Birds of a Feather!

The Nature Friends program is for 4 or 5-year old children with an adult. The maximum group size is 20 child-adult teams. Programs are outside unless weather does not permit.

Discussion

“What is a bird?” They have feathers, most can fly. “Can you fly?” “What do you have all over your body instead of feathers?”

Name a few birds and name the color of their feathers. “Do all birds eat the same food and act the same way?”

Activities

Dress up

Dress up a child as a bird with the feet and cardboard wing cutouts. Discuss that all birds have feathers, wings, and beaks.

Birds and Worms

Using clothespins for beaks have children pick-up worms (pieces of string, yarn or macaroni) with their beaks. Discuss how birds eat with their beaks and how worms are camouflaged.

Nest Building

Show examples of a variety of nests and materials that birds use. Using two fingers for beaks have the children build a nest with shredded paper, clay etc.

Go on a tour of their nest homes and have each child show off their nest.

Bird Hike (after the craft, below)

Bring toilet paper tube binoculars on a hike. These help the children focus on the birds. Stop often to look for birds. Binoculars can be used near bird feeders as well.