Texas Backyard Birds Unit Study | Resource Round-Up

Everything You Need for a Texas Backyard Birds Unit Study

Are you interested in exploring the world of backyard birds with your family or students? Below you will find field trips for learning about Texas birds as well as activity ideas for reading, writing, math, science, art, and wellness. Check out selections for online and printable resources, and some ideas just for fun!

Field Trips in Texas for a Backyard Birds Unit Study

Hopefully, you will be able to spot quite a few birds in your own backyard during this unit study, but many great places in Texas would make an enriching field trip on the topic:

Audubon Centers
Texas State Parks Birding Events and Resources
World Birding Center
National Wildlife Refuges and Preserves
Zoos & Aviaries
Wetland Boardwalks
Museums and Nature Centers with Bird Exhibits

Reading About Backyard Birds

A bird field guide is a great resource to have for this unit study. It will help you identify the birds you’re finding and appreciate their unique characteristics. Here are some books to consider checking out:

Birds of Texas: Field Guide by Stan Tekiela
Backyard Birds of Texas: How to Identify and Attract the Top 25 Birds by Bill Fenimore
Look Up!: Bird-watching in Your Own Backyard by Annette Cate
Bird Watching for Kids: Bite-sized Learning and Backyard Projects by George H. Harrison

Writing About Backyard Birds

Writing about birds can be a great way to practice observation skills and develop creativity. Here are a few ideas:

Write a short story about a bird you have spent some time observing.
Sit outside with a nature journal and log the birds you see. Add a sketch and description of each bird. Maps pencils are great to have on hand for this activity.
Write a list of fun facts or riddles about birds to share with someone else.
Write a poem or a song inspired by birds.

Bird Science

Bird watching is a scientific activity because it involves the observation and study of birds in their natural habitats. It’s a great way to include ecology, biology, environmental science, and conservation into your curriculum. Here are a few activity ideas for implementing science into your unit study:

Learn about bird anatomy by labeling parts of a bird. Some helpful websites are listed further down.
Perform an experiment on the strength of hollow bird bones by rolling up a few sheets of paper, standing them upright, and setting a paper plate on top. See how many pennies you can add to the plate before it collapses.
Watch a video or read a book on nest building, then use natural materials found outside to make your own.

Backyard Bird Math

One way to incorporate math into a unit study on birds is by collecting data about birds that visit your backyard. Here are a few ways to use this data to practice math skills:

Estimate how many birds and what types will visit your yard over a set period of time.
Count or tally birds you see.
Graph the birds on a chart.
Turn the data into a visual representation using tools such as pie charts.

Bird Inspired Arts and Crafts

There is no shortage of arts and crafts projects focused on birds. They have been a source of inspiration for artists throughout history. Whether you are making handprint birds with toddlers or visiting a museum to view oil paintings, art should not be overlooked when studying birds. Here are a few of the many many ways you can incorporate art into this unit study:

Learn about James Audubon and the Audubon Society.
Try bird photography.
Get crafty by making a bird mosaic with brightly colored tiles. A paper mosaic is fun as well.
Make bird-shaped suncatchers to hang in your windows.
Take your art supplies out in nature to paint or draw birds in your area.
Visit an art museum or gallery and look for art with birds.

Birding Benefits for Health

Did you know bird watching is an activity that can improve your health and well-being?

Nature walks and time spent in nature are great ways to unwind and relax while also getting some exercise.
Observing birds can help reduce stress and improve overall mental health.
Gardening for birds will also improve your health and wellness by being active and outdoors.

Hands-On Activities and Projects to Attract Texas Backyard Birds

Build a birdhouse. Consider the type of bird you want to attract. Birds will have different needs based on their size and nest-building requirements. You can find plans online or purchase a birdhouse or kit from a craft store.
Grow native plants around your home for the birds.
Make a birdbath. This can be as simple as sealing a large terra-cotta plant saucer or go all out and install a bubbler or fountain to a DIY work of art.
Make a bird feeder. Bird Feeders can be made out of simple supplies you often have around your home. Check out our video for ideas.