Getting Started

The first tip is get a copy of the Bird Study Merit Badge pamphlet. This excellent book was written by noted author Scott Weidensaul. Why did a famous author write it for the Scouts? Because Scott is an Eagle Scout and first learned about the outdoors in Scouting!

The 2013 edition with full color illustrations is recomended to help in learning the birds, but editions since 1999 have the same text. Editions printed before 1999 are obsolete.

Check your troop library or buy a copy at your local Council Service center or BSA distributor.

The second tip regards the Internet. Some of the sites we link to are commercial sites or display advertising that I have no control over. So please make sure your parents give you the OK to use this site for your merit badge. I think everything should be fine, but if you run across a link that's broken or inappropriate, please let me know.

The final tip is to link to www.meritbadge.com and print a copy of their excellent Bird Study Merit Badge workbook, which will give you a place to write your answers as you explore these links.

Enough of that. Now, print out a workbook and on to the birds!