‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Have fun exploring nature and the great outdoors with our list of ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’.
How many birds will you see while completing no. 44 of our ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’? Our feathered friends can be found anywhere and everywhere, but to see something really special, there are a few tips and tricks you should know. These include any kit you’ll need for birdwatching and where to find different types of bird.
You don't need to go anywhere special to start birdwatching as there are birds everywhere. You can find them in cities, gardens, parks, rivers, farms, towns, lakes, mountains and near the coast.
You could try looking somewhere easy and close to your home first, so maybe your back garden or local park, and then move on to other places if you want to see different birds.
Birds can be shy or timid, so you'll need to be as quiet as a mouse while you keep a look out for them, wherever you are. Try not make any loud noises or sudden movements to stand the best chance of spotting lots of birds.
If you've found somewhere you can sit and hide while you wait for birds, then you'll probably be even more successful at spotting them. A lot of birds can be quite shy, but you can help encourage them to visit by leaving out food like nuts and seeds.
If the birds are a long way from you, then a pair of binoculars will help you to see them close-up without getting too close. You could also take photos of the birds you see or draw a picture to help you remember.
If you really want to see lots of interesting or unusual birds when you go out birdwatching, there are places such as Wildfowl and Wetland Trust sites around the UK that you can visit. There are also places to meet birds of prey too.
With so many different birds, you'll probably need a book or website to help you work out what you're seeing.
Nearly 600 different types of birds have been seen in the UK, so you're pretty much guaranteed to spot something, from a robin to a magpie, a long-tailed tit to a jackdaw or a duck, pheasant or swan.
Will you spot seabirds, such as seagulls, puffins, terns and cormorants?
Look out for garden and hedgerow birds such as robins, blue tits, magpies, sparrows and pigeons. You might also spot goldfinches, long-tailed tits or shy little wrens.
You might be able to pick out buzzards, red kites and kestrels hovering overhead while they look for prey.
Male pheasants with their colourful heads are usually easy to spot in fields or country lanes, especially around dusk. You might also see grouse, which are smaller and have brown feathers.
Ducks, swans, dippers, kingfishers, herons – the list goes on. There are lots of birds that make their home near the water. Seeing a brightly coloured kingfisher is a real treat.
Have fun exploring nature and the great outdoors with our list of ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’.
To ensure you can complete your ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities safely, here are some top tips to help you complete your challenges with safety in mind.
Pack a picnic next time you go on an adventure and enjoy tucking into your sandwiches surrounded by nature. It’s no. 9 on the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.
Are you ready to take on no. 34 of our ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ challenge? Follow these clues and you might be able to spot a wild animal sooner than you think.
Help nature thrive at home with our collection of family-friendly bird feeders and food, created in collaboration with CJ Wildlife. A contribution of all sales will help to fund conservation projects at the places in our care.