NATURE ACTIVITY
SEEING BIRDS
This nature activity will help you to learn how to see birds and tell them apart. Find a quiet spot in your back yard, or front porch, or any other place where you can see birds. It doesn't matter where you are, birds are everywher in nature, from the wilderness to the city.
Go to this place for 15 minutes every day, for 5 days in a row. Think about what time you will do this. When are most birds active? The middle of the day is not a good time, most birds are resting. Early morning, just after the sun comes up is good. That is when birds are out feeding. Early evening, just before the sun sets is also good.
Your first goal in this nature activity is to see as many different kinds of birds as you can. It doesn't matter if you know their names. You can even make up your own names if you want to.
If you have a field guide about birds, see how many you can find in the book. Write down the name of each bird that you find in the field guide. See if you can get as many as five.
Draw a picture of each type of bird you see. Remember to put a date on the picture and the place where you saw the bird.
OK, that's enough for now. Go ahead and try this out. Let us know how you did. It doesn't matter how many birds you find. It's the process of looking and learning to see nature that's most important.
"Wait a minute, Bob, you forgot something."
"What? Who said that?"
"Its me, Running Deer."
"Oh, hi Running Deer. I can't talk to you right now, I'm writing this nature activity."
"I know, but I think you need some help."
"I do? What's the problem?"
"You left out something very important about seeing birds. Can I go on?"
"Sure, Running Deer. Let's hear it."
"Thank you. When looking at birds or drawing pictures of them always look for the details. All birds look the same to many people. They are not though. Here are some tips:
Look for the size and shape of the beak. Look for the color of the feathers. And don't forget the size and shape of the body."
That was very helpful, Running Deer. Now let's turn it over to the kids! Time to go out and find those birds. At the end of five days let us know how this nature activity went for you. Fill out the simple form below if you would like to do this. Ask your parents if this is ok. Did you find some birds? Did you give them a name? Did you find any in a field guide? Do you have any pictures you would like to share with us? We will not give your email address to anyone for any reason. We would like to share some great bird pictures with you. With permission from Pat Little, we offer this link so you can see a hummingbird from egg to first flight. Thanks Pat!
EZRA'S HUMMINGBIRDS
For another nature activity, click here.
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