The family stopped at several Chuck-wills-widow spots last night n the way home from Cape May. Though Whip-poor-wills were quite vocal, not a single Chucks was heard.
Although my efforts have not been so exhaustive, this has been a nemesis bird that has eluded me. I checked e-mail before heading off to sleep only to find that a Chuck-will's-widow was heard much closer to home.
Knowing our Memorial Day would be busy, I doubted I would have the opportunity to try for this more local Chuck. Until . . .
I was talking to my niece and her friends at my brother's barbeque. They brought up a "ghost hunting" excursion we went on last summer. They were asking when we could have a similar adventure. This was my opening!
I launched into storytelling mode about the mysterious death of "Charles Hawkin" more than 100 years ago. I explained that after his premature passing the local villagers took great care in providing for his unfortunate widow. They showered her with gifts, paid for anything she needed, and catered to her every whim. Upon the widow's death, a friend found her diary in which the widow confessed to killing her own husband.
The kids were hanging on my every word.
I continued to explain that the "ghost" can be heard along Hawkin Road as he tries to identify his murderess to passers-by with the phrase "Chuck's willing widow". At this point, they were nearly begging me to go hear the "ghost".
I picked them up promptly at 8pm. We drove to Hawkin Road and slowly cruised back and forth. With the first sound of Whips in the distance, I pulled over and killed the engine.
We were on the dark, deserted road's shoulder for about 3 minutes when a Chuck-will's-widow started calling. The four teenagers were nervously giddy to hear the distant "voice". After a few minutes of silence, the bird called from a much closer position. The first reprise was met with a gasp. Then one of them said, "it almost sounds like a bird".
The show was over but the lesson just started. They were asking many questions. We discussed many facts about the bird. Collectively, they seemed most intrigued by the Chuck's migration from Central/South America.
They all said they were going to show their parents and friends the bird online. I have the feeling I may be bringing another load of unwitting friends to find Mr. Hawkin's muttering "ghost"!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Fledging Birders in World Series
For the 2nd consecutive year, I have enjoyed "coaching" several of my current and former students on a Division B Youth Team in New Jersey Audubon's World Series of Birding (WSB).
Both of our WSB efforts have been limited to Voorhees Township for a number of reasons. This extremely limited geographic area gives the students a good feel for the true diversity of the bird world. They are surprised to discover how many birds can be seen within their hometown. They are also intrigued to investigate other regions and habitats to see all the species they are missing.
Our Big Days are more like a Big Mornings that involve hitting several local parks. Last year, we found 60 species between 7 am and noon. This was a satisfying achievement given the limited habitat types available to search.
The goal this year was to improve on the 2006 team's total.
We started our morning bird walks in early March. I was very pleased to have a 300% increase in the number of student signed up for my morning bird walks. A few die-hard students have shown up almost an hour early for school several times a week. One very enthusiastic student has come almost every morning - no matter how chilly or soggy! (She became this year's team captian.)
While it was encouraging, the heightened student interest also posed a major problem. I did not have enough quality optics to lend out for the WSB! Having kids bird with poor (or no) binoculars does little more than frustrate them.
Thanks to the efforts of National Biodiversity Parks president, we had 11 brand new pairs of Zhumell 8x42's available for the students AND their parents to use during the WSB. Understanding the urgency of the situation, binoculars.com rushed the new bins to me just in time for the WSB.
We kicked off our WSB with a continental breakfast at the first stop. Throughout the morning, the kids' excitement could barely be contained. They were amazed by the colors of Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles, and Indigo Bunting. They were amused by the Spotted Sandpiper's bobbing and the flights of swallows.
Our Big Day was terrific! For them, the highlights included Purple Martin, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and the easy to find warblers along with Red-bellied Turtles, a Green Frog, and a curious looking flower.
The hands-down bird of the day was a Mississippi Kite saoring low over the fields at Stafford Trails. According to a New Jersey Birds regional editors, this was the first Camden County record for the species!
My personal highlights were seeing how excited the kids were to bird new areas away from the school AND watching the parents get just as into the birds as their children!
By the way, we found 72 species. This was a 20% increase from last year!
Both of our WSB efforts have been limited to Voorhees Township for a number of reasons. This extremely limited geographic area gives the students a good feel for the true diversity of the bird world. They are surprised to discover how many birds can be seen within their hometown. They are also intrigued to investigate other regions and habitats to see all the species they are missing.
Our Big Days are more like a Big Mornings that involve hitting several local parks. Last year, we found 60 species between 7 am and noon. This was a satisfying achievement given the limited habitat types available to search.
The goal this year was to improve on the 2006 team's total.
We started our morning bird walks in early March. I was very pleased to have a 300% increase in the number of student signed up for my morning bird walks. A few die-hard students have shown up almost an hour early for school several times a week. One very enthusiastic student has come almost every morning - no matter how chilly or soggy! (She became this year's team captian.)
While it was encouraging, the heightened student interest also posed a major problem. I did not have enough quality optics to lend out for the WSB! Having kids bird with poor (or no) binoculars does little more than frustrate them.
Thanks to the efforts of National Biodiversity Parks president, we had 11 brand new pairs of Zhumell 8x42's available for the students AND their parents to use during the WSB. Understanding the urgency of the situation, binoculars.com rushed the new bins to me just in time for the WSB.
We kicked off our WSB with a continental breakfast at the first stop. Throughout the morning, the kids' excitement could barely be contained. They were amazed by the colors of Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles, and Indigo Bunting. They were amused by the Spotted Sandpiper's bobbing and the flights of swallows.
Our Big Day was terrific! For them, the highlights included Purple Martin, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and the easy to find warblers along with Red-bellied Turtles, a Green Frog, and a curious looking flower.
The hands-down bird of the day was a Mississippi Kite saoring low over the fields at Stafford Trails. According to a New Jersey Birds regional editors, this was the first Camden County record for the species!
My personal highlights were seeing how excited the kids were to bird new areas away from the school AND watching the parents get just as into the birds as their children!
By the way, we found 72 species. This was a 20% increase from last year!
Birding "Blogalogue"
I have recently started writing a birding blog for the Courier Post, a South Jersey newspaper. The Winged Wonders blog is a manifestation of the Fledging Birders’ philosophy. My goal is to help the readers start to recognize the wide variety of birds in their own communities.
A coworker visited the blog last night for the purpose of some friendly electronic heckling. As expected, he posted some goofy comments to poke fun at, what he so kindly refers to as, my “birding affliction”.
