Spring Birds, Eggs and Nests (and a FREE Birdwatching Printable)

One of the things I look forward to the most in the springtime is watching the birds building their nests. We’ve been lucky enough to have a robin’s nest right outside our living room window, and we watched a phoebe raise her babies on our back porch.

Birds and nests are a great nature study topic for the spring. Here are some resources to get you started (and don’t miss the book list at the end!)

Free Printable: Spring Backyard Birdwatching Log

One of our favorite current hobbies is watching which birds come visit our backyard feeders every day. So far this year we’ve had visits from chickadees, goldfinches, robins, blue jays, house finches, nuthatches, juncos, and northern flickers.

We like to keep this little birdwatching log by the window and record birds when they come visit. You can download this little printable birdwatching log for free here. (Print multiple copies of the bird tracking pages.) This would also be a handy little resource to take with you on a birdwatching hike or trip to your local nature area!

Printable Birdwatching Log

Spring Birds Nature Study

If you’re looking for a little something more to help you dig into nature study this spring, this printable Spring Songbirds Nature Study is a great place to start. Your kids will learn about common spring birds, discover different nest shapes and types, they will build a nest, learn bird anatomy, and more.

This mini nature study includes:

Hand-illustrated field guide posters
Illustrated flashcards
Anatomy page
Coloring page
Nature study activities
Journaling page with discussion questions
Spring Birdwatching Log

Spring Songbirds Mini Nature Study

Eggs and Nests Nature Study

Is there anyone in your home fascinated by all the different colors, shapes and sizes of nests and eggs? Explore the incredible colors and varieties of North American backyard bird eggs with this mini nature study.

This little nature study includes:

Bird Eggs Poster
Nest Types
Activity Ideas
Make Your Own Bird Egg Art
Fact cards

North American Backyard Bird Eggs Mini Nature Study

Make a Nest Shop for the Birds!

This time of year, birds are on the hunt for nesting materials as they prepare to build their nesting sites. They’ll take anything from twigs and moss, to string and twine, to fur and feathers! You can help them by setting up a little shop for their nesting materials.

You’ll need:

A mesh vegetable or fruit bag (like an onion or orange bag)
Nesting materials like moss, dried grasses, feathers, string or twine, yarn, etc.
Twine for tying

Place your nesting materials inside the mesh bag. Use the twine to tie the bag shut, and hang from the branch of a tree. Make sure the nesting material is poking out so the birds can grab it. Watch from a window as the birds gather items from the “shop” for their spring nests!