Learning Together Through Alberta’s Birds

Three years after moving from South Africa to Calgary, we’re settling into life with our two-year-old, Elba. I’ve been reading about the value of nature for kids and adults, and we want Elba to grow up with a deep connection to the outdoors. Calgary’s cold winters keep us inside, with nature mostly dormant, but spring has us out on trails several times a week. Elba’s curiosity about birds—not just birds, but specific kinds of birds—has sparked a family adventure. Our philosophy isn’t to teach her per say, but to learn alongside her, sharing the joy of discovery (and keeping the love of learning alive).

I recently ordered and received, two bird books to guide us, helping us explore Alberta’s birds together.

Learning Together in Nature

It is Spring in Calgary now and that means we are doing trails constantly. Elba points at birds, asking what they are, and since our Alberta bird knowledge is limited, we’re figuring it out with her. This shared learning is what matters—watching a bird, wondering about it, and finding answers together. It’s about curiosity, not facts, fostering a love for nature that ties us to our new home.

Our Bird Books

We use two wonderful books to dive into birding after our walks:

• "Birds of Western Canada" by David M. Bird This field guide has vivid photos and clear details about birds in Alberta and beyond. Elba loves the pictures, and we enjoy reading about the birds we’ve seen. It’s perfect for our family’s learning journey.

• "Bird Watch Book for Kids: Introduction to Bird Watching, Colorful Guide to 25 Popular Backyard Birds" by Dylanna Press This kid-friendly book features bright photos of common birds, including Calgary locals like Black-Capped Chickadee. Elba speaks the names in her toddler way, and the simple facts help us discuss what we saw. It’s engaging and just right for her.

Why These Books Work

Some might think these books are too advanced for a two-year-old, but Elba loves the colorful photos, and matching them to birds we’ve seen excites her. After walks, we read together, talking about the birds’ behaviors. The books make learning accessible, letting us grow our knowledge as a family while keeping it fun.

Final Thoughts

Elba’s bird obsession has turned spring walks into a shared adventure. Birds of Western Canada and Bird Watch Book for Kids are our guides, blending beauty and simplicity to fuel our curiosity. Learning together isn’t about being experts—it’s about wondering, exploring, and feeling connected to Alberta’s wild spaces as a family.

Carmen

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