Happy spring, and welcome to the Built by Kids podcast. Today we aim to give you the bug for birding, with ornithology enthusiast, Robert Nickel.

In this episode, he shares why birding is the perfect outdoor activity to enjoy with kids and helpful tools to make your birding experience more enjoyable.

Robert developed his passion for nature as a young person while hiking and camping with the Boy Scouts. He then went on to earn his degree in Earth Science from Stanford University.

He caught the bug for birding from his mother as a young adult and to-date, has amassed a life list of 289 species (and counting). He has taken part in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count twice, the Nation’s longest-running community science bird project, and is a respected voice in the world of birding.

We met Robert at Stanford Sierra Camp where he regularly regales fellow campers with presentations about this semi-unusual passion and is unmatched in his ability to inspire others to pick up a pair of binoculars and start their own birding adventure.

After listening, we’re positive you’ll get the bug for birding as much as we have.

Show Notes

Must-Have Apps:

Merlin

eBird

Must-Have Guide Book:

Sibley's Birding Basics

A fantastic intro to the hobby. More than a field guide that goes into a huge number of different birds; This book is an approachable "welcome to the world of birding" that teaches you what to look for and how to find it. Strongly recommend for anyone who wants to take their birding to the next level:
https://www.amazon.com/Sibleys-Birding-Basics-Identify-Behaviors/dp/0375709665

Something I meant to mention but forgot - the critically acclaimed board game "Wingspan" is the first mass-market breakout success that is fun to play and includes real information about the lives of birds that carries over into the field. Fun for ages 10 and up. https://stonemaiergames.com/games/wingspan/

My favorite book for kids about birding is from National Geographic, with great photos, engaging fun-facts, and do-it-yourself activities like "How to build a bird-feeder": www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Guide-America-Second/dp/142633074X/

The movie I referenced is "The Big Year" -- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1053810/

Binoculars

Premium
Nikon Prostaff 3S 8x42

Mid-range
Celestron Outland X 8x42

Best for Children
Bespin 8x31

Portable