The best way to start bird-watching with very young children is to have a bird table in the garden, placed well away from marauding cats. There are Suite 101 articles on A Beginners' Guide to Feeding Wild Birds and Kingfisher Watching at Kingsbury Water Park, UK
To try something a little more adventurous, look for a managed bird reserve, preferably with bird hides overlooking lakes or bird feeders which will allow the child to watch the birds without being seen.
A bit of research may be required. Look in your local area for a reserve with a bird hide that has a range of seats, high and low. Look for a range of different height windows to look out of. Some reserves are aimed at families and have family facilities. Many bird reserves are now child-friendly places where small children can feel welcome.
In the UK, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) operates both in the UK and around the world for the conservation of birds. It offers great opportunities for watching birds at the reserves around the British Isles. The "Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust" bird reserves are also usually very family friendly, with pictures to help identify the most common birds on the wall, binoculars to hire and helpful bird-watching folk who will help to identify that duck out there. Some may have a spotting scope (similar to a telescope) which are very useful. They can be aimed at the bird of interest and allow the child to have a look immediately. The child can just look through the eyepiece although he will need to be careful not to move the scope. Children also enjoy having their own binoculars to look through. Ask other family members to see if they have any old pairs in a cupboard which can be borrowed.
Safely Using Binoculars
With small children, it is best to emphasise care and to supervise the handling of binoculars carefully. Use the neck-strap to place the binoculars around their neck before they look through them. Help them to support the weight and to help them to look for something of interest. Adjust the binoculars for your own eyes and keep checking what they can see. Talk to them about what they are doing and what they can see and be prepared to change position regularly.
Dress warmly and have a waterproof layer on top. Most hides have windows to open which can make the hide draughty. Take sandwiches and drink to keep you both comfortable and go to the toilet before setting out. It may take a few trips before your child is used to the experience and knows what to expect. Take a notebook to write down what you see and encourage your child to write too, even if she is just learning.
Identifying Birds
Take a bird book with you to help to identify the birds. Fellow birdwatchers are very friendly and will help you with identification. They will also point out birds of interest or say what has been seen so far. Both the weather and the time of year will have a bearing on what you see. In the UK, winter is the best time to visit lakes as there are a lot of different winter migrant birds settling down for a rest before continuing on their journey. It is just as easy for the beginner to see something of interest as it is for the experienced birdwatcher.
To have a great day out, go prepared, dress warmly and take something for the child to use. Take food and a spotters' book. Go prepared to talk to strangers and accept their advice and enjoy the exercise and the experience.
Sarah Charmley - I have a degree in education and have worked in primary schools as a full-time and a relief teacher. Currently I am pursuing a career in ...
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