Day 56 -Fri Dec 7: This morning was absolutely nuts. The final day of the Food Drive brought in more items that all the previous days combined. We were sorting and boxing cans. We were collecting homeroom counts and entering the data on to the computer.
Unfortunately, I was unable to give one of the homeroom kids my fullest attention when she very politely said, "Mr. Mag, my grandparents have a questions for you."
"See me during class, Lauren. I'd be happy to talk to you about it a little later."
Class time approached and so did she. "Can I ask you now?"
"Ask me what?!"
"My grandparents are going to China and they are wondering what kind of binoculars to buy before they go. They wanted me to ask you your opinion."
Woo-Hoo! This can be fun!
She and I talked optics (power, weight, companies, prices, etc.) for a few minutes before I noticed that glazed over look. OK - maybe I talked and she simply got lost in my car dealer radio commercial disclaimer delivery.
"You know what. Have your grandparetns or parents e-mail me. I will talk to them directly and see specifically what they're going to use them for."
I look forward to talking binoculars with grown-ups in the coming weeks!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
P2F - Death Birds
Day 55 - Thurs Dec 5: It was my third period of the day discussing the Holocaust and other genocides with 11 year-olds. My mind needed a break from introducing these relative innocents to one of the darkest realities of human nature.
Talking about death with kids all morning is not very pleassant.
That's when it happened. A bird dropped into clear view of my windows. The class' work was done so I eagerly pointed out this diversion to the death and despair of Darfur.
The question was thrown out to everyone, "what do you notice about this bird?"
"It's huge."
"I can't believe it's so close to us."
"He keeps going around and around. Is he gonna get dizzy?!"
"It's all black."
"No it's not! Look - it has gray under its wings."
"Why is it wobbling so much?"
The two minute drill was nearly expired.
We talked for a few minutes about this very cooperative Turkey Vulture circling over the soccer field. I had answered most of the questions when one more popped up.
"Does it even have a head?!"
The final inquiry led to explanation of vultures' featherless heads and their niche as scavengers.
BEEP!
"Time for LUNCH!"
I guess it was unavoidable that today's class closed on the topic of death.
Talking about death with kids all morning is not very pleassant.
That's when it happened. A bird dropped into clear view of my windows. The class' work was done so I eagerly pointed out this diversion to the death and despair of Darfur.
The question was thrown out to everyone, "what do you notice about this bird?"
"It's huge."
"I can't believe it's so close to us."
"He keeps going around and around. Is he gonna get dizzy?!"
"It's all black."
"No it's not! Look - it has gray under its wings."
"Why is it wobbling so much?"
The two minute drill was nearly expired.
We talked for a few minutes about this very cooperative Turkey Vulture circling over the soccer field. I had answered most of the questions when one more popped up.
"Does it even have a head?!"
The final inquiry led to explanation of vultures' featherless heads and their niche as scavengers.
BEEP!
"Time for LUNCH!"
I guess it was unavoidable that today's class closed on the topic of death.
P2F - Duck Duck Grooms
Day 54 - Tues Dec 4: The Food Drive continues . . .
And so does the bird talk!
My "Pledge to Fledge" highlight today was in the form of a gift from a 7th grade student. She came in and announced, "Mr. Mag, I got a surprise for you!"
Turning toward the voice, I ended up eyeball to eyeball with a wooden waterfowl.
"I have no idea what this actually is but since it's a duck, I figured you would like it!"
How could I not appreciate such a thoughtful gesture?!
When the can-can craziness cooled down, I examined the fist-sized novelty in a vain attempt ID it's species. It's colorful face and flanks with black velvety plumage running from the belly through the vent meant suggested only one possibility. . .
A-ha! It's an Aix sponsa lintus, commonly known as a lint brush x Wood Duck hybrid.
Dabbling on my desk all week, this new bird accessory has elicited a few questions from my students.
And so does the bird talk!
My "Pledge to Fledge" highlight today was in the form of a gift from a 7th grade student. She came in and announced, "Mr. Mag, I got a surprise for you!"
Turning toward the voice, I ended up eyeball to eyeball with a wooden waterfowl.
"I have no idea what this actually is but since it's a duck, I figured you would like it!"
How could I not appreciate such a thoughtful gesture?!
When the can-can craziness cooled down, I examined the fist-sized novelty in a vain attempt ID it's species. It's colorful face and flanks with black velvety plumage running from the belly through the vent meant suggested only one possibility. . .
A-ha! It's an Aix sponsa lintus, commonly known as a lint brush x Wood Duck hybrid.
Dabbling on my desk all week, this new bird accessory has elicited a few questions from my students.
P2F - It's a Lo-o-o-ng Drive!
Day 53 - Mon Dec 3: Our annual Student Council Food Drive was launched with a barrage of middle schoolers carting canned goods down to our library. What a great opportunity to get down to some birding business!
As co-advisor for our Student Council, my job is to help set-up for each day's collections and organize items as they come in. While this can be a logistical headache, it also gives me a chance to chat briefly with of my some former students.
