The Christmas holiday brings a festive spirit into our homes, and it’s the perfect time to invite some feathery guests over as well! Whether you’re a seasoned bird watcher or just starting to notice the vibrant visitors in your garden, this holiday season offers unique opportunities to engage with birdlife.
Let’s explore some delightful birding holiday activities you can enjoy this Christmas, from making special ornaments to spotting spectacular migratory birds.
1. Create festive bird seed ornaments
What’s better than decorating your Christmas tree? Decorating a tree that feeds the birds. You can make beautiful and edible ornaments with bird seed, gelatin, and festive-shaped cookie cutters. These ornaments are not only easy to make but also serve as a tasty treat for your garden birds. Hang them on your outdoor trees and watch as your garden birds come for a festive feast.
Watch our Make your Bird Seed Ornaments with Westerman’s video to learn how to make your own.
2. Spot summer migratory birds
The Christmas season coincides with the arrival of summer migratory birds, making it an ideal time to spot some unique species. Keep an eye out for vibrant visitors, like the Pygmy Kingfisher and the Honey Buzzard, which add a spur and excitement to local birding populations. Here are some more you can spot this summer:
- Woodland Kingfisher: Known for their striking blue plumage and sharp calls, they are a vibrant highlight in any garden.
- European Bee-eater: With their colourful feathers and graceful flight, these birds are beautiful and fun to watch as they chase bees.
- Amur Falcon: These small raptors are incredible long-distance flyers, and spotting one can be a real treat for bird enthusiasts.
- Yellow-billed Kite: Easily recognisable by their contrasting plumage and yellow bill, they are often seen gliding effortlessly in the sky.
- White Stork: Majestic in flight, these large birds are known for their impressive wingspan and are often a favourite among bird watchers.
- Red-chested Cuckoo: Also known as the ‘rainbird,’ their melodious calls are often associated with the arrival of rain, making them a herald of the season.
Grab a pair of binoculars, and a bird guidebook, and turn your bird-watching into a memorable holiday activity.
3. Introduce a new bird bath
A new bird bath can be the perfect Christmas gift for your garden birds. It provides birds with a reliable water source and a spot to cool down and clean their feathers. Place the bath in a quiet and safe spot in your garden where you can easily view it from a window. Watching birds splash around can be a relaxing and joyful way to spend a holiday afternoon.
4. Collect wild birds cards and win
Get involved in a bird fact card competition this holiday. This can be a fun way for the whole family to learn about the different birds flying around South Africa that potentially visit your garden. Each card features a different bird species, offering fascinating facts and details. Make it a holiday challenge to collect all the cards in a certain category. Categories include Nocturnal Birds, Little 6 Birds, Forest Birds and more. You’ll find these collectable cards in packs of Westerman’s wild bird seed. Be sure to get involved soon, as the competition wraps up on 31 January 2025.
5. DIY bird feeders
DIY bird feeders are fantastic holiday activities for families. Use simple materials like toilet rolls, peanut butter, and bird seed or pine cones to create effective and eco-friendly feeders. These feeders are not only fun to make but also help support the local bird population by providing them with additional food resources.
6. Bird-themed holiday scavenger hunt
Organise a bird-themed scavenger hunt for family and friends. Create a list of items to find or tasks to complete, such as spotting a certain number of bird species, finding a bird nest, or photographing a bird eating from one of your DIY feeders. This fun activity encourages exploration and observation, and it’s a great way to get everyone outdoors and learn about the local wildlife. Ready, set, go find those birds!
7. Decorate a bird-watching nook
Create a cosy bird-watching corner in your home or garden. Decorate with comfy seating, bird guides, binoculars, and a notebook for logging sightings. You can add festive elements like lights or a small Christmas tree decorated with bird-friendly ornaments. This special spot can serve as a peaceful bird-watching retreat.
So, there you have it. Sprinkle a little extra joy into your holiday season by bringing these bird-centric holiday activities into your plans. They’re simple, fun, and a great way to connect with nature right in your backyard. And while you’re at it, make sure you have plenty of Westerman’s bird seed on hand to keep the local bird crowd happy and coming back for more. Enjoy your bird watching and have a fantastic holiday season.
