Lee Baldwin Trail - Brewster, MA
On our last day together, we were fortunate to have another perfect day of weather and outside was our main goal... the Beech Forest was where we headed, stopping as often as needed. Behavior is one of the BEST ways to learn bird identification and as I continue to learn, I rely more on that hint than others. The Bird Nerds In Training had a sheet with a check list of different bird behaviors and we checked off many different sightings with identification as well. Field Guides are an invaluable tool and by now, they all knew how to look up particular birds and they were able to identify most of the birds we saw on our bird walk today. I believe it's fair to say, they have earned their Bird Nerd status. We discussed eBird and the importance of Citizen Science and what an impact simply caring about birds and nature can have on the world, and its future existence. I look forward to seeing each of them again, knowing that when I do, I am certain to hear a tale or two about our feathery friends. Thanks KidSummer Bird Nerds. You are making my summer a memorable one for sure.
(double click photos below to enlarge)
Our List:
Black-capped Chickadee
Gray Catbird
House Sparrow
House Finch
Red-winged Blackbird
Mourning Dove
European Starling
Red-tailed Hawk
American Crow
Blue Jay
Tree Swallow
Virginia Rail (!!!)
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Osprey
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
House Sparrows
Soaring vs. flapping wings for flying
Most of us agreed that flapping required more energy
Checking off bird behaviors on our lists
Identifying birds using the field guide
American Crow
Eastern Phoebe
Time for Hide & Seek!
Natural staircase
Eastern Kingbird (wish it wasn't blurry)
Eastern Kingbird taking off
KidSummer at CCMNH is all about being OUTSIDE!
Checking out some incredible handcrafted Shadow boxes
The Bird Nerd Salute!
It's fair to say, the Bird Nerds In Training, have officially completed their training... They are Bird Nerds...and I'm gonna miss them.
Remember - it's COOL to be a Bird Nerd! Happy Birding!
Absolutely wonderful! It is such important work to help children love connecting to the natural world. Home is, after all, where the heart is....
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