Monday, November 28, 2016

11.28.16  Birdwatching - Wixon Innovation Middle School
Dennis, MA

These kids really love being outside - which is exactly why I do what I do - to get people, of all ages, OUTSIDE!  We've been fortunate with the weather as well and we had previously discussed walking through the woods to the vernal pool that I'd seen in these woods before with previous classes. The main obstacle getting there is that there is not a great trail, and certainly not one that's maintained.  We did our best.

I'm not sure what it is about wooded trails...
Supposedly I have Native American in my lineage, I say it that way because it's what I've been told, but have never formally checked the family tree...we have some major branches missing.  I bring it up because I have ALWAYS been drawn to trails.  I love walking in the woods.  When I'd be traveling with my family in the car and looking out the window along the way, I'd often notice trails leading to... who KNOWS where?  I always wondered though. There's something about discovering where it leads, does it loop around, what will I experience along the way...that makes me want to find out & walk that trail.  I know I'm not the only one.  Of course there are obstacles along the way, mosquitoes, ticks, poison ivy... they're always going to be there.  All you have to do is take precautions to prevent any inconveniences from those obstacles in order for you to enjoy your time among the trees. Certainly don't let them STOP you from visiting interesting places.  Bring a buddy.  Be safe. Enjoy some quiet time & let your senses take over.  Stop talking & listen.  The forests are hidden treasures.  These kiddos know... they couldn't WAIT to go exploring, and so we did. We took precautions.  We warned each other about thorns and branches and bugs... and we had a brief adventure in the woods.  We even got to dance the limbo under a bent branch that crossed the trail!  I hope they visit trail after trail long after our time together has ended.  I hope they are always curious about the woods and that the trails call out to them as well. (double click photos to enlarge)

Our List:
American Crow
American Crow - a great silhouette to practice bird identification on

Doing the limbo under a branch



Hiking and respecting the trees, branches, thorns 
and each other

A discovered shelter at the base of a tree

Practicing bird identification

A lucky visit with some happy friendly pooches!

Friendly critters bring a smile to everyone's face

Happy Birding young Bird Nerds!

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