Just over a year ago I started birding, or bird watching as you may know it. I have always loved nature, learning about my local plants, and doing native gardening. Learning about birds was a natural extension of that. One of my absolute favorite parts of birding is “Backyard Birding.” Essentially, backyard birding is observing and appreciating the birds who are right around one’s backyard, schoolyard, or outdoor space. Think life science meets “I Spy.” Of course, working with teachers and students, backyard birding can also be “Schoolyard” birding, incorporating STEAM to foster critical thinking and observation skills. Imagine you and your students excitedly saying, “Oh, that’s a mountain chickadee! And there’s a dark-eyed junco. Oh, hello cute lesser goldfinch!”