As we shared a nice laugh over his comments this morning, his conversation pretty quickly turned to several topics of my blog postings. For a few minutes, we were having a nice blog inspired dialogue about birds around his house and our school. He has even been talking about Dark-eyed Juncos to other people all day! (Update: His Dark-eyed Junco talk has continued for several months, along with other species as well!)
I will take his good-natured ribbing in exchange for more people talking about birds anyday!
originally posted on February 13, 2007.
A coworker visited the blog last night for the purpose of some friendly electronic heckling. As expected, he posted some goofy comments to poke fun at, what he so kindly refers to as, my “birding affliction”.
As we shared a nice laugh over his comments this morning, his conversation pretty quickly turned to several topics of my blog postings. For a few minutes, we were having a nice blog inspired dialogue about birds around his house and our school. He has even been talking about Dark-eyed Juncos to other people all day! (Update: His Dark-eyed Junco talk has continued for several months, along with other species as well!)
I will take his good-natured ribbing in exchange for more people talking about birds anyday!
originally posted on February 13, 2007.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
GHO'ing for the GHOld
Presidents’ Day was off to a great start early this morning. I asked my daughter if she wanted to go look at a Great Horned Owl nest. To my delight, she eagerly pounced on the opportunity, “Yeah! Let’s do it!!”
Before long, this impromptu trip grew exponentially into a full family birding excursion. Everyone jumped into the van and we started our adventure. The first highlight was a flock of 12 Wild Turkeys just off the sie of the road. The kids giggled at the gobblers as we drove by them.
When we finally Abbotts Meadow WMA, the nest immediately popped into view. Of course, the owl itself was not so easily seen. My wife peered through her bins and audibly sighed as she found the bird. Jean has a particular fondness for owls but has not had a good look at one in a few years.
Once the scope was set up at a comfortable distance, the kids took their turns checking out the bird. Our daughter has had some experience with the scope and found the hunkered down owl with relative ease. Her smile gave away the precise instant she laid eyes on bird.
My son was a different situation. He is only 2 years old and has a real hard time looking through the scope. After several adjustments to the tripod, it was time for him to see a life bird.
We tried several times with different angles but success kept eluding us. After some more tweaking, I bring him up to the scope with a hand over his left eye. I look for the light coming through eyepiece and patiently work to get it right into his pupil.
He suddenly blurts out, “OW! Dada Ow!” He finally saw his first Great Horned Owl. What a proud day for all of us!
(originally posted Feb. 2007)
Before long, this impromptu trip grew exponentially into a full family birding excursion. Everyone jumped into the van and we started our adventure. The first highlight was a flock of 12 Wild Turkeys just off the sie of the road. The kids giggled at the gobblers as we drove by them.
When we finally Abbotts Meadow WMA, the nest immediately popped into view. Of course, the owl itself was not so easily seen. My wife peered through her bins and audibly sighed as she found the bird. Jean has a particular fondness for owls but has not had a good look at one in a few years.
Once the scope was set up at a comfortable distance, the kids took their turns checking out the bird. Our daughter has had some experience with the scope and found the hunkered down owl with relative ease. Her smile gave away the precise instant she laid eyes on bird.
My son was a different situation. He is only 2 years old and has a real hard time looking through the scope. After several adjustments to the tripod, it was time for him to see a life bird.
We tried several times with different angles but success kept eluding us. After some more tweaking, I bring him up to the scope with a hand over his left eye. I look for the light coming through eyepiece and patiently work to get it right into his pupil.
He suddenly blurts out, “OW! Dada Ow!” He finally saw his first Great Horned Owl. What a proud day for all of us!
(originally posted Feb. 2007)
Lifer to Party
This has been an exciting birding week in New Jersey. Western Tanagers, Band-tailed Pigeon, and Long-billed Murrelet are just some of the highlights.
With so much around, I was fortunate to get a nice life bird on Sunday. As always, I brought in treats for my students to share the excitement of my new bird. Many of the kids remembered the term “life bird” from my celebratory snacks and Eared Grebe story a few months ago.
During Monday’s post lifer debriefing, I promised the kids there would be a full blown party when my life list reaches a certain level. The buzz started growing when they heard that I only needed 10 more birds AND would be traveling to Florida over Spring Break.
Now, teachers are being recruited to help build my life list. Kids have told some of their other teachers, “if you find a strange bird in your yard, please call Mr. Mag!” It’s nice to know the they’re geting into it a little bit.
As the kids were packing at the end of class today, I nonchalantly played some video taken of this weekend’s lifer. I immediately heard exclamations like “it’s his life bird!”, “Aww, he’s so cute!”, and my personal favorite “Wow - the Black-throated Gray Warbler really is awesome!!”
I have many new prospects for this year’s World Series of Birding team!!
(originally posted Jan. 2007)
With so much around, I was fortunate to get a nice life bird on Sunday. As always, I brought in treats for my students to share the excitement of my new bird. Many of the kids remembered the term “life bird” from my celebratory snacks and Eared Grebe story a few months ago.
During Monday’s post lifer debriefing, I promised the kids there would be a full blown party when my life list reaches a certain level. The buzz started growing when they heard that I only needed 10 more birds AND would be traveling to Florida over Spring Break.
Now, teachers are being recruited to help build my life list. Kids have told some of their other teachers, “if you find a strange bird in your yard, please call Mr. Mag!” It’s nice to know the they’re geting into it a little bit.
As the kids were packing at the end of class today, I nonchalantly played some video taken of this weekend’s lifer. I immediately heard exclamations like “it’s his life bird!”, “Aww, he’s so cute!”, and my personal favorite “Wow - the Black-throated Gray Warbler really is awesome!!”
I have many new prospects for this year’s World Series of Birding team!!
(originally posted Jan. 2007)
The Big Game
There are times when you have the perfect opportunity to spark a birding interest in kids by connecting something they enjoy to our feathered friends. Yesterday’s bald eagle trip with some students was one such occasion.
Given the likelihood that both eagles and falcons would be found, I turned it into a prediction day for Sunday’s big game between Philadelphia and Atlanta. The initial idea was that the game’s winner would be determined by our sightings.
The game was off to a quick start with 2 large dark raptors being spotted immediately upon scope set-up at Sunset Bridge. Oliver yells, “Eagles 14 to nothing!”
Then, an American Kestrel flies over the road. All the kids and their parents get on the bird for a few fleeting seconds. Oohs and aahs are punctuated by “oh no, touchdown Falcons - 14 - 7!”
