The Our Tern Window Watchers Program

Windows are more than just glass barriers—they are portals between the familiar and the new, the known and the unknown. When we invite our students to look, to glance, and to watch what occurs just beyond our windows, we welcome curiosity, nature, imagination, and more into our learning environment.

Teachers and students across all subjects and grades are invited to step into a year-long exploration of the birds that live, thrive, and visit the spaces just beyond your classrooms. 

How It Works

Observe and Record from September 15, 2025 to May 30, 2026

At its core, the Window Watchers Program is simply a compilation of the bird species seen or heard from your classroom over the course of one school year.  We suggest you keep a hard-copy list near your window to support student engagement and participation, but we ask that your room’s final tally be submitted to Our Tern via Google Sheets on or before May 30, 2026.

Beside each bird’s name you should note the date the bird was sighted.  At the year’s end, the classroom with the most species observed will be crowned the Window Watchers Wunderkinds.

CLICK HERE to register and participate.

Establish Ground Rules

Discuss early in the year how your class will handle sightings.  Just like with any other project, it is important to set rules that balance learning with student engagement. Here are some questions teachers should consider and discuss with their students:

• Can students call out when a bird suddenly appears?
• Should there be “bird-free zones” (e.g., during tests)?
• Does the whole class have to see/hear the bird for it to count?
• What’s the plan if a rare bird shows up mid-lesson or when a student is sharing an idea?
• Who will be responsible for recording the sighting on the list?

Some things to Remember:

All sightings and reports should be consistent with the ABA Code of Ethics.

Individual teachers are asked to submit one list  from one classroom only. However, individual schools may have multiple teachers and classrooms / windows submitted.  For our purposes, a classroom with one or more windows is considered a space.  All birds counted must be either within sight of the room or within hearing distance.  Final lists may include photos of birds, and, when possible, we encourage documentation of rare birds.  In lieu of a Google Spreadsheet, teachers may submit a final e-bird trip report at the end of the year, if they prefer. Teachers are welcome to include more data than just the name of the species and date observed. Teachers and students need not be experts in birds to do this activity.  Use the Window Watchers Program to grow your bird acumen. You may want to purchase a Field Guide or consult the resources we’ve included below to help you and your students become better identifiers.  You can always reach out to us with identification questions or support: info@ourtern.com  

We’ll send ideas, lessons, updates, and highlights of unique sightings throughout the year. Even if you’ve never birdwatched before, this is your chance to learn about local wildlife in a fun, low-pressure way.

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Why It Matters

Research shows that noticing birds can boost mood, attention, and life satisfaction—and these benefits can carry over into academic performance. When students experience the enthusiasm and joy of spotting birds outside their classroom windows, they often return to lessons more engaged, alert, and ready to learn.

This practice also nurtures healthy daily habits: engaging with the natural world, staying attuned to the present, and experiencing the revitalizing effects of mindful observation. Over time, such moments can build resilience, sharpen focus, and encourage a sense of shared curiosity in the classroom.

Growing research shows that noticing birds and biodiversity can significantly boost well-being and student engagement:

• A 2024 study found students who intentionally looked for birds felt more positive emotions and less distress than those who didn’t (Psychology Today).
• A European study showed that seeing 10% more bird species improved life satisfaction as much as a meaningful income increase (AudubonBirdWatching).
• A Nature study found that seeing or hearing birds measurably improved mental well-being—even after accounting for other environmental factors. (Nature).

In short, Window Watching is more than just a fun contest—it’s a gateway to greater well-being, stronger classroom community, and more focused, energized learners.

Resources

You may find some of the following resources helpful as you track the birds outside of your classroom:

All About Birds: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/

A free site hosted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.  Listen to calls and songs, explore engaging photos and videos of birds, and read about everything from bird ecology to species fun facts.

Merlin Bird ID https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ 

Ever hear a bird’s song or call, and wonder, what species is that?  There’s an app for that!  The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s amazing software can help you get to know the birds in your neck of the woods.

