Of Owls, Baby Birds and Kids

Well, I finally gave up watching for my Barred Owl tonight. It is so light this time of evening still, I was sure I could find him when I heard him already out. They are just so stealthy, though, they are really tough to find. In the meantime, I got to hear and see quite a healthy new brood of Titmice and their raucous squeaking. They just make such a fuss at feeding time! They follow mom and dad around from the feeder to the dogwoods and back into the woods - all making enough noise to make sure they are the next one fed.

Speaking of kids, we took our older son up to Purdue today for a computer camp - such sacrifices a mother will make for her child! (I'm a 2-time IU grad). It was so cool, because on the way to his Aunt's house up there, I pointed out a Meadowlark on a wire. Both kids were so excited. My older son said "well, there's another one I can cross off my list!" Now, mind you, I don't think he has ever put a single mark down in his field guide - but I bet he has the entire list in his head! He's kinda like a computer himself! I really enjoy sharing my love of birds with the kids. It has helped make them more aware of the natural world around them - and respect for it.

Getting them interested can be done with some easy birdwatching. A hummingbird feeder is a great start. They are really easy to attract with a simple feeder and a solution of 1 cup of water with 1/4 cup of plain white sugar dissolved in it. No need for fancy store-bought blends (and DO NOT add food coloring! - they don't need it and it may actually be harmful). Here east of the Mississippi, we only have the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, but they are great to watch. The nice thing about these is that it is pretty safe for the birds to put the feeders right near a window where kids can watch from inside. This is key when they are young because it is hard for little ones to stay still and quiet enough to watch birds outside. They are just too wiggly for birds (and some people!) to be around.

Here are some fun facts to get kids interested:

• get a frozen pea out of the freezer and tell them that is the size of their eggs!
• they can fly forward, backward and hover - like a helicopter
• just like bees, they feed on the the nectar of flowers
• they eat twice as much nectar a day as they weigh!

Once you get them watching the hummingbirds, it's on to other feeder birds like the Northern Cardinal and the Chickadee! Soon, you will have a little bird-watcher in your home! Have fun keeping a list (of words or pictures) of all the birds you have spotted together.