A few minutes later, Mr. Brown spots another eagle flying over the marsh which then flushes a fourth from behind a pine tree. One lands in the marsh, the other perches atop a tree. Touchdowns 3 & 4 for the birds!
During one final sweep of the scope, I find a 5th eagle feeding on a distant marshy bank. With my eye still in the scope, my question of ”Did either eagle fly from the tree tops?” was met with a resounding “Nope, they’re still there.”
35 - 7 Philadelphia - but wait . . . The officials will review play!
As I train the scope on the tree top eagle, its true identity is revealed - a Red-tailed Hawk! Apparently, the 4th eagle abandoned its perch and was mistaken for a new bird. Touchdown denied.
The game continued with one briefly glimpsed bird in a far tree at 60 miles an hour that strongly resembled an eagle. THe kids called it a field goal! The last touchdown of the game for the Eagles was at Supawna Meadows.
Final score: 38 - 7 - Philadelphia Eagles win their division! **
The kids were totally captivated by the birding exhibition game. It was a catalyst for them to get more actively involved in the searching and identifying of the birds.
Connecting birding to the activities that our kids already enjoy is effective because it acts as a bridge for their enthusiasm and helps them relate to the new concepts related to birding.
** While I am much more of a Philly fan, I must admit that I was concerned at the very poor showing of the falcons- only one kestrel in 3 hours of Salem County birding!
(originally posted Dec. 2006)
Given the likelihood that both eagles and falcons would be found, I turned it into a prediction day for Sunday’s big game between Philadelphia and Atlanta. The initial idea was that the game’s winner would be determined by our sightings.
The game was off to a quick start with 2 large dark raptors being spotted immediately upon scope set-up at Sunset Bridge. Oliver yells, “Eagles 14 to nothing!”
Then, an American Kestrel flies over the road. All the kids and their parents get on the bird for a few fleeting seconds. Oohs and aahs are punctuated by “oh no, touchdown Falcons - 14 - 7!”
A few minutes later, Mr. Brown spots another eagle flying over the marsh which then flushes a fourth from behind a pine tree. One lands in the marsh, the other perches atop a tree. Touchdowns 3 & 4 for the birds!
During one final sweep of the scope, I find a 5th eagle feeding on a distant marshy bank. With my eye still in the scope, my question of ”Did either eagle fly from the tree tops?” was met with a resounding “Nope, they’re still there.”
35 - 7 Philadelphia - but wait . . . The officials will review play!
As I train the scope on the tree top eagle, its true identity is revealed - a Red-tailed Hawk! Apparently, the 4th eagle abandoned its perch and was mistaken for a new bird. Touchdown denied.
The game continued with one briefly glimpsed bird in a far tree at 60 miles an hour that strongly resembled an eagle. THe kids called it a field goal! The last touchdown of the game for the Eagles was at Supawna Meadows.
Final score: 38 - 7 - Philadelphia Eagles win their division! **
The kids were totally captivated by the birding exhibition game. It was a catalyst for them to get more actively involved in the searching and identifying of the birds.
Connecting birding to the activities that our kids already enjoy is effective because it acts as a bridge for their enthusiasm and helps them relate to the new concepts related to birding.
** While I am much more of a Philly fan, I must admit that I was concerned at the very poor showing of the falcons- only one kestrel in 3 hours of Salem County birding!
(originally posted Dec. 2006)
Purveyor of Pellets
Savannah Sparrows at Supawna Meadows. Tundra Swans on Mannington Marsh. Bald Eagles from Sunset Bridge. Non-stop flocks of Snow Geese passing overhead.
Saturday’s cruise through Salem County did hold some nice, though not surprising, sights.
I was perhaps more pleased to find some authentic educational aids.
We stumbled across an old abandoned pole barn during our journey. Being in one of its geographic strongholds, I eagerly entered the large, doorless barn in hopes of finding a Barn Owl.
My not-quite-a-birder-yet partner was taken aback by the rustic beauty of this simple yet near perfect architectural design. My focus was true to the mission - find owls!
Though whitewash was everywhere, living, breathing, roosting owls were not to be found.
Our barnstorming adventure did, however, yield an invaluable tool to bird education - several large owl pellets.
My return home was accompanied by the announcement, “Daddy has a surprise!” After a brief guessing game, our four year old daughter was begging to open the “owl throw up”.
We have already searched through two of them. My classes will get explore a few pellets. The last of them will be used for a previously scheduled “Owl Moon” read along activity at my school next week for our students’ younger siblings.
An old barn, several digested rodents, and a satisifed owl help educate dozens of children.
Saturday’s cruise through Salem County did hold some nice, though not surprising, sights.
I was perhaps more pleased to find some authentic educational aids.
We stumbled across an old abandoned pole barn during our journey. Being in one of its geographic strongholds, I eagerly entered the large, doorless barn in hopes of finding a Barn Owl.
My not-quite-a-birder-yet partner was taken aback by the rustic beauty of this simple yet near perfect architectural design. My focus was true to the mission - find owls!
Though whitewash was everywhere, living, breathing, roosting owls were not to be found.
Our barnstorming adventure did, however, yield an invaluable tool to bird education - several large owl pellets.
My return home was accompanied by the announcement, “Daddy has a surprise!” After a brief guessing game, our four year old daughter was begging to open the “owl throw up”.
We have already searched through two of them. My classes will get explore a few pellets. The last of them will be used for a previously scheduled “Owl Moon” read along activity at my school next week for our students’ younger siblings.
An old barn, several digested rodents, and a satisifed owl help educate dozens of children.
Dressing for the Birds
Birding shirts and ties are a staple in my work wardrobe. This avian based attire usually provokes a few passing comments from a students throughout the day.
For some reason, my loon tie generated many questions and extended conversations today. Even though I have worn this eye-catching blue and green accessory many times this year, it has never captivated so many people. The timing could not have been any better!
Just this weekend, my son and I shared the pleasure of watching 2 Common Loons floating down the Delaware River at close range . With each of their dives, his toddler toned giggle warmed me up on our chilly stroll around the Red Bank Battlefield in Gloucester County, NJ.
Many kids were saying things like “that tie is cool” or “those ducks are pretty.” Thanks to my recent sighting, I was armed with the perfect comeback, “I saw 2 of these loons this weekend - only a few minutes from here.” Their amazement that such interesting birds being ofund so close to home resulted in extended conversations about loons (and ducks). I always enjoy talking birds with my students but it’s even more special when they initiate and prolong the discussion!
