
When I heard the above question by Jacob, a novice bird watcher and Christmas Bird Count volunteer, I wondered what age group actually ruled the roost in this hobby. As it turned out, the age range from 35 to 54, had the highest number of watchers. However, the age group of 55 to 64 has the highest participation rates in this hobby, according to Bird Canada. In the interests of conservation, learning and outdoor experiences, it is of course necessary to ensure future birders start at a young age. I could imagine a parent or grandparent determined to develop an interest to be shared. How could one then, get a young person involved in this outdoor activity?


With a myriad of distractions youth manage during any given day, especially within the techno-sphere in which we live, developing that initial interest in birding might require a variety of actions by a family member. Depending on how the youngster in question obtains information, either by reading, listening, viewing, doing, or using computer technology, your strategy should adapt to incorporate birds into those learning styles.


For the active youngster, getting involved in a physical manner may be the way to start. Draw attention to commonly recognized backyard birds, such as the house sparrow, house finch, chickadee, crow and robin. The Audubon Society hosts events such as the Christmas Bird Count done from mid-December into January. Being a bird counter in this event both outside and feeder watching can create curiosity. Inviting one into a walk at a park, slough or area where birds frequent, accomplishes a few things. Enjoying nature, getting exercise and identifying birds by sight and/or sound, as well as developing a relationship via a mutual experience can add quality time for participants. Adding a pair of binoculars to such a walk would be of great benefit. Early spring, fall and winter walks can provide opportunities to spot and identify bird nests.

Shopping together for a bird feeder, selecting bird feed and locating a spot to hang feeders inevitably draws a child’s curiosity and of course the anticipation of seeing birds at that feeder can be magnetic. Technically savvy youth will no doubt be drawn to websites like allaboutbirds.org, audubon.org or birdscanada.org to expand their knowledge. Smartphone applications such as Merlin or ebird Mobile can incorporate learning styles for both the adult and youthful novice. Getting involved in citizen science can be rewarding as well. A provincial website is naturealberta.ca that encompasses things from learning to action, may be worth pointing out for further exploration. If your granddaughter or grandson has an artistic bend, drawing birds and painting them adds to their learning and enjoyment. There may indeed be a time, when placing a camera in the hands of a novice birder, further engages one. With digital cameras, there is no need to worry about running out of film. For the bookworm, getting a bird field guide can lead to a greater appreciation for the diversity of birds that call Alberta home for a part of the year.

Do you have to be old to bird watch? No. But there is an opportunity that awaits grandparents, parents and children when looking to the trees and sky and a treasure of shared experiences to build a wonderful life story.
– Don Cassidy
All photo’s credited to Don & Elaine Cassidy