Summer Science: Birds of a Feather

Summer is the perfect time to explore and learn fun new things about the world around us! Take advantage of the longer days and (hopefully!) more free time to get outside with the kids in your life and celebrate science.

There are fifty-nine different kinds of birds in Missouri, and many of them live right here in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Bird hunting is a great way to spend a lazy summer day, and you can use the opportunity to not only learn about different types of birds, but to teach taxonomy to your kids. The great thing is that you can do it in your neighborhood, or you can go to any number of bird-watching sites, like the Wild Bird Sanctuary, the Aviary at the zoo, or Colombia Bottom Nature Preserve. Don't forget to check out some books at the library!

 "Birds" by Kevin Henkes

For your youngest birders, give them this classic by beloved author Kevin Henkes.

"Spotter's Guide to Birds of North America" by Philip Burton

Be sure to take a field guide as you hunt for birds!

"Birdsongs" by Betsy Franco

This beautiful book all about singing birds is illustrated by the amazing Steve Jenkins.









Happy birding!

--Andrea W., Headquarters