Re: [MDOsprey] birding with kids
Dexter Hinckley (dhinckley@igc.org)
Thu, 10 Jun 1999 19:10:39 -0400
In response to Andy's request and some of the responses already
posted, I would like to make several suggestions. I have been
taking youngsters out on bird (& bug) walks at Huntley Meadows,
Claude Moore Park, and Mason Neck State Park in Virginia.
The most successful outings have been team efforts; I'm "Dr.Dex"
who points out interesting birds and other critters; a teacher or
a ranger handles all discipline!
I have had some success with slide shows as a orientation, showing
the kids what they might see. At Claude Moore, it was just a half
hour of common birds; for Huntley Meadows it was a full hour in
the classroom a week before the field trip. If the bird walk is
part of a "Junior Ranger" program, such preparation may not be
necessary because they already have been out on other foreys.
Binoculars are desirable but you can have a good walk without them,
especially if large waterfowl are in view. As someone pointed out,
they can become weapons! In short, the best bird walks with the
7-11 set are free-form events; you feed their curiosity anyway
you can, hoping that they will recognize that they are on a safari
- and enjoy the adventure!
Dex Hinckley
703-354-1342