There are several timeless topics that my children and I study each year. These mainstay topics seem to ebb and flow as we move through the seasons in our homeschool.
As we move away from harsh winter weather and into the newness of Spring, my children and I will once again study about birds.
We see more and more birds arrive in our yard each day, so it only makes sense to study these neat animals again!
Favorite Books About Birds
These particular bird books are ones that we turn to often, even if we’re not actively studying birds.
These books are so good that I ended up buying them, instead of constantly checking them out from the library. Building a home library of excellent literature is an investment for our family.
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The following books are ones that I’ve personally read (and probably purchased!). I’ve noted the books at the end of the post that are on our reading list for this year, but I haven’t yet read them myself.
National Geographic Kids: Bird Guide of North America by Jonathan Alderfer
This is an exceptional, kid-friendly bird guide, featuring 100 species of birds that you will find in North America.
Different species in your own region are easy to find, since the book is divided into sections of the US – Eastern US, Western US, Deserts, Rivers and Marshes, etc.
50 popular birds are featured in 2-page spreads that are packed with information!
Note that this book is great for a general overview of birds, not for identifying specific birds that might be in your backyard.
About Birds: A Guide for Children by Cathryn Sill
Note that this book is definitely for the younger crowd (ages 18 months-3 or 4), as the text is quite simple.
“Baby birds hatch from eggs.”
While it is certainly for young learners, the illustrations are exceptional. It also includes details about the various species at the back of the book.
We will probably use the simple sentences in this book as copywork when we study birds in a few weeks.
Birds, Nests, and Eggs by Mel Boring
Birds, Nests, and Eggs! What a favorite take along guide!
This is the type of book your kids will want to read over and over. It’s packed with facts that are in easy-to-digest kid bites.
You’ll find 15 different birds to identify in your own backyard, with a bonus scrapbook to encourage bird nature study.
The Boy Who Drew Birds by Jacqueline Davies
This magnificent book is a long time favorite! The Boy Who Drew Birds showcases the life of John James Audubon, known as the greatest painter of birds.
This book touches on the behavior of birds, their calls, and understanding where they fit into nature.
Just lovely!
Common Birds Stickers by Jan Sovak (Dover Little Activity Books)
Even though we use this particular sticker book each year, I ordered it again for my children.
They’re cheap and the stickers are great quality!
There are so many uses for this set – creating a bird-sighting journal, notebooking pages, an art project where your child can create a scene around each bird, and more.
I have not yet read these books, but they are ordered and on their way! I’ll update the post once I’ve read the books, with quick opinions and must-read portions.
The Bird Watching Answer Book by Laura Erickson
I cannot wait to dive into this book! Admittedly, it’s more for my own knowledge and enjoyment, than studying birds with my kiddos.
Since it’s a Bird Watching 101-type book, I’m sure there will be many things I can share with my children as we study this year.
Backyard Birds by Karen Stray Nolting
Backyard Birds is also on its way here to the Hill House! I wanted a field guide in an easy-to-read format, and this looks like it will be a great fit for us.
Fifty Favorite Birds Coloring Book by Lisa Bonforte (Dover Coloring Book)
This coloring book is also a new addition to our bird studies this year.
With 50 different birds included, I will assign various birds to my children and they’ll do a small research assignment on their given birds.
After identifying their assigned birds in the field guide, they will be able to accurately color the birds from this book.
Don’t miss these other resources for your bird unit study!
The perfect handwriting practice pages for your young learners!
All About Birds Worksheet Packet
12 printable activities and worksheets for 2nd – 4th Grades
Using Tapestry Primer with My Kindergartner and First Grader
Oh we loved reading the picture book biography of Audubon! It’s so beautifully illustrated!