Wednesday, August 8, 2018

8.8.18 - KidSummer - Birding 101 - Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
Brewster, MA

Painting Day!  One of my favorite activities with the Bird Nerds!  It's just one way we give back to the birds, for all they give us!  I never know what theme will dominate, but there were a lot of solid color bird houses painted today.  Do take a peek at their hard work in the photos below.  I know the birds are going to love their new spaces.  Maybe once these houses are inhabited, I'll get to discover which species of bird decided to build their nest inside.  Not all birds are cavity nesters.  House Sparrows are an invasive species who tend to take over these nest boxes.  If the Bird Nerds are fortunate, they will see native species thrive in them.  If I'm fortunate, they'll send me photos and I'll post them here on the blog!  

We included a bird walk in our morning, and though the humid heat was a factor, we did see and hear a few species.  It was a fairly quiet morning on the marsh and on the trails. We were able to take in some of swallows' acrobatic bug-catching behavior up close and personal.  We must look like a blur to them as they dash this way and that.  It is a treat to watch. (double click photos to enlarge)

Our List:
House Sparrow
Mourning Dove
Northern Cardinal
European Starling
Ring-billed Gull
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Song Sparrow
American Crow
American Goldfinch
Common Grackle
House Sparrow - male

House Sparrow - female
using camouflage


Let the painting begin!










Listening to Swan Lake proves to be inspiring for these young artists










Finished!




Red Squirrel


Sharing photos of an Osprey & a Bald Eagle






Sea Lavender
Song Sparrow

We saw and heard a Song Sparrow




John Wing monument on Wing Island

Testing the different bark texture of a Cedar Tree

We never know when a bird will show up!


Blue Jay

Common Grackle - this bird was trying to keep
cool by open mouthed breathing

Some paint just didn't want to come off!

Happy Birding! 

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