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)
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