Texas Master Naturalist Brazos Valley Chapter: Summer 2014 Children's Program in Cameron

Trying to Eat Like a Bird!

We had a great time at the Apple Tree Children's Daycare and Preschool in Cameron, TX, teaching children about birds during June and July of 2014. The program was organized and led by the Texas Master Naturalist El Camino Real Chapter with participation of the Brazos Valley Chapter.

The Apple Tree summer program was presented in one classroom. Children ranged from approximately 5 to 9 years old. The official "graduation" was held on July 30. Seven youths were present to stencil and color a canvas bird tote bag. Gift pencils, Texas Parks and Wildlife bird feeder information booklets, bat rings, coloring books of the ten birds studied, and certificates were presented to each youth. Two bird pot holders were given to Ms. Judy (the teacher) for all her help with continuing the program between sessions.

The youth learned about 10 birds which stay in Milam County year round. They learned the proper names, such as Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, and American Crow; and bird calls, colors, and behaviors were demonstrated with help from Audubon Plush Birds and an online Cornell University computer application. Activities included: making paper roll binoculars (to use observation and focus); learning bird body parts - specifically, bird beaks (how to pick-up food), colors (for id), and feathers (how birds fly); learning friend or foe - what is good and bad for birds; journaling about birds and other observed nature - each child was given a booklet in which to draw and write about what they saw; stenciling bird bags; making a paper roll bird feeder; imitating how birds walk and fly; and pasting and/or coloring bird pictures.

On one of the Wednesdays, volunteers took a break from birds and presented a program on animal tracks. Activities were: getting to touch animal pelts and bones, pressing animal tracks into sand; matching animal to their tracks on a game board, and coloring animals on paper and drawing the animal’s tracks. Students also took home two handouts from Texas Parks and Wildlife about animal tracks.

Master Naturalist Members who participated are: Katherine Bedrich, Cindy Bolch, Sherry Colley, Debbi Harris, Pamela Neeley (all from the El Camino Real Chapter) and Joyce Conner (from the Brazos Valley Chapter).

Even though the youth "graduated" most of the volunteers decided to continue the program through August for 2-3 more Wednesdays. Activities planned for August are: making bird feeders out of milk cartons, making paper bird houses, and reinforcing what the children were taught during June and July.

The El Camino Real Chapter plans to present a 2015 summer program, possibly on butterflies.

Written by Katherine Bedrich and Joyce Conner. Pictures by Katherine Bedrich and Joyce Conner. Posted by Joyce Conner.