Yesterday on our trip back from the park we had a little experience I thought i'd share. Easiest done in dialogue.
Child: Justine, is that bird hurt?
Me: No, it's a killdeer, thats the sound they make.
Child: killdeer? thats a dumb name.
Me: well we must be too close to its nest, so it is warning us by making those noises. If you listen carefully that noise sounds like it is saying "killdeer"
Children: OH WOW lets go look for the nest!!
Me: um, hold on guys. Lets sit down here and watch for a minute and I'll explain. Killdeer lay their eggs on the ground, so when you see them running around acting like they are hurt it is to protect the eggs or babies. Look around, you might see a baby.
As I was explaining, we see another bird come swooping in. One of the parents divebombed it midflight to protect a baby. The kids sat there in awe!!
Me: So you see, we really shouldn't go looking for the nest right?
Children: can we go have snacks now?
I hope they remember some of it. It was cool. Last night as I sat thinking about it. I totally remember my grade 5 teacher. He was the best. Knew everything about the outdoors and animals. Thanks Mr. Murray, I passed on some of your knowledge.
Child: Justine, is that bird hurt?
Me: No, it's a killdeer, thats the sound they make.
Child: killdeer? thats a dumb name.
Me: well we must be too close to its nest, so it is warning us by making those noises. If you listen carefully that noise sounds like it is saying "killdeer"
Children: OH WOW lets go look for the nest!!
Me: um, hold on guys. Lets sit down here and watch for a minute and I'll explain. Killdeer lay their eggs on the ground, so when you see them running around acting like they are hurt it is to protect the eggs or babies. Look around, you might see a baby.
As I was explaining, we see another bird come swooping in. One of the parents divebombed it midflight to protect a baby. The kids sat there in awe!!
Me: So you see, we really shouldn't go looking for the nest right?
Children: can we go have snacks now?
I hope they remember some of it. It was cool. Last night as I sat thinking about it. I totally remember my grade 5 teacher. He was the best. Knew everything about the outdoors and animals. Thanks Mr. Murray, I passed on some of your knowledge.