Want More Than just Watching?

Window Watching can be the first step in a much larger journey—one that transforms curiosity into care, and observation into impact.For those who want to go beyond simply observing, here are ways to inspire students to think like stewards of their local environment.

After spending time observing and celebrating the birdlife just outside your window, you’ve received more than just the joy of discovery—you’ve been given a gift. You’ve glimpsed species that share your space, thrive in your environment, and rely on the same land, air, and water that you do. This moment of connection opens the door to a deeper lessons.  Below are a few ways you can build upon your Window Watchers experience with your students.

Observation to Advocacy: Name Your School’s Bird

Nominate a bird that can be seen on your campus for some or all of the school year to become the official or honorary bird of your classroom, school, or community. This symbolic title celebrates the presence of local wildlife and builds a bridge between people and the natural world.

How to Advocate for Your Bird

• Draft Your Case: Write a resolution and narrative explaining why your chosen bird deserves the honor. Include its connection to the people, history, and culture of your school community.
• Tell the Story: Work with your school newspaper to publish an article, write a letter or email to school administrators, and present your case to the student council. Encourage them to pass a symbolic resolution adopting the bird.
• Build Alliances: Reach out to teachers, staff, and even local officials who might support your movement.
• Make It Visual: Collaborate with an artist to create a mascot or icon inspired by your bird—something that could appear on posters, banners, or yearbooks.

Note: Naming an honorary bird does not replace your existing mascot—it simply acknowledges that these wild neighbors are valued and part of your school’s identity.

Spread the Enthusiasm

• Host a “School Bird Celebration Day” where the music department performs bird-themed songs.
• Have English classes read and write bird-inspired poetry.
• Create bird memes and puns for morning announcements or school social media.
• Invite science classes to share bird facts during assemblies.

By turning observation into action, you’re creating more than just a school tradition—you’re sparking connection, awareness, and stewardship. And you’re proving that conservation can be joyful, creative, and full of community spirit.  Use the Our Tern website as a model and an inspiration to advocate for your bird.  Share your work with us, and we will share your story with our audience.

Stewardship in Action

Hypothesize and Act

Observation is the foundation of stewardship. After spending time looking through your classroom window, you’ve already gathered valuable data:

• How many birds have you spotted?
• How many species?
• What times of day bring more or fewer sightings?

Now it’s time to turn questions into action. Invite students to choose one change they can make to improve conditions for the wildlife they see—or to attract new species to the space.

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Small Acts, Big Ripples

Stewardship doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are examples of student-led actions that connect observation to real-world change:

• Add a Bird Feeder – Offer seeds to attract more feathered visitors, then monitor changes in species diversity.
• Reduce Pesticides – Research whether pesticides are used nearby and brainstorm ways to encourage landowners to choose safer practices.
• Prevent Window Strikes – Study bird collisions, install decals or patterns on glass, and track whether sightings increase.
• Plant Native Species – Identify local plants that provide food or shelter for birds, pollinators, or small wildlife. Monitor how plantings affect biodiversity.
• Build Nest Boxes or Platforms – Offer safe nesting spots for specific species and track occupancy over time.
• Support Pollinators – Plant flowers and create habitats for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

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Think Like Scientists, Act Like Stewards

As your class experiments with these actions, keep records, compare data before and after changes, and reflect on the results.

Encourage students to ask:

• What did we change?
• What happened afterward?
• What might we try next?

This approach fosters inquiry-driven learning while making the local environment healthier and more vibrant.

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The Long View

Stewardship is most powerful when it becomes part of a school’s culture. Over time, repeated cycles of observation, action, and reflection can transform a single window into a living laboratory. Students will not only sharpen their scientific thinking but also deepen their connection to the natural world—and to each other—through shared discoveries and lasting impacts.

The more we watch, the more we care. The more we care, the more we act. The more we act, the more the world changes—right outside our window.