Hobbies And Interests
Place Bird Feeders in Different Environments
Have the students make three or four bird feeders. Place the bird feeders in different habitats. Place one in a field, place one in the woods, place one near a lake and place another in another environment in your region. Have the students monitor the feeder and record the amount and types of birds that assemble at the different feeders. Have the students take pictures if they have cameras. Did certain birds only show up in one environment? Which bird feeder was the most popular? Have them interpret the results and write conclusions.
Do Birds like Thistle or Sunflower Seeds?
Make two identical bird feeders. Fill one with sunflower and the other with thistle seeds. Place the two bird feeders next to each other. Over a period of a couple of weeks have the students observe in shifts the birds who come to visit the feeders. Collect information on which birds prefer thistle and which prefer sunflower seeds, and which bird feeder ran out of seed first.
Do Bird Baths Attract Birds to Bird Feeders
The Perky Pet recommends putting a source of water in your yard to attract birds. Have students test this out to see if it is true. Instruct the students to set up four bird feeders in four different yards. In three of the yards have the students place a bird bath near the bird feeder. Monitor and record bird visits to the bird feeders. In the remaining yard, leave only the birdfeeder with no water source. Monitor and record this yard as well. Were there more birds at the locations with bird baths?
Record Bird Sightings Throughout The Year
A year long bird study could be done over the whole school year. Set up several bird feeders and have students record bird species throughout the year. Did more birds visit in one particular part of the year? Did migration in spring and fall bring different varieties? Have them record their conclusions.