What are birds saying to one another and us humans too? Once we figure out that birds talk, then we open a window of realization that all living things have a message we can tune into. How cool!!! Our first sign of spring is often our hoppy, red breasted American Robin. This cheerful bird makes many distinct calls to communicate. Ask your child what call is saying “Heh, what’re you doing here” (tut, tut), 'danger is near' (peak, peak) or ‘watch out, aerial invader’ (high whistle).
If your child has an interest in learning bird language, they can absolutely tune into this. It’s simply taking time to listen to repeated songs, and then heading outdoors to identify these songs in nature. It’s SO satisfying to hear a bird and know who it is and what it’s saying.
A person who goes outdoors to identify birds is ‘birding’. A person who watches bird behavoiur for evidence of mating and nest building is ‘atlassing’. We were atlassing today. What signs were we looking for to tell us birds were nesting nearby? On our walk along the spruce windbreak we found a couple nests. What were the clues a Robin was nesting there? (bird poop, dry grass in the tree, birds nearby but not on that tree (guarding). It’s detective work and this gang wanted to walk the whole line of trees to the end of the crop field (80 acres!) - maybe next time.
Can you tell a male from a female Robin. What was the male doing tapping at Coyote’s window and how did she try to stop this?
Baby birds are called ? and they look like ?. When babies are ready to leave the nest they are called ? and now they look ?. .(hatchling - bald, pink, purple balls where eyes are closed, fledgling - some fuzzy feathers). What do you see of mom Robin if you spy her on a nest? (tail).
Time to create and connect through roleplay is a huge part of appreciating the wonders of nature. Building nests by hand or using beaks (clothes pegs) takes ingenuity. Ask your child about this task. You may hear about perseverance, patience, cooperation or even frustration; all required to work through this architectural project. We are working with our Saplings to support their growth in being positive mentors. See what their take on this role is and ask about our chat at the end of the day. What things can they do to help mentor younger children when they work in partners?
During the sharing at our 'Open Nests' (instead of 'House"), the common response was "How DO those robins build such sturdy nests with only a beak and two tiny feet?!" The plan is to let the sun dry the nests so that they can be used in a robin survival game next week.
The older children enjoyed working on their journal entries outside today with the robins chirping at them as they wrote. Questions to ask your child might be: "What interesting information did you learn today about robins?" "If you wanted to find a robin's nest, where would you look and why?" "Do you think you would you want to be a robin? Why or why not?"
This group is wildly creative in their play which is a great measure of a busy brain, flexibility, openness and JOY! Check in each week about what they get up to at wander time.
We welcome Raven (Meaghan) who is in her first year at UWO in the teacher education program. Her background in animal biology and artistic talents will add so much for us. Happy to have Beaver (Cheryl Chapman) who took a day away from a busy classroom to join us. Her retirement next year means she can take a bigger role at CNS. So lucky for us! Thanks Ladybug, Daisy and Raccoon, our regular nature mentors. Watch for all the great contacts your child has throughout their learning day with folks who have wide experience and a deep love for the land.
Our learning about Robin and songbird friends will continue as the farm is a hub of nesting activity and drama is unfolding right in front of our eyes. Happy atlassing Forest Friends:)
