Birdseed brings all the birds to the yard...

Hi Families…
What birds visit your yard? With this project, your child will create a tally using a piece of paper (and writing tool). They can either sit in the yard or watch through a window. When they see a specific type of bird (one that lives on Cape Cod) they will place a mark on their paper, in the correct column. 
Also, they can make a simple bird feeder using (yarn, a pine cone, birdseed, nut/seed butter/berries.). 

What is the lesson (overall purpose)? 
To learn about the different birds that visit our backyard. 

MA Guidelines/Standards:
Language & listening: Oral Presentation: Communication of personal experiences.
Science: comparing and contrasting animals
Math: using concrete objects to solve simple addition problems, tally, counting

Learning Outcomes: Name a few of the birds that you see in your backyard.

Songs, Books & Videos (Motivational Techniques)
All About Birds for Children https://youtu.be/jF0Id-hH9y4

Materials: Paper (clipboard) writing tool binoculars (optional) PINE CONES  sunflower seeds butter or peanut butter bird seed yarn small bowl spoon or knife berries (optional)

Activity (Procedure): -Look at pictures of different birds that live on Cape Cod. (blue jays, cardinals, robins, mourning doves, black cap chickadee, etc.).    -Hang a piece of paper on the inside of your window. Look out the window (or sit in your yard with your piece of paper). -On your paper make a few different columns. At the top of each column write the name of a bird that you often see in your yard.  -Each time you see a bird, make a tally mark in the same column as that bird.   -which bird did you see the most? 
Activity Wrap Up:  What type of bird did you see the most of? What bird did you not see that you would like to see in your yard? 
Once you hang up the BIRD-FEEDER, revisit this project: watch to see which birds come to snack at your feeder. 
Some things to think about as you continue your research: do all birds eat the same thing? Hummingbirds? Seagulls? Owls? Chickens? Turkey’s? 

How do I know what my child is learning? (Assessment) Rhyming Riddles: Can you name the bird? 
I am bright, I am red, I have a crest upon my head. If you can guess me, Hurry up and try. Before I fly into the sky! (Cardinal) I am big, I am grand, I’m the bird of our great land. If you can guess me, Hurry up and try. Before I fly into the sky! (Bald Eagle)

I am big, I am blue, I love oaks and acorns too. If you can guess me, Hurry up and try. Before I fly into the sky! (Blue Jay)

I am tiny, I am fast, Not many people see me pass. If you can guess me, Hurry up and try. Before I fly into the sky!(Hummingbird)

I am old, I am wise, I like to hunt before sunrise. If you can guess me, Hurry up and try. Before I fly into the sky! (Owl)

I eat bugs, I eat bees, I live in holes and peck on trees. If you can guess me, Hurry up and try. Before I fly into the sky! (Woodpecker)

I am brown, with a red breast, I come first in spring to nest. If you can guess me, Hurry up and try. Before I fly into the sky! (Robin)
 

How can you extend this activity? (Modifications) Make a bird feeder: (pine cone, nut or seed butter, birdseed, yarn or string)
Tie a string/yarn around one end of the pine cone.  using a spoon, spread the nut/seed butter all over the PINE CONE (it is helpful to hold the string). Then place the seed into a bowl.  Roll your PINE CONE around in the bird seed. (optional berries) Hang outside on a branch, that you can see from inside the house.  Then watch your “feeder”. Who comes to eat from it? (birds, squirrels, etc.). 

Helpful Hints: (Pitfalls & Solutions) If you don’t have PINE CONES in your yard, can you go on a nature walk to look for some? 
Interested in finding out more about the birds in your yard: Audubon.org