 Bird Activities:
Introducing Birds
Study the
natural history and behavior of birds.
Select one species to observe and study in
detail. Research this bird’s natural history and behavior both by watching and by
reading. What time of day do you see the bird? Do you see individuals alone or in flocks?
Where does the bird find its food (when not at a feeder)? Where does it sleep? Where does
it live during summer? What kind of nest does it build? Observe its behavior: does the
bird flutter or droop its wings, pass food back and forth, make raucous sounds, or chase
other birds?
Sketch
the birds at your feeder, schoolyard or nearby park
using binoculars to make detailed
observations. Include field marks such as the curve of the bird’s bill, its eye ring,
and its crown, cheek, or ear patch. Compare your sketches to photos and illustrations in
field guides.
Keep a
Bird Journal
Learning to identify and understand birds requires
careful observation and notekeeping. Try starting a journal with detailed observations of
the birds you see. Even if you don’t yet know a bird’s name, describe what you
see. Include the date of your observation, the location, the weather, the species’
name if you know it, and an overview of the bird’s appearance, behavior, and sounds.
Preparing
for spring: Bird songs and calls
Many birds make two kinds of sounds: songs
and calls. Songs are used almost exclusively by males to attract females and to defend
territories. Calls are used by both sexes to express alarm and to "stay in
touch" with each other. Most birds don’t sing at feeders in winter, but they
often make calls or "chip" notes. Listen carefully to these and try to learn the
sounds of each species. You also can listen to recordings of actual bird songs and calls;
check out the Sound of the Week web page,
or visit your local library for cassettes or CDs.
What
Is a Bird?
Introduction: Describe Archaeopteryx and scientific classification.
The Activity: Use pictures of birds, fish, mammals, amphibians, and
reptiles to identify characteristics of birds.
Discussion: List characteristics of birds. Identify feathers as unique to
birds.
Homework/Follow-up: Write a poem about the features that make a bird a
bird.
How do
Beaks and Feet Help Birds Eat?
Introduction: Make predictions about the beaks of birds in your count
area.
The Activity: Use household materials to explore how birds use their
beaks to eat. Description
(this link coming soon)
Discussion: Consider how the structure of beaks and feet help birds eat
their particular food type.
Homework/Follow-up: Describe a bird's "Awesome Eating Tools."
Have students find a picture or illustration of any bird with "awesome eating
tools." Then have them write a paragraph (complete with illustrations)
explaining how the structure of its beak and feet help the bird survive in its
environment. Encourage students to share their stories (and send them in to Classroom Birdscope Webzine).
Make
Bread Dough Models of Beaks and Feet
Have students use the recipe below to make models of beaks and feet that go together. Then
have students use their model to consider how a matching beak and feet help a bird survive
in its environment.
Dough recipe:
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 T. alum
- 1 3/4 cups boiling water
- 2 T. vegetable oil
- food coloring (optional)
Combine all ingredients in the list.
Eating
Like Wild Birds
Introduction: Prepare to experience the difficulties wild birds face as
they search for food.
The Activity: Go into the schoolyard and "eat like wild birds."
Description
(this link coming soon)
Discussion: Describe birds' feeding behaviors.
Homework/Follow-up: Write a paragraph about the crop and gizzard as
adaptations.
How Do
Feathers Work?
Introduction: Speculate about the function of feathers.
The Activity: Use sight and touch to take a close look at down feathers
and contour feathers.
Discussion: Relate a feather's structure to its function.
How Do
Birds Fly?
Introduction: Share observations about how birds fly at feeders.
The Activity: Explore how a bird lifts into the air.
Discussion: Consider the internal structures that help birds to fly.
Homework/Follow-up: Write a paragraph to answer the question: Birds can
fly, why can't I?
Create
a Bird
Have your students use ideas from these activities (above) and their understanding of
birds to create/describe a bird that is adapted to live in a particular environment.
"Life
of Birds" video with activity
Gail and I did show parts of "The
Life of Birds" series, which the students enjoyed. It was a great opportunity
to take notes, organize information, and write a brief summary of their learning. We
are required to teach these types of lessons to prepare for our state ELA tests.
--Doris Waud, Fyle Elementary School,
Examine
the bird line-up: Bird ID
Coming soon
Create
a Bird Wall of Fame
Coming soon
Many of the ideas on this page were
sent to us by teachers and other educators. Send us your favorite activity idea:
Educator's Guide to Bird
Study
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
159 Sapsucker Woods Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
Email: baj3@cornell.edu
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