TheGreat Backyard Bird Count is an annual event where bird enthusiasts around the world come together to watch/listen for and count as many birds as they can. The event lasts for four days, and anyone can participate! According to the Great Backyard Bird Count website, all you have to do to participate is:

1. Decide where you’d like to watch birds. 
2. Watch birds for at least 15 minutes, over the four days of the bird count, between February 18 and February 21, 2022.
3. Count all the birds you see or hear within the time you’ve planned your bird watch. 

For more information on how to participate, check outthe Great Backyard Bird Count’s website. 

Here at the Barrington Area Library, we have a plentiful amount of books to help guide you on your birdwatching journey, but here are a few that we think might be especially helpful.

• Category Title

Birds Explore Their Extraordinary World by Miranda Krestovnikoff, illustrated by Angela Harding

The Bird Atlas by Barbara Taylor, illustrated by Richard Orr

Cardinals by Lisa J. Amstutz

Bird Count by Susan Edwards Richmond, illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

Crow Smarts Inside the Brain of the World's Brightest Bird by Pamela S. Turner, photographs by Andy

Bird Guide of North America by Jonathan K. Alderfer

Greta the Great Horned Owl A True Story of Rescue and Rehabilitation by Christie Gove-Berg

I See Birds by Tim Mayerling

The Big Book of Birds by Yuval Zommer

Counting Birds The Idea That Helped Save Our Feathered Friends by Heidi Stemple

Blue Jays by Lisa J. Amstutz

Birds of Chicago Including NE Illinois & NW Indiana by Chris Fisher

Woodpecker by Dee Phillips

Watch “Elmo Finds a Baby Bird” on Kanopy Kids using your Barrington Area Library card number to log in, and come back to this blog post to enjoy some family activities that will enhance your child’s learning around the episode.

Here are some questions that will help you unpack some of the topics in the episode with your child.

• When Elmo and Rosita find the baby bird, they can’t figure out what the baby bird is trying to tell them. Have you ever tried to communicate something to someone, but they couldn’t understand you? How did that feel?
• “Chasing the cheese” was a silly and fun way for the inhabitants of Sesame Street to get some exercise. How have you been moving your body and exercising lately? Can you think of a fun and silly way to get some exercise with your family this summer?
• During Elmo’s World, Elmo asked children how they play with their pets. Do you have a pet? If so, how do you play with your pet? If you don’t have a pet, have you ever played with a friend or relative’s pet? What did you do?

Below are some other activities to try as a family.

• Check out some of Audubon’s resources on birds! Here’s some information onwhat to do when you find a baby bird near your home,some activities on Audubon for Kids,how to make a DIY birdfeeder, or take a look atsome adorable baby bird photos.
• Watch theSesame Street crew’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert!
• Complete someSummer Reading activities to earn your Wellness Warrior badge! You can try a new fitness activity, take a walk or bike ride with your family, and so much more.
• Dance is exercise too! Sign up for our Watch Live: Family Concert with Tunes with Tim on Monday, July 27th at 10 am.
• Try eating or cooking with a new fruit or vegetable (with your grownup of course!). Here’s a smoothie tutorial by Cookie Monster. What did you eat and/or make? Make sure you log your activity to help earn your Summer Reading Garden Guru badge!

    Youth Services Assistant Librarian Stefanie