Winter scavenger hunt for kids

Where to find each one

With the leaves gone, birds and nests are easier to see. Look along the fences and fields too, and at the houses on the way home.

• Robin On lawns and fences. In the UK it is the small bird with a red breast; the American robin is bigger and gathers at berry bushes in winter.
• Dog On walks in every park, whatever the weather. Ask the owner before you stroke one, and ask its name.
• Pine cone Under pine and spruce trees, in parks and gardens.
• Christmas lights On houses, trees and in windows in December and early January. They look best as it gets dark, around 4 or 5 pm.
• Squirrel In park and garden trees. Squirrels do not sleep through the winter, so look on mild days.
• Duck On ponds, canals and rivers. In a freeze they crowd onto the open water.
• Evergreen tree Pine, spruce, fir, yew and holly stay green all winter.
• Cat On walls, fences and windowsills, often in a patch of sun.
• Snow, frost or ice Snow if you are lucky. If not, frost on grass and car windows after a cold, clear night, or ice on a puddle or a pond edge.
• Woodpecker On tree trunks and at fat or suet feeders. Listen for the tapping.
• Horse In fields and paddocks at the edge of town, often in a winter blanket.
• Feather On lawns, under trees, and near feeders and ponds.
• Red berries On holly, hawthorn and other bushes. They feed the birds; never eat them.
• Sheep In fields at the edge of town and in the countryside, outside all winter in their thick wool. Count the flock.
• Crow On playing fields and in parks, all year.
• Wreath On front doors in December. Count how many you spot on one street.
• Deer In big parks and woods, and on fields at the edge of town early in the morning. In many US suburbs they visit gardens too.
• Empty nest In bare trees and hedges, now the leaves are gone. Leave it where it is.
• Pigeon On squares and rooftops, all year.
• Chickadee or blue tit At feeders and in bare trees: chickadees in North America, blue tits and great tits in the UK.