Age groups: This activity can be for all ages but can be altered in the level of difficulty based on experience/knowledge.
Keywords: Outdoors; Natural area needed; In-school activity; At-home activity; Group-based activity; Individual activity; Pen and paper needed; Special materials needed ; Observational; Local Environment; Relational; Critical Thinking
One-sentence summary of activity:
The goal of this activity is to teach students about the birds in their local environment, they should observe the birds they see as well as reflect on the calls they make, the food they eat, and their migration patterns. Record results.
Diagram of activity:
Learning Goals for activity:
- Skill: observational, communication, investigative, critical thinking
- Value: relational, intrinsic
- Information: local environment, local ecological processes and functions
- Action: N/A
Step-by-step instructions for activity:
- Step one: With a group or by yourself (or with a trusted guardian or parent) go to a safe natural area to look for different bird species. Bring a pen and paper to record what you observe and to answer questions. Bring binoculars if they are available. Plan to go for an hour to an hour and a half.
- Step two: Fill out the following on a piece of paper or in your notebook: a. Location and duration of birding b. Start a species list/ list to record how many birds were seen C. list the following questions to reflect on/ do research on at the end: Where do they sleep? What do they eat? Do they migrate?
- Step three: Sit or stand quietly and observe your surroundings for 25-30 minutes. Do you see or hear any birds? If so, record these observations in your notebook or on a piece of paper. Being walking.
- Step four: As you are walking be sure to be quiet so you don’t scare away the birds or other animals. Look up and down: do you see any birds? Any nests? Any signs that birds have been here?
- Step five: If you see any birds record their approximate size, color, calls/ sound they make if possible.
- Step 6: Reflect with your group or with a friend/family member (if this was done individually). Complete your lists/reflection questions from step two. If applicable, research the bird species you saw and find out if they migrate, what they eat, if they’re native or invasive.
Ecological concepts involved
- Ecological concept 1: Local Environment
- Ecological concept 2: Native Species/ Invasive Species
- Ecological Concept 3: Observation of habitat and migration patterns
Additional content needed:
- For younger students (ages 7-12) basic background knowledge on native bird species will be helpful. Resources can be provided by teachers or the SLT.
- For older students (13+) more in depth knowledge on bird species (native/non-native/ invasive) will be helpful. Reflection questions are more geared towards the older children as this activity can be altered to fit different age groups. Research after completing the activity to find out migration patterns as well as specific species. Students can use the Merlin Birding App and set the location to their region.
This website can be a helpful tool for students to use to get familiar with species as well as identifying species after the activity https://ebird.org/india/home