On this particular day, not only my own students were talking birds but kids from other classes and grades were inquiring about the loons. By the end of the day, my favorite tie also helped pique a new birding interest for more than 20 students in the hallways and the cafeteria.
Today’s unexpected surge of bird inquiries illustrates the reason I always make sure to buy bird, and other nature related, clothing. It can be the perfect conversation starter that leads to a newly inspired birding curiosity.
Now, I need to contact the parents of all these new kids that want to come see the wintering waterfowl.
(originally posted Nov. 2006)
For some reason, my loon tie generated many questions and extended conversations today. Even though I have worn this eye-catching blue and green accessory many times this year, it has never captivated so many people. The timing could not have been any better!
Just this weekend, my son and I shared the pleasure of watching 2 Common Loons floating down the Delaware River at close range . With each of their dives, his toddler toned giggle warmed me up on our chilly stroll around the Red Bank Battlefield in Gloucester County, NJ.
Many kids were saying things like “that tie is cool” or “those ducks are pretty.” Thanks to my recent sighting, I was armed with the perfect comeback, “I saw 2 of these loons this weekend - only a few minutes from here.” Their amazement that such interesting birds being ofund so close to home resulted in extended conversations about loons (and ducks). I always enjoy talking birds with my students but it’s even more special when they initiate and prolong the discussion!
On this particular day, not only my own students were talking birds but kids from other classes and grades were inquiring about the loons. By the end of the day, my favorite tie also helped pique a new birding interest for more than 20 students in the hallways and the cafeteria.
Today’s unexpected surge of bird inquiries illustrates the reason I always make sure to buy bird, and other nature related, clothing. It can be the perfect conversation starter that leads to a newly inspired birding curiosity.
Now, I need to contact the parents of all these new kids that want to come see the wintering waterfowl.
(originally posted Nov. 2006)
Missing Merlins = (
I am often reminded of non-birders’ deprived lives. For some strange reason, this point has been illustrated at the wings of merlins several times in the past few months.
The first was perched on top of a telephone pole next a very busy thorofare. Hundreds of rush hours vehicles passed right by this beaufitul bird totally oblivious to the majestic little falcon.
The next was 3 weeks ago in my hometown. My daughter and I were heading to Mom-mom’s house for dinner. As we passed the local ballfield, a compact silhouette caught my eye in left field. We pulled over and caught a merlin in the bins. Since it was prepping its robin breast feast, I knew there was time to get out the scope. I debated whether or not to share the gruesome sight. My daughter’s excitement must have rivaled the bird’ own satisfaction. While we watched in awe, several cars drove by and a few dog walkers passed without even turning their heads from their routine.
The other day, I was driving to the gym and almost swerved off the road. This time it was 2 merlins showing off both their brazen nature and complete command of flight. These birds were harasasing a few local crows perched on a wire. They looked like air force stunt pilots out for a joy ride. Once again, this spectacular sight was missed by everyone that drove by, a few pedestrians, and a bike rider.
I really do feel bad for the avian deprived!
(originally posted Nov. 2006)
The first was perched on top of a telephone pole next a very busy thorofare. Hundreds of rush hours vehicles passed right by this beaufitul bird totally oblivious to the majestic little falcon.
The next was 3 weeks ago in my hometown. My daughter and I were heading to Mom-mom’s house for dinner. As we passed the local ballfield, a compact silhouette caught my eye in left field. We pulled over and caught a merlin in the bins. Since it was prepping its robin breast feast, I knew there was time to get out the scope. I debated whether or not to share the gruesome sight. My daughter’s excitement must have rivaled the bird’ own satisfaction. While we watched in awe, several cars drove by and a few dog walkers passed without even turning their heads from their routine.
The other day, I was driving to the gym and almost swerved off the road. This time it was 2 merlins showing off both their brazen nature and complete command of flight. These birds were harasasing a few local crows perched on a wire. They looked like air force stunt pilots out for a joy ride. Once again, this spectacular sight was missed by everyone that drove by, a few pedestrians, and a bike rider.
I really do feel bad for the avian deprived!
(originally posted Nov. 2006)
Extra Credit Migrants
Whether it’s highlights from a recent outing, some pishing to get their attention, or an end of class discussion on “why birding?”, birds are brought up in my class quite frequently.
During a recent review, the kids were glad to hear there would be extra credit on their upcoming test. I explained that the extra credit could include ANYTHING and advised them to pay attention to the news and all class discussions.
Like a boxer, I saw an opening and threw a quick jab. “You may even want to remember that 298 Peregrine Falcons migrated through Cape May on October 5, 2002.” Of course, such a detailed factoid drew many questions from my young audience. They were tickled by the story of how I opted to clean the garage instead of heading to the hawkwatch that day resulted in my missing the record setting migration. Lots of questions were answered. Lots of eyes were opened.
A few days later, the peregrine fact was included as extra credit for a few classes. For one group, the question was ” A record setting 298 _______________ were observed migrating through Cape May, New Jersey.” Several students did indeed receive bonus points for the question!
Those that attempted the question did entertain me with their responses. Some were in the ballpark - hawks, birds, eagles. Some alluded to previous conversations - butterflies, Monarch Butterflies, geese.
The most amusing guesses were - people, Russians, Mexicans, and Italians!
(originally posted Nov. 2006)
During a recent review, the kids were glad to hear there would be extra credit on their upcoming test. I explained that the extra credit could include ANYTHING and advised them to pay attention to the news and all class discussions.
Like a boxer, I saw an opening and threw a quick jab. “You may even want to remember that 298 Peregrine Falcons migrated through Cape May on October 5, 2002.” Of course, such a detailed factoid drew many questions from my young audience. They were tickled by the story of how I opted to clean the garage instead of heading to the hawkwatch that day resulted in my missing the record setting migration. Lots of questions were answered. Lots of eyes were opened.
A few days later, the peregrine fact was included as extra credit for a few classes. For one group, the question was ” A record setting 298 _______________ were observed migrating through Cape May, New Jersey.” Several students did indeed receive bonus points for the question!
Those that attempted the question did entertain me with their responses. Some were in the ballpark - hawks, birds, eagles. Some alluded to previous conversations - butterflies, Monarch Butterflies, geese.
The most amusing guesses were - people, Russians, Mexicans, and Italians!
