Exploring
Wetland Wonders
Observing the wide variety of birds native, or migratory, to any
region in the United States can be a fun and rewarding experience for students. It also is
inexpensive and can be done year-round.
1. First, have the class discuss migration and the importance of water sources
during migration. What do the students know about migration? What are flyways? What is the
Central Flyway? Assign groups to find information about a specific bird to share with the
class. (What route does the bird fly? How many miles does it travel? How long does it take
to reach its destination?)
2. What birds inhabit your city? Get the students involved in bird watching at
or near their homes for one to two weeks (or longer). Distribute a tally sheet with the
following categories: date, time, place, type of bird, activity of bird (eating, drinking,
bathing, etc.) and other wildlife. Encourage bird watching near any body of water
(birdbath, puddle of water, fountain in a park, creek, lake, pond, river, ocean –
anyplace water has accumulated). Is there more activity at larger or smaller bodies of
water? Tools useful but not necessary for this activity are binoculars and a field guide
that identifies birds (e.g. Peterson's Birds of North America,). Students might
enjoy this activity more if they work in pairs.
Compile the information from each class and share it with all classes. What
similarities and differences in birds/wildlife by areas of your city do they find?
Choose a sister school and class in another state and coordinate doing activity No. 2;
then share results. What differences (geography, size of city, weather, etc.) account for
the difference in birds and number of birds observed?
3. Encourage students to visit a nearby body of water and report on wildlife
observed. (If you live in the Playa Lakes region, encourage a visit to one of the playas.)
4. Invite a member of the Parks & Wildlife Department or the Audubon
Society to speak about bird migration, wetlands, how polluted water is affecting birds
and/or about where birds in your area find water.
Watering
Camden Yards | Thorton Creek Watershed | Stormwater Management
The Cactus Playa | Living Unleaded
| Wildlife & Lead Poisoning
Last Updated: 02/16/03
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