BIRD WATCHING BIRTHDAY

BIRD WATCHING PARTY, Celebrating 9 years and where science and art collide!

Inspiration:

Both of my boys love bird watching. My oldest really got into it earlier this spring. He filled notebooks with all the birds that he observed just in the backyard and on nature hikes, then ones he just read about in books. His drawings were nothing short of amazing! When his birthday rolled around this past May, we picked up a few gifts for him to better pursue this interest-  new binoculars, travel sketchbook, sketch pencils and a few specific field guides on birds of prey. A simple birthday cookout with family was already in the works to celebrate, so we thought why not show off his great illustrations and add a few, simple table decorations to go with for the birds of prey love. You know I love when science and art collide. I was a science major, worked in the science field, and then obviously followed another passion of mine- the arts. He definitely takes after me with a love for both. He was using my field guide from college, and he was so excited to learn that I took an Ornithology class! Shout out to Dr. Watt!

Simple DIY Decor:

A tree branch from the backyard, berries to snack on (I opted against dead mice), his art work hung on twine with clothespins, simple bird silhouettes (they prefer birds of prey so there were several hawks),  all of his bird watching guides, binoculars and mini field notebooks to share with family propped up on the table.

Minimal Crafting:

I freehand drew a few birds of prey silhouettes and traced them onto black poster board. I hot glued popsicle sticks to the back so that we could affix the birds onto the deck and table top as if they were perched on the railing. I made a simple “happy birthday” sign on the same black poster with a white paint pen and hung from the railing. We spruced up the bamboo silverware and plates with Martha Stewart craft paint that we already had.

Simple Menu:

I cooked up individual mini meat loaves in muffin pans, topped with ketchup. We served oven-baked wedge fries, blanched veggies with dip and two cakes for dessert!

Other Cool Discoveries Regarding Bird Watching:

This summer while hiking, we stumbled across this Raptor Center where birds of prey are rehabilitated after injury. The boys watched all of these birds fly right above them, and the caretaker fed the hawks, eagles and turkey vultures mice while we were there. We also learned about the bird watching competition that happens on the East coast every year, they even have a youth competition in the World Series of Birding! A serious birder might be in the making over here.