Bird Feeder Observations

Reprinted from The Wild Times Teacher Connection v2n2, Winter 1997.

This project will help us develop a new area of The Wild Ones web site. Throughout the year we are looking for students to share their observations from their bird feeders. To take full advantage of the web's multimedia environment, we want to include photographs, drawings, sound, and video from bird feeders all over the world. These images will accompany students observations and poetry. As members add to this section of the web, we will be able to compare and contrast the different bird species that visit the feeders.

One of the greatest advantages of this project is its flexibility. It can easly be offered to a whole class, small groups of students, or to individuals. This project can also last any convenient time span, from a one time observation, to weekly or monthly reports. This project can also be a fun way to involve families, by having students report on their feeders from home.

Reporting

Reports should include the location of the feeder, date(s) and time(s) of observation, type of food (suet, mixed seed, thistle seed, sunflower seed, etc.), and the species of birds observed. Also include any poetry, anecdotes, drawings, photographs, audio or video tape you may have. Be sure to include student names, ages, and the name of the school in your reports.

Materials

bird feeder(s)
writing and drawing supplies
field guides for bird identification

Optional Materials

still camera with slide or print film
video camera
audio recorder

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