WELCOME SPRING with Three Simple and Easy Outdoor Activities for Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers, and School Aged Children and Grandchildren. and a BONUS FOR ALL AGES

Spring has arrived, although in some areas, it seems just like a dream waiting to be realized.  Keep this list (and the bonus surprise) so when outdoor time becomes a reality, you remember to appreciate nature and life renewed.

Babies (0–12 months)

1.    Outdoor blanket time: Lay a blanket on the grass and let them feel the breeze, watch leaves, and listen to birds.

2.    Sensory nature basket: Fill a small basket with safe items like soft flowers, big leaves, or grass for touching.

3.    Bubble watching: Blow bubbles and let them track them with their eyes—great for visual development.

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Toddlers (1–3 years)

1.    Flower “collecting” walk: Go on a short walk and pick up fallen flowers or leaves (no picking live plants if restricted).

2.    Water play outside: Give them cups, spoons, and a tub of water—add petals for a spring vibe.

3.    Chalk drawing: Let them scribble on sidewalks with colorful chalk—easy and creative.

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Preschoolers (3–5 years)

1.    Simple garden planting: Plant fast-growing seeds like beans or herbs and check them daily.

2.    Bug hunt: Look for ants, butterflies, or worms—talk about what you see.

3.    Nature collage: Glue leaves, petals, and sticks onto paper to make art.

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School-Aged Children (6+ years)

1.    DIY bird feeder: Use peanut butter, birdseed, and a pinecone or toilet paper roll.

2.    Spring scavenger hunt: Make a list (flower, bird, cloud shape, etc.) and explore outside.

3.    Bike ride or park day: Visit a local park or trail for fresh air and exercise.

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Bonus! The Cornell Merlin Bird ID App

When I was recently in Guatemala at Lake Atitlan, Joyce Maynard, the author and our hostess, told us there were 34 varieties of birds on her piece of paradise, and we should download the Cornell Merlin app (make sure it is the Cornell Merlin Bird ID app).  You need to just aim toward the bird or its sound, and can learn all about the bird.  It was amazing.

When I returned home, a bird landed on my terrace and started chirping.  I pulled out Merlin and aimed it at the bird.  It identified as a European collared dove—in Fort Lauderdale.  I played the Merlin chirping back to the bird and it looked directly toward me looking for another dove.  It is like having a professional birdwatcher with you!

The Merlin Bird ID app is a free nature app developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It’s often described as a “Shazam for birds” because it can help you figure out what bird you’re seeing or hearing—instantly.

Here’s a breakdown of what it is, how to get it, and simple and easy ways you can use it.

What the Cornell Merlin Bird ID app is (in plain terms)

Merlin is a smart bird-identification app that uses artificial intelligence plus a massive global database of bird sightings, photos, and sounds to help you identify birds in real time.

It’s designed for beginners through experts, and works almost like having a digital field guide in your pocket.

How to get it:

          Cost: Free

          Devices: iPhone and Android

          Where to download: Apple App Store or Google Play Store

After downloading:

1.    Open the app

2.    Choose your location 

3.    Download a “Bird Pack” (regional data for your area—like the U.S.)

4.    You’re ready to start identifying birds

Many features work offline once you download the bird packs.

Ways you can use Merlin

1. Identify birds by sound (Sound ID)

• Tap “Sound ID” and let your phone listen

• The app shows live suggestions of birds singing around you 

• Works even if multiple birds are calling at once (will list all the birds)

This is the app’s most popular feature.  Try playing the sound back to the bird as I did!

2. Identify birds from a photo (Photo ID)

• Take a picture or upload one

• Merlin compares it to millions of bird images

• Gives you a shortlist of likely matches

Useful if you snap a quick photo but don’t know what you saw.

4.    Tap any bird to see:

• Photos

• Songs and calls

• Range maps

• ID tips

The Merlin Bird ID app doubles as a field guide and learning tool.

Since we always have our phones with us, now we have a bird watcher with us too. Welcome

Spring with

Joy,

Mema