(originally posted Nov. 2006)
Migration Mini-Lesson
Last week, our school had its annual 6th grade camp program in Medford, NJ. I was in charge of the 45 minute Pine Barrens activity session for the 6th year in a row. We’re supposed to focus on the plants and history for that time. I always include fire ecology, streams/aquifers, and overall biodiversity as well.
While most of the day was pretty uneventful in the way of bird movement, each group did have some sightings that caught the interest of a few students. The chickadees, vultures, woodpeckers, and nuthatches were the easiest for them to find. In the early afternoon however, one session included a perfect teachable moment that I could not resist.
A group of foraging birds was quickly passing through our area. Each of the two dozen students were able to catch glimpses of various migrants like Red-eyed Vireos, Black-and-white Warbler, Northern Parula, and Magnolia Warbler.
Knowing our time with these birds was limited, I started describing the plumage highlights of each species. Amidst the flurry of birds and commentary, a chorus of whispers was heard - “looks like a zebra”, “that yellow is bright”, and the funniest of all “red eyes! is it the Jersey Devil?!”
Once the birds were gone, the faces of my captive audience begged for more. Being without Dr. Doolittle’s gift, I turned the discussion to the their migration. The kids were amazed to hear that these tiny birds were flapping all the way to tropical locales in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean Islands. Though far from my “best” birding lesson, this was an authentic experience for those fortunate students who actively witnessed migration for the first time that day.
Teachable moments like this are among the most powerful weapons in an educator’s repertoire. The immediate relevance to the students’ lives opens a window of intrinsic motivation and natural curiosity that can allow a gust of new knowledge to reach the core of the students’ understanding.
Teachable moments can not be planned. You must be ready to run with one of these priceless treasures when you get the chance!
(originally posted Oct. 2006)
While most of the day was pretty uneventful in the way of bird movement, each group did have some sightings that caught the interest of a few students. The chickadees, vultures, woodpeckers, and nuthatches were the easiest for them to find. In the early afternoon however, one session included a perfect teachable moment that I could not resist.
A group of foraging birds was quickly passing through our area. Each of the two dozen students were able to catch glimpses of various migrants like Red-eyed Vireos, Black-and-white Warbler, Northern Parula, and Magnolia Warbler.
Knowing our time with these birds was limited, I started describing the plumage highlights of each species. Amidst the flurry of birds and commentary, a chorus of whispers was heard - “looks like a zebra”, “that yellow is bright”, and the funniest of all “red eyes! is it the Jersey Devil?!”
Once the birds were gone, the faces of my captive audience begged for more. Being without Dr. Doolittle’s gift, I turned the discussion to the their migration. The kids were amazed to hear that these tiny birds were flapping all the way to tropical locales in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean Islands. Though far from my “best” birding lesson, this was an authentic experience for those fortunate students who actively witnessed migration for the first time that day.
Teachable moments like this are among the most powerful weapons in an educator’s repertoire. The immediate relevance to the students’ lives opens a window of intrinsic motivation and natural curiosity that can allow a gust of new knowledge to reach the core of the students’ understanding.
Teachable moments can not be planned. You must be ready to run with one of these priceless treasures when you get the chance!
(originally posted Oct. 2006)
"No Big Deal" vol. 2
As a father, my birding opportunities are limited. During nap time on weekends, I occasionally run out for a quick fix. One frigid Saturday, I told my wife I was heading out for a few minutes of winter waterfowling.
En route to my birding quickie at the convergence of Big Timber Creek into the Delaware River, my path crossed that of an old friend. He followed me to my routine vantage point. We chatted for a few minutes as I showed him the usual subjects including canvasbacks, common mergansers, and bufflehead.
As our conversation focused on my “goofy obsession” with birding, I turned it back on him by asking if he had ever seen a owl in the wild. From there, he was easily persuaded to undertake his first ever owl prowl. The next 20 minutes involved a short drive then a brief hike through a local nature preserve. It took him a little while to find the owl roosting in the evergreen nearby. His expression was priceless. He repeatedly gasped “he’s so cool.”
My mission for the day was clear - close the deal, turn him into a birder! I called my wife seeking a birding excursion extension. She readily granted permission before I even explained the whole situation. I turned to my still awed friend and asked, “ever see an eagle before?”
We promptly headed further south to the Manington Marsh in Salem County, a very reliable wintering eagle location in New Jersey. Instant success. We were greeted by more than a half dozen Bald Eagles of various ages along with Red-tailed Hawks and many Turkey Vultures. It was already a great day but then . . .
As we drove past several agricultural fields, we observed several Snow Goose carcasses littering the landscape. It struck me as a bit odd but we continued down the road. In a flash, a large raptor buzzed in front of the car like Tom Cruise’s famous tower fly by in Top Gun. I didn’t spill my coffee but did hit the brakes hard and pulled a quick U-turn.
The silhouette screamed falcon but the bird was much too large for the area’s relatively common American Kestrel. In fact, this bird appeared quite large by any falcon standards. It landed in the middle of a field and joined a Turkey Vulture feast on one of the goose carcasses barely a hundred feet away!
With the help of my scope, I became more intimate with the raptor than I ever dreamed possible. This bird was just not right. A uniformly brown back. Thick brown streaking. A faint moustache. A pale eyebrow. A really chunky bird. A crescendo of excitement started to run through my body. This bird was just too right!
As he lifted off, the lazy wingbeats cinched the identification - GYRFALCON.
Being primarily a Jersey birder, I had resigned my hopes of seeing this largest of falcons any time before retirement. The sequence of unexpected events that led to our being in the right place at the right time for this incredible sighting is the near epitome of serendipity.
I turned to my newly recruited part-time birding partner and gloated, “I can’t believe was just saw a gyrfalcon! Wasn’t he amazing?!?!”
His sincere retort went something like, “The brown bird was no big deal but weren’t all those vulture tearing apart the geese REALY cool!” The ride home gave ample time to explain the significance of our brush with our visitor from the arctic.
We have birded together on many occasions since that day. Whenever we’re around other birders, this perpetual neophyte turns to an unsuspecting innocent victim and spits out - “Have you ever seen a gyrfalcon in New Jersey? I have!”
Sometime somewhere someone is going to comeback at his rhetorical question with either a “YES” or a fist to the face. My guess is that he will be more surprised by the yes than the fist!
(originally posted Oct. 2006)
En route to my birding quickie at the convergence of Big Timber Creek into the Delaware River, my path crossed that of an old friend. He followed me to my routine vantage point. We chatted for a few minutes as I showed him the usual subjects including canvasbacks, common mergansers, and bufflehead.
