Our First Observation: Day One
Three of our boxes had nests in them. Mrs. Parker was surprised because one of the nests wasn't a bluebirds nest AND in one of the boxes there hadn't been any nests the previous year.
How did we know one of the nest wasn't a bluebirds? It had moss and usually a bluebirds nest has dried leaves, grass,and straw (SEE PICTURE ON LEFT).
Things We Learned About Observing Bluebirds:
1. Don't stand in front of the box because the bird can hit you flying out as it escapes.
2. Before opening the box, knock gently so if the bird can fly away it can.
3. Cowbirds are one of the bluebirds enemies. It will build its nest right on top of a bluebirds nest. Also it can knock a bluebird's eggs right out of the nest.
4. You shouldn't build the boxes on trees because squirrels and snakes can get to the nests/eggs.
5. Wren can kill bluebirds.
6. Last year they had a black snake hanging around Box 3. We're keeping our eyes peeled. Some of us want to see the snake, others aren't crazy about the idea (Mrs. Parker).
AP with whole class
Three of our boxes had nests in them. Mrs. Parker was surprised because one of the nests wasn't a bluebirds nest AND in one of the boxes there hadn't been any nests the previous year.
How did we know one of the nest wasn't a bluebirds? It had moss and usually a bluebirds nest has dried leaves, grass,and straw (SEE PICTURE ON LEFT).
Things We Learned About Observing Bluebirds:
1. Don't stand in front of the box because the bird can hit you flying out as it escapes.
2. Before opening the box, knock gently so if the bird can fly away it can.
3. Cowbirds are one of the bluebirds enemies. It will build its nest right on top of a bluebirds nest. Also it can knock a bluebird's eggs right out of the nest.
4. You shouldn't build the boxes on trees because squirrels and snakes can get to the nests/eggs.
5. Wren can kill bluebirds.
6. Last year they had a black snake hanging around Box 3. We're keeping our eyes peeled. Some of us want to see the snake, others aren't crazy about the idea (Mrs. Parker).
AP with whole class