The Why and How of Schoolyard Birdwatching

A little over a year ago I started bird watching, or birdwatching as you may know it. I have always loved nature, learning about my local plants, and doing native gardening. Learning about birds was a natural extension of that. One of my favorite parts of birding is “Backyard Birding.” Essentially, backyard birding is about observing and appreciating the birds found in your backyard, schoolyard, or outdoor space. Think life sciences meets “I See.” Of course, when working with teachers and students, backyard birding can also be “schoolyard” birding, incorporating STEAM to encourage critical thinking and observation skills. Imagine you and your students excitedly saying, “Oh, that's a mountain chickadee! And there is a junk with dark eyes. Oh, hello, pretty Lesser Goldfinch!

Not only is bird watching accessible to all ages, but it can also be enjoyed anywhere, including campus. Importantly, it can also help you address a wide variety of learning standards. Through bird watching activities, you can delve deeper into the identification of different species and compare traits. Focus on attention to detail and the use of descriptive words. Describe the colors of the bird, the size, the patterns on the wings. Use body parts – Is there red on the head, on the belly, on the wings? Bird names work well for this, as they often reflect the colors in specific areas, such as the yellow-rumped warbler or the red-breasted nuthatch. Show photographs of these birds in your Boxlight interactive display so that students recognize the distinctive characteristics of each species.

Beyond science-related activities, you can easily integrate bird watching with reading, writing, and art. Have students describe a bird to a friend, who then tries to guess it. Or, as an art project, have students draw a specific bird, while investigating its habitat, diet, and more.

Bird watching also promotes the exploration of variations within species, including life cycles and distinctions between juvenile and adult birds. Emphasize the differences between males and females, for example by facilitating a discussion about the purpose behind the vibrant plumage of males compared to females.

For mathematical integration, students can collect data on the frequency of visits by each species. Convert this data into graphs and perform analysis. Explore whether the same species visit consistently throughout the year or selectively during particular months. Investigate the reasons behind bird migration and understand why some species are present in your environment only during specific times.

I hope I have inspired you with some ideas on how to incorporate bird watching into your classroom. Now, let me share some tips to help you get started.

National Bird Feeding Month

February is National Bird Feeding Month And installing a bird feeder or two is one of the best ways to enhance the birding experience in your backyard (or schoolyard). There are many varieties of bird feeders to choose from, but you can be creative and use your Robotic 3D printer to make one! Better yet, turn this into a STEAM design challenge. Have students collaborate in groups to create their unique bird feeders. Search for “bird feeder” on Thingiverse For inspiration or to print one, a pre-designed feeder now available at www.MyStemKits.com – Bird Feeder Kit. Explore the variety of options, including hanging feeders, feeders made from repurposed water bottles, window bird feeders, and wall-, pole-, and table-mount options. If you don't have a MyKitsStem account, sign up for a free trial to print one of our designs.

After purchasing or 3D printing your bird feeder, find an optimal location for it. It is important to keep bird food dry. If your chosen design does not offer this feature, be sure to place it under an overhang or design a cover to protect food. Birds don't like soggy seeds and I can't blame them!

To keep feeders away from squirrels, consider hanging them away from trees and buildings or using hanging ceilings and slippery poles. You can also consider hanging them directly from the window with a suction cup style feeder. To deter squirrels, there are options such as spicy birdseed and repellent tools, but avoid methods that can harm wildlife, such as using oil.

After 3D printing your feeders, select local bird-friendly seeds. If you're not sure which one to buy, consult a bird store for guidance and opt for different types of seeds to attract a variety of birds. Just keep in mind that it can take about a week for birds to discover a new feeder, so if you don't see any visitors right away, don't lose hope, just wait a bit!

Clean your bird feeder monthly to ensure the health of visiting birds, preventing the spread of mold, bacteria and disease. Empty the seeds, take them apart, scrub them with a mild detergent, rinse them, let them dry completely, and then reassemble and hang them.

Finally, there are a variety of apps that can help you and your students learn about birds native to your area and identify potential visitors. One of my favorites is called Merlin; He can identify species by sound and has a wonderful library of bird images and information. One note though is that sometimes Merlin can be wrong, so always check the sound recordings to find out what that bird should sound like and ideally get a picture of the bird too. It is a powerful ai (artificial intelligence) device, but it has its limitations. It is also limited in certain environments. For example, if you're in Hawaii, explore options that are more local to your area.

I hope you enjoy your foray into birdwatching and learn to love and appreciate the birds around you, even from your classroom window! If you get some great bird photos or design a fun bird feeder, share it!