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Whoo’s Up for Owl Fun!

 

Welcome to our Fall learning series where you’ll find kids books, activities and fun ways to learn all focused on Autumn topics.

Our theme for this week is Owls! 

Owls are amazing creatures and kids will enjoy learning about these beautiful birds.  There are many different kinds of owls — snowy owl, burrowing, owl, great horned owl — it’s interesting to learn about what they have in common and how they differ.

 

owlscollage

There are over 200 types of owls, some are more popular than others.  Owls are nocturnal animals (which means they usually sleep during the day and are awake at night). 

Owls are known for their ability to twist their heads to be able to see behind them — kids love to imitate owls in this manner. 

 

Where to Find Owls

Nature Centers

Many local nature centers have birds of prey, especially if a certain type of owl is nature to your state or area.  This is one of the best places for kids to see owls — and many times the center will hold educational programs that feature the owls so you can learn more about them.

 

In Your Neighborhood

Owls can be viewed in their natural habitat.  It’s not easy to find one because they are quiet birds who like to hide.  They will sometimes fly around neighborhoods and rural areas seeking food and shelter.  One of the best ways to find an owl is to listen for their hoot (or call) in the evening. 

For some specific information about owl calls, visit Stokes Birds at Home to learn how to identify an owl call.

 

Online

If you’re not able to find an owl in your area, you can find some fun places to learn about them online:

  • The San Diego Zoo also has some great photos and information about owls.

 

barn-owl

Barn Owl

 

Great Kids Books about Owls

 

Owls by Gail Gibbons

A wonderful nonfiction book that shares all kinds of fun facts and details about owls.  Learn about habitats, features and the lives of owls.

 

Barn Owl by Bert Kitchen

 An excellent book to introduce kids to owls.  Read about Barn Owls, also known as screetch owls, in this informative and beautiful picture book.

 

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

A father and daughter take a walk one night under the owl moon.  Go along on an adventure of ‘owling’ on a winter’s night.

 

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

Three baby owls wake up one night and find their mother is gone.  What are they to do?  Beautiful illustrations are found in this lovely story.

 

Nate the Great on the Owl Express by Marjorie Sharmat

When Nate the Great hits the rails to guard an owl named Hoot, all kinds of mysterious things begin to happen.  Can he solve the case of the vanishing owl?

 

There’s an Owl in the Shower by Jean Craighead George

Borden does not like the spotted owls that cost his father his job.  But when he ‘adopts’ an abandoned owlet and tries to care for him, he learns a great deal about the conflicts between nature and industry.

 

Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat

A funny story (that makes a wonderful read-aloud) about two boys who find an owls nest and ‘adopt’ two owl babies.  Follow along with all the fun antics that come with having an owl as a pet!

 

edible-owl

While reading your owl stories, I would recommend this fun Edible Owl Snack from our friends at Creative Playhouse!

 

Crafts for Kids

Since it is hard to find owls, doing an owl craft is a great way for some hands-on fun!  Here are a number of creative craft ideas that kids can make themselves:

 

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Make these adorable Felt Owl Fingerpuppets from Playing with Words 365

 

1owls

Make these cute cardboard Owl Crafts that can be used as puppets or paired with any book about owls

 

owl-tutorial-artistwoman

Create an amazing Owl Portrait from That Artist Woman

 

marylea-owls

Make Yarn Owls with Pink and Green Mama

 

redtedart-handprintowl

Paint a Fun Handprint Owl from Red Ted Art

 

owlcraft5mycreativefamily

Create a beautiful Collage Owl with Creative Family Fun

 

putti-owl

Make some Colorful Paper Owls with Putti’s World

 

Did you miss our other Theme Weeks – kids books & hands-on activities each week:

Apple Books & Activities

Exploring Leaves & Seeds

Fabulous Fall Fun