As our conversation focused on my “goofy obsession” with birding, I turned it back on him by asking if he had ever seen a owl in the wild. From there, he was easily persuaded to undertake his first ever owl prowl. The next 20 minutes involved a short drive then a brief hike through a local nature preserve. It took him a little while to find the owl roosting in the evergreen nearby. His expression was priceless. He repeatedly gasped “he’s so cool.”
My mission for the day was clear - close the deal, turn him into a birder! I called my wife seeking a birding excursion extension. She readily granted permission before I even explained the whole situation. I turned to my still awed friend and asked, “ever see an eagle before?”
We promptly headed further south to the Manington Marsh in Salem County, a very reliable wintering eagle location in New Jersey. Instant success. We were greeted by more than a half dozen Bald Eagles of various ages along with Red-tailed Hawks and many Turkey Vultures. It was already a great day but then . . .
As we drove past several agricultural fields, we observed several Snow Goose carcasses littering the landscape. It struck me as a bit odd but we continued down the road. In a flash, a large raptor buzzed in front of the car like Tom Cruise’s famous tower fly by in Top Gun. I didn’t spill my coffee but did hit the brakes hard and pulled a quick U-turn.
The silhouette screamed falcon but the bird was much too large for the area’s relatively common American Kestrel. In fact, this bird appeared quite large by any falcon standards. It landed in the middle of a field and joined a Turkey Vulture feast on one of the goose carcasses barely a hundred feet away!
With the help of my scope, I became more intimate with the raptor than I ever dreamed possible. This bird was just not right. A uniformly brown back. Thick brown streaking. A faint moustache. A pale eyebrow. A really chunky bird. A crescendo of excitement started to run through my body. This bird was just too right!
As he lifted off, the lazy wingbeats cinched the identification - GYRFALCON.
Being primarily a Jersey birder, I had resigned my hopes of seeing this largest of falcons any time before retirement. The sequence of unexpected events that led to our being in the right place at the right time for this incredible sighting is the near epitome of serendipity.
I turned to my newly recruited part-time birding partner and gloated, “I can’t believe was just saw a gyrfalcon! Wasn’t he amazing?!?!”
His sincere retort went something like, “The brown bird was no big deal but weren’t all those vulture tearing apart the geese REALY cool!” The ride home gave ample time to explain the significance of our brush with our visitor from the arctic.
We have birded together on many occasions since that day. Whenever we’re around other birders, this perpetual neophyte turns to an unsuspecting innocent victim and spits out - “Have you ever seen a gyrfalcon in New Jersey? I have!”
Sometime somewhere someone is going to comeback at his rhetorical question with either a “YES” or a fist to the face. My guess is that he will be more surprised by the yes than the fist!
(originally posted Oct. 2006)
The Ahhh of the Storm
Buying a local paper on September 3rd provided a hearty and satisfying chuckle. The seemingly inappropriate giddiness attracted a few strange looks from the cashier and other patrons at our neighborhood WaWa.
The banner headline glared “ERNESTO’S AFTERMATH.” I will concede the remnants of this hurricane still packed a slight punch at our temperate latitude. The turbulent tropical visitor dumped 5 inches of rain, broke a few limbs with his gusts, and knocked out power for some people. Yet, the disproportionately dramatic headline was far from accurate. This editorial dispute was rooted in both my optimism and selfishness.
Immediately upon glancing at the two bold words, I flashbacked to the previous morning. There I was standing under the awning of the Sunset Beach Grill in Cape May scoping for storm blown tropical and pelagic birds exiting the Delaware Bay. When we first arrived, Ernesto was desperately trying to hold his ground. By midmorning, his attempts proved futile and the sun slowly emerged.
How was the avian addicted audience rewarded for braving the elements that morning? Phalaropes and jaegers and terns - oh my! The day’s sightings included 2 dozen Pomarine Jaegers, 9 parasitic, more than 200 Red-necked Phalaropes, a nice array of terns, an early morning Common Nighthawk flying over the beach, and a hunting merlin at close range.
These birds were nice but not the cause of my convenience store glee. The aforementioned chuckle was so satisfying because of my flashback’s highlights - 3 new life birds.
It’s not often than you can stand on the beach in New Jersey and watch Long-tailed Jaegers, Sooty Terns, and Bridled Terns fly by! While I had several good (if not GREAT) looks at these species, the totals for the day were even more impressive: 3 Long-tailed Jaegers and 11 for each of the tropical terns.
Instead of an “aftermath”, this wonderful storm event brought with it a terrific day in the field and a truly unique birding opportunity. If the paper’s editor had been a birder, I believe the headline may have read more appropriately, “Ernesto’s Bounty.”
While the store clerk could not comprehend my explanation for the chuckle, several lucky beach wanderers that happened upon our tribe of tropical storm birders the day before were amazed to learn about the connection between hurricanes and birds. We definitely piqued their interest in birding.
(originally posted Oct. 2006)
The banner headline glared “ERNESTO’S AFTERMATH.” I will concede the remnants of this hurricane still packed a slight punch at our temperate latitude. The turbulent tropical visitor dumped 5 inches of rain, broke a few limbs with his gusts, and knocked out power for some people. Yet, the disproportionately dramatic headline was far from accurate. This editorial dispute was rooted in both my optimism and selfishness.
Immediately upon glancing at the two bold words, I flashbacked to the previous morning. There I was standing under the awning of the Sunset Beach Grill in Cape May scoping for storm blown tropical and pelagic birds exiting the Delaware Bay. When we first arrived, Ernesto was desperately trying to hold his ground. By midmorning, his attempts proved futile and the sun slowly emerged.
How was the avian addicted audience rewarded for braving the elements that morning? Phalaropes and jaegers and terns - oh my! The day’s sightings included 2 dozen Pomarine Jaegers, 9 parasitic, more than 200 Red-necked Phalaropes, a nice array of terns, an early morning Common Nighthawk flying over the beach, and a hunting merlin at close range.
These birds were nice but not the cause of my convenience store glee. The aforementioned chuckle was so satisfying because of my flashback’s highlights - 3 new life birds.
It’s not often than you can stand on the beach in New Jersey and watch Long-tailed Jaegers, Sooty Terns, and Bridled Terns fly by! While I had several good (if not GREAT) looks at these species, the totals for the day were even more impressive: 3 Long-tailed Jaegers and 11 for each of the tropical terns.