One or two kids brought up the recent Courier Post article. What really surprised me though was several students asking if I've seen any new Life Birds recently!
It was nice to know that these former students still remember such birdy terms ; )
This was definitely a good morning to be a teacher. There was a flock of kids working their tails off for charity AND talking birds at the same time.
Yep - teaching can be rewarding!!
As co-advisor for our Student Council, my job is to help set-up for each day's collections and organize items as they come in. While this can be a logistical headache, it also gives me a chance to chat briefly with of my some former students.
One or two kids brought up the recent Courier Post article. What really surprised me though was several students asking if I've seen any new Life Birds recently!
It was nice to know that these former students still remember such birdy terms ; )
This was definitely a good morning to be a teacher. There was a flock of kids working their tails off for charity AND talking birds at the same time.
Yep - teaching can be rewarding!!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
P2F - Dipping on Fledging
Tues Nov 27 - Fri Nov 30: This has been a goofy week. I was out sick a few days. We had a half day and parent conferences. Then on Friday we had to play "catch up" from earlier in the week. The Pledge to Fledge was rather weak this week.
I did, however, chat about birds and birding with my doctor, a few coworkers, and parents of students throughout the week. Yet, in good conscience, I think I owe you a few Pledges in the coming weeks.
I did, however, chat about birds and birding with my doctor, a few coworkers, and parents of students throughout the week. Yet, in good conscience, I think I owe you a few Pledges in the coming weeks.
P2F - Birding in the Paper
Day 52 - Mon Nov 26: The Courier Post article was published yesterday.
Several students and teachers brought in their copies of the newspaper to share with others.
The students who appeared in the article were so excited and/or proud of seeing their faces in the paper. They eagerly shared the story with theitr friends and classmates.
In addition to many congrats, I also endured a few expected friendly words of jest about some of the reporter's quotes.
It's not unusual to bird through the paper. It is a bit strange to bird through the paper and see yourself though.
Several students and teachers brought in their copies of the newspaper to share with others.
The students who appeared in the article were so excited and/or proud of seeing their faces in the paper. They eagerly shared the story with theitr friends and classmates.
In addition to many congrats, I also endured a few expected friendly words of jest about some of the reporter's quotes.
It's not unusual to bird through the paper. It is a bit strange to bird through the paper and see yourself though.
P2F - No Turkeys Tomorrow = (
Day 51 - Wed Nov 21: For the past several years, I have left my house early Thanksgiving morning for a turkey hunt.
We didn't need the bird for dinner. Some family member had a bird defrosted in their kitchen. Just thought it owuld be cool to find turkeys on Turkey Day. I have never succeeded in finding the big birds on their big day.
Even though we "failed", my daughter and I had a great time driving through Salem County looking for them last year. We had eagles, Snow Geese, and huge blackbirds flock. As we doubled back down a country road, we found a freshly dead Red-winged Blackbird that was not there 45 minutes earlier. I was surprised by my daughter's eagerness to evaluate the the beautiful plumage at close range. What a memorable experience for both of us! (She wanted to bring it home to show Mommy and her brother. Don't think my wife would have liked that too much!)
I found out yesterday that this year's trip would be pre-empted.
Our school's choir was performing at the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia. I explained with great pride to each of my classes that their peers wold be on TV.
Of course, I also explained that my annual Turkey Day Turkey Search would be put aside to watch scan the small screen for my singing students. Naturally, the kids asked me many questions about wild turkeys and where they can be foudn in our area.
Come Thursday morning, guess what happened . . .
I had a turkey sighting! Ahd he was HUGE - not big, not large, simply HUGE!
OK - you got me. It was the Tom Turkey float in the parade. I guess that doesn't count = (
We didn't need the bird for dinner. Some family member had a bird defrosted in their kitchen. Just thought it owuld be cool to find turkeys on Turkey Day. I have never succeeded in finding the big birds on their big day.
Even though we "failed", my daughter and I had a great time driving through Salem County looking for them last year. We had eagles, Snow Geese, and huge blackbirds flock. As we doubled back down a country road, we found a freshly dead Red-winged Blackbird that was not there 45 minutes earlier. I was surprised by my daughter's eagerness to evaluate the the beautiful plumage at close range. What a memorable experience for both of us! (She wanted to bring it home to show Mommy and her brother. Don't think my wife would have liked that too much!)
I found out yesterday that this year's trip would be pre-empted.
Our school's choir was performing at the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia. I explained with great pride to each of my classes that their peers wold be on TV.
Of course, I also explained that my annual Turkey Day Turkey Search would be put aside to watch scan the small screen for my singing students. Naturally, the kids asked me many questions about wild turkeys and where they can be foudn in our area.
Come Thursday morning, guess what happened . . .
I had a turkey sighting! Ahd he was HUGE - not big, not large, simply HUGE!
OK - you got me. It was the Tom Turkey float in the parade. I guess that doesn't count = (
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