migrate up to 6,000 miles from Africa to the UK every spring and often return to the same nesting site year after year!
6. Share the Information
Each group in the class can create a bird-themed poster by focusing on a specific bird species. Begin by dividing the class into small groups and assigning each group a different bird, such as the robin, blue tit, or swallow. Provide materials like large sheets of paper, coloured markers, and printed bird images. Encourage the groups to research key facts about their bird, including its appearance, habitat, diet, and interesting behaviours, and to include fun facts, such as migration distances or unique songs. They can also add drawings, photos, or even 3D elements like feathers or leaves to make their poster visually appealing. Once completed, each group can present their poster to the class, turning it into a collaborative learning experience. Display the posters around the room or school to celebrate their creativity and knowledge!
Going Further: Cross-Curricular Connections
- Maths: Graph the results of your Birdwatch, comparing different species seen over time.
- Art: Create bird-themed artwork using different media, such as watercolours, clay, or collage.
- Geography: Map the migration routes of birds spotted during the Birdwatch.
- History: Learn about famous ornithologists and their contributions to bird conservation.
Why This Learning Matters
Outdoor learning isn’t just about getting fresh air; it’s about forming a deep connection with the natural world—because we only protect what we care about. Over the past 50 years, the UK has seen a significant decline in bird populations, with species like the house sparrow and starling dropping by more than 50%. Habitat loss, pollution, and climate change are key factors driving these declines. Activities like the RSPB Schools Birdwatch not only help children develop skills in scientific inquiry and teamwork but also foster empathy for wildlife. By observing birds firsthand, learning about their habits, and understanding the challenges they face, children become more invested in protecting the environment. Encouraging this connection can inspire a sense of responsibility, helping to ensure a future where birds continue to thrive. Plus, it’s a fun and confidence-boosting experience that helps nurture a lifelong love of nature.
The RSPB Schools Birdwatch is a brilliant starting point for inspiring a love of nature. By adding creative and engaging activities, we can help children stay curious and enthusiastic about the natural world. So grab your binoculars, head outside, and get ready to discover the wonderful world of birds!
If you’d like to learn more about how outdoor learning can enrich your school curriculum, take a look at the services we offer. Happy birdwatching!
