5.4.15 - For The Birds - Enrichment Class - Wixon Innovation Middle School, Dennis MA

Another SUNNY day and we didn't go on much of a walk this particular afternoon.  I really wanted to discuss how and why even the smallest section of ground can have a great impact on the habitat around us, and in turn, the wildlife that depends on it.  The students built a nest out of materials right on the edge of the blanket we were sitting on and we used rocks as "eggs".  Nests are often associated as "home".  Nests are truly about protecting the eggs, and increasing the number of any particular species.  There are several different kinds of nests, and habitats are where the birds find their nest building materials.  Imagine building a nest to support your eggs with your feet and your face (beak/bill), what engineers birds are!  Another topic we discussed is the success of eggs. The students seemed alarmed when I explained to them that only 5% of eggs laid by birds make it to breeding maturity.  Eggs and their protection are IMPORTANT!  No one wants to imagine the Cape without birds!  They make the world more wonderful.  This also encouraged a discussion from the kids about nature in general; its importance, their favorite birds and animals and what nature meant to them.
I appreciate nature... 
...because it is quiet and I can learn by observing...
...because it has animals and their sounds...
...because it's beautiful...
...because cheetahs are my favorite animal...
...because I really like slugs and watching them and I will move them off a path to protect them from getting stepped on...
...because I love badgers...
...because barn owl are my favorite...
...because I love raptors and owls the best...
...because the night is cold and beautiful and quiet...
...because it is filled with trees and plants...

If we don't care about the amazing nature around us, it may not always be around for us. 
(double click photos to enlarge)

Our List:
Chipping Sparrow
Fish Crow
Barn Swallow

Ants at ant hills - food source for birds.  If there are pesticides on the grass that the ants are walking on, then the ants either ingest the pesticide or get it on them, then the birds eat them... with every ant that has pesticide on them, the birds are in danger of being poisoned by them.

Busy nest builders

Nest built from sticks, leaves, lichen, even feathers

See you next week kiddos!  Happy Birding!