Wednesday, August 12, 2015

8.12.15 - Cape Cod Museum Of Natural History - KidSummer - Birding 101
Brewster, MA

After the rains, there were a LOT of bugs our looking to buzz around us and bite us, so we took shelter from that in our home base room and set off painting.  This group was intent on using bold colors and bright happy images - see their hard work below.  I mentioned some tips about how best to keep a nest box healthy for birds.  We also talked about who else might use the nest box and that sometimes, they're simply a great shelter in inclement weather.  A nest box may not only be a great shelter for a bird's beginnings, but it could possibly save their life later when seeking a safe place if needed from predators and/or bad weather.

Our bird walk was on the Lee Baldwin trail, south of 6A, and the lookout platform is a bird nerd favorite.  We had sightings here, there and everywhere!  New species that these KidSummer Kids hadn't experienced yet, and they seemed awfully excited about remembering species that we had seen and heard.  We compared the Eastern Phoebe to the Eastern Kingbird, and birds were flying right over head.  I showed them the Bird Nerd Salute and we got a great picture of that as well.  When we returned to the museum, there was a small flock of Barn Swallows swooping over the picnic area and over and in front of the museum!  Quite a show!  (double click images to enlarge)

Our List:
American Crow
Gray Catbird
Eastern Phoebe
Tree Swallow
Red-tailed Hawk
European Starling
Eastern Kingbird
Song Sparrow
American Goldfinch
Common Grackle
Red-winged Blackbird
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse





Painting is fun and messy

Bright beautiful nest boxes


One of the KidSummer Kids pointed out this great shelter in the thicket.



I SEE YOU!

Eastern Phoebe - juvenile




Eastern Kingbird


Red-winged Blackbird momma & pestering juvenile

Red-winged Blackbird - juvenile

MOM!  I'm HUNGRY!

Mom does not seem interested in feeding this mouth anymore...

Comparing the Eastern Phoebe & the Eastern Kingbird

Silhouettes are a GREAT way to test your bird ID skills...


Bird Nerd Salute!

Happy Birding KidSummer Kids!

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