The sight of a great blue heron fishing on the shore or rising with deep effort-filled flaps into the air is downright prehistoric. No youngster can fail to be captivated by such a display. Ospreys or kingfishers diving for fish are similarly dramatic and appealing. Other herons present may offer comparison with the great blue in terms of size, coloration, proportion or behavior. Because birds move out of sight all too quickly, you'll need some visual aids.
Field guides are essential, but gear the guide to the observer.
The Peterson series has beginners' guides that reduce confusion in identification by offering fewer species, usually those you're most likely to encounter. Massachusetts Audubon makes a laminated sheet depicting the 25 species most frequently encountered around the home. Although the urge to glimpse all the action may be compelling to you, your youngster won't be able to absorb it all initially. Stick with one or a few conspicuous individuals, make sure all the distinguishing marks are found, and look for a particular feeding or nesting behavior, territorial display or plumage subtleties. For example, note the red-winged blackbird's apparent lack of red wing patches much of the time.