Plus a few newer books not on other book lists
A bird-themed study is a perfect introduction to nature study for homeschoolers, new and old. There are so many books to choose from about birds and so many activities that can be included.
The books listed below are some of our favorite bird books that are currently on our homeschool book shelves including 12 vintage books that we have enjoyed over the years and that I recommend to anyone looking to learn more about birds.
As a plus, the majority of these titles are living books, meaning they teach about the subject through story rather than with dry facts and they engage the reader with rich language and living ideas.
Coupled with a couple reference books (field guides for example), games, and a nature journal, these books can provide the foundation for a complete study of birds.
That Quail, Robert by Margaret A. Stanget
Details the true story of Robert, a domesticated northern bobwhite raised by a Cape Cod family. Learn all about the bird who loved people. VINTAGE
The Nest that Wren Built
A lyrical picture book depicting how the Carolina wren builds a nest for their young. Beautifully written and a delight to read.
Counting Birds: The Idea That Helped Save Our Feathered Friends
Counting Birds is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces kids to the idea of bird counts and bird watches. Along the way, they will learn about Frank Chapman, an ornithologist who wanted to see the end of the traditional Christmas bird hunt, an event in which people would shoot as many birds as possible on Christmas.
The Bluejay Boarders
Neighborhood children work together to take care of some orphaned bluejays in this chapter storybook. They learn not only about birds but also the value of friendship. VINTAGE
Ducks Don’t Get Wet
Ducks dip and dive, but they stay dry because they spread oil over their feathers to make them waterproof. Learn more inside this picture book and get to know different kinds of ducks. VINTAGE
Urban Roosts
Describes the birds that make their homes in the heart of the city and examines how they have adjusted to such a harsh urban environment.
Feathers: Not Just for Flying
Beautiful and delicate watercolor illustrations showcase life-size feathers and compare them to everyday objects. With a scrapbook design, Feathers is part science journal, part read-along nonfiction, making it a wonderful resource for nature studies and a delight for the youngest bird lovers.
The Peregrine’s Journey: A Story of Migration
This picture books follows the peregrine falcon’s annual migration in an 8,000-mile flight across the Americas. Along the way, the peregrine hunts pigeons in Seattle, Washington, flies through the night over the Gulf of Mexico, narrowly escapes becoming prey to a great horned owl in Bolivia, and more.
A Chick Hatches
Follow the journey of a chick as it grows inside the egg day by day. A great resource while incubating eggs as well. VINTAGE
The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon
This fascinating picture book biography chronicles the life of scientist John James Audubon, who pioneered a tracking technique essential to our understanding of birds thanks to his lifelong love for the species. He also grew to be a famous painter of birds.
Ookpik, The Travels of a Snowy Owl
Fed by his parents, Ookpik, which means “snowy owl” in the Inuit language, flies south, over the great forests of Canada, and finally lands in the United States, always searching for food and a winter hunting ground. The book tells of the snowy owl’s first year and its struggle to survive.
Tiger with Wings by Barbara Esbensen
Describes with excitement the hunting technique, physical characteristics, mating ritual, nesting and child-rearing practices of the great horned owl. VINTAGE
The Bluebird Effect: Uncommon Bonds with Common Birds
Each chapter of this beautiful book covers a different species, each with its own personality, habits, and quirks, and illustrated with Zickefoose’s stunning watercolor paintings and drawings. Not just individual tales about the trials and triumphs of raising birds, The Bluebird Effect mixes humor, natural history, and memoir to give readers an intimate story of a life lived among wild birds.
Wings on the Wind: Bird Poems
The fine feathered poems collected here celebrate birds: the wonders of flight, the miracle of nests, the magic of song. Rich with the words of such poets as Margaret Wise Brown, Edward Lear, and Kristine O’Connell George, this anthology has been compiled and beautifully illustrated by renowned artist Kate Kiesler.
Be on the look-out for these books used at thrift stores, etc
A few of these bird books may not be in print any more, but you can find them online and would be well worth adding to your list to look for at thrift stores, antique stores, and library discard sales.
Traveling with the Birds by Rudyerd Boulton
All about bird migration. Beautifully illustrated with watercolors. Oversized vintage book. VINTAGE
Owlet
Chronicles the life of a great horned owl from the time he is hatched until he mates and begins his own family. VINTAGE
How Birds Fly
An introduction to bird flight which includes a discussion of bird anatomy, feathers, and air currents and a comparison with airplane flight. A great supplemental resource for a bird study. VINTAGE
Bermuda Petrel: The Bird That Would Not Die
Discusses the Bermuda petrel, a bird that nests only in Bermuda, and how it was saved from extinction. VINTAGE
Bobwhite from Egg to Chick to Egg
RARE FIND. Darling vintage book featuring the complete illustrated life cycle of the bobwhite quail. VINTAGE
Tony’s Birds by Millicent E. Selsam
RARE FIND. A young boy goes for a bird walk with his father, and soon he has learned about using the field glasses and guide book, and is watching birds by himself. VINTAGE
Black Wings by Joseph Lippincott
RARE FIND. This is the perfect example of a living book. The author details through story the life of the black crow and all he has learned in his 50 years studying crows. Perfect for bird study. VINTAGE
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Homeschool Vintage: connection over curriculum 