1. Go for a bird walk. See what birds you find as you explore the surrounding habitats. How many different habitats are in your area, and which birds are found in each?

2. Keep a Nature Journal or Field Notebook.  Note-taking is an essential part of all bird-related research and a good skill in general. Practice writing clear, detailed observations of the birds you see in your area.  Even if you don’t yet know the bird’s name, describe what you see.  In the journal, include the date of your observation, the location, the weather, the species’ name if you know it, and an overview of the bird’s appearance, behavior, and sounds.  Include sketches of what you observe.

3. Print coloring book pages and color the birds using a field guide or click here for the All About Birds web site's online bird guide.

4. Become a Species Specialist.  When working with groups, have each person select one bird species to observe and study in detail.  They can each create a list of questions they are interested in, for example: Where does this bird find its food when not at a feeder?  Where does it sleep?  Where does it live during the summer?  What kind of nest does it build – or does it build a nest at all?  What habitat does it prefer? Some questions are also investigable via direct observations, such as: What time of day does your chosen bird visit your feeder?  Does this bird visit alone or with a flock of the same species or other species? How does it behave as it approaches and leaves the feeder?  What kind(s) of seed does it take? At which kinds of feeders?

5. Read a book. Make connections to local and/or international conservation issues. Go to our Bird Books to Explore page, which also has links to lesson ideas using some of the books listed.

6. Set up a feeder area. Make or buy a feeder—or two or three!—and learn to identify the birds they attract. Check out the Lab's Project FeederWatch for more information and to find out how you can join thousands of other feederwathers across the country.

7. Study the birds found in your city or rural neighborhood. Count the numbers and color types in a local flock of pigeons, observe the behaviors of crows and jays, discover what city habitats doves use, and more! Go to the Urban Bird Studies web site to learn more.

8. Gather nesting data in your schoolyard, backyard, or nearby natural area. The Birdhouse Network and NestWatch web sites have more ideas and information.

9. Read the BirdSleuth Webzine online student journal.

10. Observe bird behavior. Do you notice birds fluttering or drooping their wings, passing food back and forth, making raucous sounds, or chasing other birds? Behavior study requires careful looking at and listening to birds’ visual and auditory displays. You might want to keep a behavior notebook.

11. Write a story or poem. After watching the antics of your local birds, turn your observations into creative writing.

12. Consider ordering and using the BirdSleuth Game Cards: A set of 36 full-color cards that contain photos and information of many of your favorite birds! Activity and game ideas are included, along with password access to an online Bird ID quiz that includes sound and video of these common birds.