Instead of an “aftermath”, this wonderful storm event brought with it a terrific day in the field and a truly unique birding opportunity. If the paper’s editor had been a birder, I believe the headline may have read more appropriately, “Ernesto’s Bounty.”
While the store clerk could not comprehend my explanation for the chuckle, several lucky beach wanderers that happened upon our tribe of tropical storm birders the day before were amazed to learn about the connection between hurricanes and birds. We definitely piqued their interest in birding.
(originally posted Oct. 2006)
Back to Blogging!
It’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to post anything new. I definitely need to fix that in the days and weeks ahead. August and September have been busy, both professionally and personally. In addition to getting ready for a new school year and “daddydom”, I have been working on upcoming education programs for National Biodiversity Parks, a New jersey based conservation organization. Learn more about about NBP at their web site:
www.nationalbiodiversityparks.org
Although my birding opportunities were limited, those few recent experiences have been truly memorable!
There have been some very exciting birding events and productive birding recruitment opportunities that I am eager to share including:
the Western Reef Heron trip to Maine
Hurricane Ernesto birding in Cape May
environmental science camp with my students
and many other upcoming posts!
(originally posted Sept. 2006)
www.nationalbiodiversityparks.org
Although my birding opportunities were limited, those few recent experiences have been truly memorable!
There have been some very exciting birding events and productive birding recruitment opportunities that I am eager to share including:
the Western Reef Heron trip to Maine
Hurricane Ernesto birding in Cape May
environmental science camp with my students
and many other upcoming posts!
(originally posted Sept. 2006)
Scissortail Celebration
Years ago, my wife and I were cruising the backroads en route to Cape May. We blew by a light colored bird with a really long tail sitting on a wire. Already running late for our beach rendezvous with friends, we neglected to go back for a better look.
Having only been recently introduced to birding. I knew very little about the incredible diversity of species. I started studying field guides a few months later. When I turned to the Scissortail Flycatcher page, I experienced a gut wrenching deja vu. Is this the bird we saw back in May? *
The possible missed tick has haunted me through the years. In fact, this spectacular member of the Tyrannidae family has never been captured in the barrels of my binoculars. Until yesterday!
My early morning e-mail perusal sparked an impromptu trip to the Bombay Hook area of Delaware. The Scissortail Flycatcher was found immediately sitting eye-level on a dead tree less than 20 feet from the car, a beautiful bird despite the bill deformity.
As always, Daddy’s lifer was cause for celebration. My daughter chose a special dinner destination and asked to invite her cousin for the party. Dinner conversation included the bird of honor along with other species of the day including American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, and Blue Grosbeak.
Throughout dinner, the girls gazed at the birds in the field guide. “They’re really pretty!”
* By the way, I just checked the NJ Audubon archives. Scissortail Flycatcher was recorded in Cape May County that weekend! Oh well, today’s bird put the check on my list.
(originally posted August 17, 2006)
Having only been recently introduced to birding. I knew very little about the incredible diversity of species. I started studying field guides a few months later. When I turned to the Scissortail Flycatcher page, I experienced a gut wrenching deja vu. Is this the bird we saw back in May? *
The possible missed tick has haunted me through the years. In fact, this spectacular member of the Tyrannidae family has never been captured in the barrels of my binoculars. Until yesterday!
My early morning e-mail perusal sparked an impromptu trip to the Bombay Hook area of Delaware. The Scissortail Flycatcher was found immediately sitting eye-level on a dead tree less than 20 feet from the car, a beautiful bird despite the bill deformity.
As always, Daddy’s lifer was cause for celebration. My daughter chose a special dinner destination and asked to invite her cousin for the party. Dinner conversation included the bird of honor along with other species of the day including American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, and Blue Grosbeak.
Throughout dinner, the girls gazed at the birds in the field guide. “They’re really pretty!”
* By the way, I just checked the NJ Audubon archives. Scissortail Flycatcher was recorded in Cape May County that weekend! Oh well, today’s bird put the check on my list.
(originally posted August 17, 2006)
"No Big Deal" vol. 1
My brother crashed our family’s Cape May vacation several years ago. Although having a curiosity of the natural world, he definitely is not a birder or naturalist of any sort. Hoping that a morning at fall migration’s East Coast epicenter could be the experience to recruit him, I told him to be ready for a predawn wake up.
The next morning, the trails at Higbee’s Beach holds an attractive assortment of warblers. Yellows, black-and-whites, American Redstarts, and black-throated blues are among the easiest for the rookie to find in his borrowed binoculars. However, it is the Sharp-shinned Hawks coursing over and diving through the trees that excite him more with each passing attempt at breakfast.
Entering the second field, a nice pocket of birds foraging in overdrive grabs our attention, as well as that of several birders nearby. The avidiversity roll call echoed through the group - “black-throated green. Baltimore Oriole. Blue-grey Gnatcatcher. redstart. Yellow-billed Cuckoo, through the trees.”
After several minutes of the play-by-play, my bins land on something different, something new, something really new. Light belly, 2 wing bars, bluish-green on top. . .
“CERULEAN WARBLER!” escapes in a passionate whisper. Life Bird! Having never visited its breeding sites in NJ, it has taken me a few years to finally get a look at this adorable little bird.
I guide my brother’s eyes to the right limb. He starts talking about the bluish bird with striped wings right on the end of the branch.
En route back to the parking lot, I gush with excitement about the Cerulean Warbler. He hits me with an awkward stare, “no big deal. The little blue thing is so common that I saw it my first time out. But those hawks were great!”
I try in vain to explain the prize of a Cerluean Warbler. Resigning to his apathy I agree, “those sharpies were cool.” We share our hawk hunting highlights for the rest of the ride home.
Thanks to Scott Elowitz for his Cerulean Warbler photo.
The next morning, the trails at Higbee’s Beach holds an attractive assortment of warblers. Yellows, black-and-whites, American Redstarts, and black-throated blues are among the easiest for the rookie to find in his borrowed binoculars. However, it is the Sharp-shinned Hawks coursing over and diving through the trees that excite him more with each passing attempt at breakfast.
Entering the second field, a nice pocket of birds foraging in overdrive grabs our attention, as well as that of several birders nearby. The avidiversity roll call echoed through the group - “black-throated green. Baltimore Oriole. Blue-grey Gnatcatcher. redstart. Yellow-billed Cuckoo, through the trees.”
After several minutes of the play-by-play, my bins land on something different, something new, something really new. Light belly, 2 wing bars, bluish-green on top. . .
