Introduction to Bird Science
This website started with one simple statement from Roland. We were having lunch together at El Patrone’s. I asked Roland what was on his list of things he hoped to do this summer. His answer inspired me: “Granny, I’d like to learn more about all the animals that live on our land.”
Every single day, my family shows how much they love and care for the creatures in their life. Expanding that more deeply to the wild creatures made perfect sense. I decided to start with Ornithology because there are so many special things about birds, from their variety of sizes and colors to the marvel of flight.
In this Introduction to Bird Science, we learned the basics of Birding. We covered how to use this little website, what the Ornithologist’s Challenge is about, how to attract birds to your yard, the different ways bird books are organized, how to use bird lists, and a peek at the many resources available of the Audubon website. Here’s an overview to remind you and to celebrate our time together.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
As every event planner knows, the best way to set a great vibe for an excited meeting is 1) to give them time for social chat, 2) feed them something they will enjoy and their moms will abhor, and 3) bring them gifts (you can see the three blue loot bags in the back). Since our budget is always tight, I don’t really buy gifts per se. In this case, I wrapped up four of the items they will need for our activities.
THE ANC WEBSITE
The kids were told in advance that there was a group formed in their honor called The Artesian Nature Coalition, and even more excited when they learned the rest of the family would be invited to some of the activities and events. And the happiness keeps growing as I revealed the website. Ta Da!
THE ORNITHOLOGIST CHALLENGE. Ornithologists are scientists who study birds. Our coalition’s backyard scientists will seek to achieve the status of amateur ornithologists someday via our bird adventures where we will strive to enjoy some exciting bird-related challenges that will train our eyes and minds to better appreciate and protect these amazing creatures who make our world so magnificent and unique. The Ornithologist Challenge consists of ideas for bird-watching activities, science projects, family projects, art projects, learning activities, political resources, and lots of photography. These are meant to stimulate enthusiasm and curiosity. Members of our coalition are free to do all, none, or anything in between. They only need ask for our help if needed. They are also encouraged to design their own projects and follow their own path. Keith and I have spent a delightful and deliberate portion of our life loving birds, listening to their songs, marveling at their beauty, giggling at their antics, and wishing we could fly. We delight in seeing this same joy nestled in the hearts of our family. Friends are welcome to use any of these ideas and resources to kindle that spark in your family as well. So let’s grab our binoculars and find the truest meaning of twitter and tweets! - Granny & Paw
THE ORNITHOLOGIST CHALLENGE
Since this is a lifetime project, I explained this year would be devoted exclusively to birds and invited them to partake in the Ornithologist Challenge. We spent some time, looking through all the activities and I invited them to pick which ones we should do next.
HOW TO ATTRACT BIRDS
We had great fun learning about how to attract birds to our yard. I out together a hand-out of the top ten Audubon tips. Download it HERE. We also want to share a couple of great little kid-friendly recipes.
RECIPE #1 - Mix one part peanut butter with five parts corn meal. Stuff the mix into holes drilled in a hanging log or into the cracks of a large pinecone. Loved by chickadees, woodpeckers, warblers, and titmice.
RECIPE #2 - Soak raisins and currants in water overnight. Put them on a table feeder. Loved by robins, waxwings, mockingbirds, and bluebirds.
BIRD BOOKS
It was time to rile up some excitement for the majestic beauty and overwhelming diversity of birds. Keith and I brought three of our over-sized bird books which the kids browsed and traded, showing each other amazing avian finds and funny-looking birds. The public library is your best resource for these tomes. We’ve collected ours from second-hand stores and great sales over the years. Love the thrift stores!
Speaking of books, we have a list of six of the best for young birders on the ANC HOME PAGE. There are excerpts that describe each and a helpful link to them on Amazon if you want to order some great references.
BIRD LISTS
The birds they are most likely to see are the ones in their own backyard. One of the most exciting moments of the day was getting their first bird list. They were each gratified by how many of the birds they knew, and even more excited by the ones they had seen and could cross off their list.
To snag your own copy of the bird lists you can click the appropriate link.
AUDUBON KIDS WEBSITE
We had some fun exploring the Audubon Kids website. Although it might look like it’s for only youngsters, it has activities for all ages - even the grandparents find plenty to enjoy. It is my primary resource for the things I do with the kids. Visit by clicking HERE.
I clipped this visual from the Audubon website to make the kids a bookmark for their Field Guides. I love it so much I made one for myself. It reminds me of the never-ending wonder that is birds! I hope it does the same for them.
