Flying Bird Fact-Finds

Display information about backyard birds on 3-D bird mobiles.

• 1.

  Research various topics on local backyard birds, including how to recognize birds, what different species like to eat, how birds drink and bathe, and where they live. Choose interesting facts to post on a hanging bird mobile.

• 2.

  Fold a piece of grocery bag paper in half. Use a Crayola® Construction Paper™ Crayon to outline half of a bird on one side. Beginning at the fold, draw half of the head, continuing with the spread wing, returning again to the fold with half of the tail feathers. Cut out your bird with Crayola Scissors.

• 3.

  Design the bird's plumage with crayons, referring to resources to make a backyard bird that can be found in your area. Color the bird's feathers on both the top and underside. Attach colorful craft feathers with Crayola School Glue.

• 4.

  Tie a string or yarn to the center of a craft stick. Glue the craft stick to the underside of the bird going across the body from wing to wing so the string will hang down below the bird. Dry.

• 5.

  Fold three pieces of construction paper in half, gluing the back of one half to the back of another piece so all three are glued together. Dry.

• 6.

  Write interesting facts on each side of the folded paper using Crayola Markers. Attach string on the bird to the center of the fold and hang from the ceiling.

Benefits

• Students investigate how to watch, feed, and shelter backyard birds.
• Children design a paper bird similar to one local species.
• Students construct three-dimensional mobiles to display information they gather about birds.

Adaptations

• Write reminders to feed birds on mobiles. Post in hallways to remind others about National Wild Birdfeeding Month in February. Attach colorful strips of crepe paper to attract attention.
• Make bird feeders for a Feed the Birds Day. Each child seeks directions and materials and builds a unique bird feeder to show the class. Close adult supervision is required to ensure safety.
• Make a variety of birdseed mixes, prepare suet, decorate trees on school grounds with simple berry and popcorn chains. Visit a bird sanctuary and sketch birds at rest and in flight.
• Younger students can work in teams of 2 or 3 to compile information and cooperatively construct bird mobile.