“CERULEAN WARBLER!” escapes in a passionate whisper. Life Bird! Having never visited its breeding sites in NJ, it has taken me a few years to finally get a look at this adorable little bird.
I guide my brother’s eyes to the right limb. He starts talking about the bluish bird with striped wings right on the end of the branch.
En route back to the parking lot, I gush with excitement about the Cerulean Warbler. He hits me with an awkward stare, “no big deal. The little blue thing is so common that I saw it my first time out. But those hawks were great!”
I try in vain to explain the prize of a Cerluean Warbler. Resigning to his apathy I agree, “those sharpies were cool.” We share our hawk hunting highlights for the rest of the ride home.
Thanks to Scott Elowitz for his Cerulean Warbler photo.
A Toddler's Perspective
As birders, we take pride in spotting birds when civilians see only trees, water, or sky. We can drive down the highway and rack up 20 species in ten miles. Sitting on the soccer field, the mixed kettle of hawks and vultures captivates our attention despite the home team’s last minute rally. Even our most valiant efforts to point out these sights to the non-believers can fall short.
I can empathize with the avian deprived.
Holding his hand down a wooded path, I am frequently jarred to a stop by my 1 year old son. “Buh - dada - buh” he grunts excitedly. Try as I may, I neither see any movement nor hear any sound. I scan the area for several minutes, paying extra atention in the direction of that tiny pointer finger, but still nothing.
Within our next few leaf crunching steps, out flushes a female cardinal from under a particularly thick rhododendron. He heralds the departure, “Buh - dada - buh!” This mini-drama has had many matinees with different species playing the lead role.
It’s amazing when those little eyes find birds hidden in the foliage before daddy. I always chalk it up to his advantageous angle instead of my aging senses. The truth probably lies somewhere in between the two. OK - I’ll concede that it’s leaning heavily towards the former.
(originally posted August 2006)
I can empathize with the avian deprived.
Holding his hand down a wooded path, I am frequently jarred to a stop by my 1 year old son. “Buh - dada - buh” he grunts excitedly. Try as I may, I neither see any movement nor hear any sound. I scan the area for several minutes, paying extra atention in the direction of that tiny pointer finger, but still nothing.
Within our next few leaf crunching steps, out flushes a female cardinal from under a particularly thick rhododendron. He heralds the departure, “Buh - dada - buh!” This mini-drama has had many matinees with different species playing the lead role.
It’s amazing when those little eyes find birds hidden in the foliage before daddy. I always chalk it up to his advantageous angle instead of my aging senses. The truth probably lies somewhere in between the two. OK - I’ll concede that it’s leaning heavily towards the former.
(originally posted August 2006)
Pishing in your Diaper
Word of advice: Remember to mind what you say around little ones unless you’re OK hearing it from them!
Our young daughter, like most pre-schoolers, has a knack of regurgitating previously heard comments at the least appropriate times. I’m sure many of us have looked for a hole to slouch into when their toddlers utter an expletive or unsavory comment in front of their in-laws, when they’re visiting our work, at church, or other such settings. It happens to the best of us!
Fortunately, it also happens it positive ways!
On a migratory morning, I was walking through some local trails with my daughter on my shoulders. As we entered the woods, I started hearing chips above us. Naturally, I stopped in my tracks and started listening more carefully. Not wanting to disturb my daughter’s comfortable perch, I attempted to bring the birds a bit closer. My “Psshh, Psshhh, Pssshh!” barely carried through the emergent vegetation yet it pulled in several species of warbler. We happily continued on our way home.
Two months later, we return to those trails for the first time together since our warbler experience. With my daughter on my shoulders again, I enter the wooded section of the park. Within seconds, I hear birds overhead very quietly warning their nesting neighbors to take cover. The sound is vaguely familiar but not quite recognizable to species.
Unable to locate this very close bird, I gently put her down and scan through the fully leafed canopy. Suddenly, I hear the bird again. It’s on the ground now?!
There is my 1 year old daughter looking up at me, pishing her heart out.
(originally posted July 31, 2006)
Our young daughter, like most pre-schoolers, has a knack of regurgitating previously heard comments at the least appropriate times. I’m sure many of us have looked for a hole to slouch into when their toddlers utter an expletive or unsavory comment in front of their in-laws, when they’re visiting our work, at church, or other such settings. It happens to the best of us!
Fortunately, it also happens it positive ways!
On a migratory morning, I was walking through some local trails with my daughter on my shoulders. As we entered the woods, I started hearing chips above us. Naturally, I stopped in my tracks and started listening more carefully. Not wanting to disturb my daughter’s comfortable perch, I attempted to bring the birds a bit closer. My “Psshh, Psshhh, Pssshh!” barely carried through the emergent vegetation yet it pulled in several species of warbler. We happily continued on our way home.
Two months later, we return to those trails for the first time together since our warbler experience. With my daughter on my shoulders again, I enter the wooded section of the park. Within seconds, I hear birds overhead very quietly warning their nesting neighbors to take cover. The sound is vaguely familiar but not quite recognizable to species.
Unable to locate this very close bird, I gently put her down and scan through the fully leafed canopy. Suddenly, I hear the bird again. It’s on the ground now?!
There is my 1 year old daughter looking up at me, pishing her heart out.
(originally posted July 31, 2006)
Indigo Inspiration
Last weekend, I took my daughter for an easy birding tour around a rural area close to home. A small congregation of shorebirds in a slightly flooded field tickled her. She enjoyed talking about the “big” and “small” yellowlegs! Her scope skills are have come along way.
After seeing her first Indigo Bunting, she was inspired to draw some birds of the day. Her depiction of the INBU on pink Hello Kitty notebook paper is adorable! Good thing we had crayons in the car for her impromptu field drawing.
Once we got home, she eagerly shared our trip list with mommy and her little brother. Eagles, killdeer, wood ducks, little blue herons, and the INBU appeared to be among her favorites. Naturally, the horses, cows, and foxes were exciting too!
(originally posted July 29, 2006)
After seeing her first Indigo Bunting, she was inspired to draw some birds of the day. Her depiction of the INBU on pink Hello Kitty notebook paper is adorable! Good thing we had crayons in the car for her impromptu field drawing.
Once we got home, she eagerly shared our trip list with mommy and her little brother. Eagles, killdeer, wood ducks, little blue herons, and the INBU appeared to be among her favorites. Naturally, the horses, cows, and foxes were exciting too!
(originally posted July 29, 2006)
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