Related Activities and Learning
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You can investigate an array of natural mysteries while participating in Project FeederWatch. The following FeederWatch-related activities have been contributed by educators across the continent. They are designed to strengthen such skills as observation, identification, research, computation, writing, creativity, and more.
Science
- Natural history: Research and study the strategies birds use to survive
- Identification: Use FeederWatch’s Common Feeder Birds poster to learn how to identify the birds that visit your feeders
- Meteorology: Monitor weather conditions to see how birds alter their feeding habits
- Physics/aerodynamics: observe the different flight patterns of feeder birds
- Animal behavior: Are some species solitary while others are gregarious? Do different species have different food preferences?
Math
- Weigh the bird seed in your feeder before and after each count and compute how much seed was eaten. After several counts, calculate average consumption rate.
- Test and predict how often feeders need to be refilled.
Writing/Literature
- Journal keeping
- Poetry
- Creative writing
- Etymology–research the history of bird names
Geography
- Map your count site
- Research the geographic ranges of birds (see the FeederWatch map room)
- Learn the official bird of all U.S. states and Canadian provinces
History
- Develop a time line charting the extinction of a bird such as the Passenger Pigeon
- Research famous bird biologists or artists
- Learn the history of bird-related laws
Art
- Sketch the birds at your feeders
- Create bird masks
- Create models of bird wings, bills, and feet
Music
- Research music that has been influenced by bird song
- Study bird songs and calls
- Make your own feeder bird recordings
Additional Resources
- Learn about birds on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds web site
- Explore Data submitted by FeederWatch participants
- Join Project FeederWatch and receive a Research Kit containing the Common Feeder Birds poster, a color 14-month calendar, the FeederWatcher’s Handbook, and more. FeederWatch participants also receive the annual FeederWatch summary, Winter Bird Highlights.