Date: 4/13/24 11:11 am From: Grove, Gregory William <gwg2...> Subject: Re: OCC preschool bird walk- Apr 13th
Re bird walks for kids - and letting go of expectations - a few years ago Deb and I led an after school "bird" walk of first/second graders at a local school. There were binocs for most to use (by no means top-of-the-line!).
The big hit of the afternoon was when one kid discovered how cool it was to look through the wrong end of the bins. Before long, everyone was. It was hilarious.
As I recall there was one girl who was interested in seeing birds, and knew some names (of birds).
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From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Constanza Ehrenhaus <cxe1169...>
Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2024 1:50 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: OCC preschool bird walk- Apr 13th
Good afternoon Bird Club,
Braving the wind and chill, we had 20 preschoolers and their parents join the OCC bird walk this morning, at Tudek Park.
At the very beginning of the walk, we witnessed a RTHA being mobbed by two American Crows, chasing it away from the tree line. We saw a Red-bellied Woodpecker and a Downy Woodpeckers, and lots of American Robin. Because the wind was so strong at times, we had little chance to see many birds, but we did get to hear several. Some favourites of the children were the Carolina Wren ("They say tea-kettle!"), and the "Cheeseburger bird". The children were delighted to see a groundhog hole.
Catering to children means letting go of expectations of silence and perfection. Sometimes the children will just run around, pick sticks, and kick leaves. The most important thing that can happen is that these 3-5 y.o. remember this experience fondly so they have a positive association with birds and being outside with their parents and friends, and when they are adults they advocate for birds.
I will lead a child-oriented walk, open to the public, Sat 27th at Tudek Park. If there is a child in your life who would like to join, please let them know!
