I’ve written about the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. I used their Merlin Bird ID this morning to help me identify California Gulls hunting worms in the wet grass where I often walk. Recently, I discovered the book Ruby’s Birds by author Mya Thompson and illustrator Claudia Davila, on the Lab website. I ordered the book to share with my granddaughter. Set in Central Park, a very lively young girl named Ruby gets introduced to bird watching by her neighbor, Eva. Read this short review here (scroll down page and you’ll spot the review).
When I read it with my granddaughter a few nights ago, her favorite picture was this one of Ruby dreaming about birds after her trip to the park. I think my granddaughter also enjoyed the page with the Peregrine Falcon—she had seen a Peregrine not long ago perched on the edge of the apartment building where she lives.
It’s a lovely book to help introduce the young children in your life to the birds all around us. And for the older ones, try some media co-listening to the Bird Note podcast—subscribe and you’ll receive the short vignettes about birds in your inbox. Here’s one: “The Peregrine Falcon Makes a Comeback.”
Pay attention to the birds around you. What ones do you know intimately and what ones are still strangers? If you haven’t used Merlin ID, give it a try. And if you have used it, explore it more deeply.
As always, thank you for reading. I’d love to hear from you if you have any bird tales to share. You can write me here.
