Task 1: facts This is What I Know This is What I Want to Know · EPLORERS bird life - 2 Wings: Unlike most vertebrates, birds can fly. Many characteristics of a bird work together

bird life

bird life - 1EXPLORERS

Task 1: facts

You can find some type of bird on all seven continents! They live everywhere and learn to adapt to whatever environment in which they find themselves residing. We can see this as we examine different birds, their traits, and their living arrangements. God has created such magnificent creatures that people are interested in watching, photographing, painting, and studying them.

To earn the Bird Life emblem, you must complete FIVE tasks.

What makes a bird different? Birds have some unique qualities that make them different from other vertebrates or animals that have backbones. There are characteristics that every bird has, whether they live outside in your front yard or the frozen tundra of Antarctica. Let’s explore these features, and learn more about these magnificent creatures. Fill in the chart below, and then read with your troop leader about birds or watch a documentary about the animals to learn about the parts of birds, nesting, eggs, migration, and more.

This is What I Know This is What I Want to Know

Parts of the Bird

Feathers: Every bird has feathers. They have contour feathers, which are strong and lightweight to give them a smooth shape. Birds also have flight feathers, which are specially shaped to move air in a way that helps them get off the ground. The tail feathers (those at the rear of the bird) are used for steering and balance for many birds. Some birds have oily feathers, which allow water to run off easily (for example, a duck can swim for hours, but only has to flap its wings a few times to dry off). Birds’ feathers also help keep them safe from enemies. Colorful feathers help birds to blend into their surroundings so they won’t be seen. Most birds molt — or shed — their feathers while they grow new ones.


Wings: Unlike most vertebrates, birds can fly. Many characteristics of a bird work together to allow flight, but the key element is the wing. The wings are anchored to the bird at the breast. This is the front chest plate on the bird. The shape of a bird’s wings shows what kind of flyer it is. The fastest flyers have long, pointed wings; swallows, swifts, hawks, eagles, and seagulls have such wings. These long wings carry birds easily so they can fly long and fast without becoming tired. Birds who fly only short distances and spend most of their time on the ground or in trees have broad, rounded wings. These birds, like the quail, meadowlark, and owl, must move their wings rapidly to get off the ground, so they fly in a fluttering manner. Only a few birds (like the ostrich and penguin) have wings so small that they are useless for flying.

Bones: Unlike our bones that are filled with marrow material, a bird’s bones have thin walls and are hollow. Why? Birds need to maintain a lightweight frame for flight. The hollow bones provide the means for the wings to be both lightweight and strong. The strength of the bones in the wings helps the bird to use their wings for take off and to maintain flight. The hollow bones in the wings allow the bird to be lightweight in order to keep them on the breeze and able to glide when needed.

Eyes and Ears: When examining many birds you will notice that the majority of them have eyes on the sides of their heads. This gives them the capability to look at two different things at the same time. Behind their eyes, there are two small holes that allow the bird to hear. These are called the ear slits. Feathers usually cover them, so it is not something that the avid watcher can see from a distance.

Beak: Every bird has a horned part of its mouth called a beak. A bird’s beak is used to build nests, collect food, and harvest the food for eating. Beaks come in many shapes, sizes, and colors.

Legs and Feet: Each bird has two legs and feet, but from there, legs and feet vary drastically from bird type to bird type. You will see some birds that have long legs that they use for wading in the water and fishing. Other birds have webbed feet that they use for swimming. Still others have longer toes that they use for landing and holding on to branches in the trees.

Homes or Nests: Most people think of a small nest, made of twigs and leaves, high up in a tree as the home of a bird. But, the truth is, birds make their homes in many different places depending on their needs and the area where they live. All birds lay eggs and need somewhere to keep them so they can sit on them and keep them warm using their body heat so they will make a place for that to happen. Sometimes, it is high up in a tree, but other times, it can be in a nestled field with tall grass, a dark burrow in a cave, a small pit scraped out in soft dirt, or an


area with tall reeds and grasses to protect them. Once they have their nests ready, the birds will lay eggs and proceed to keep them warm until they hatch. In some cases, the male and female will take turns caring for the eggs; however, in most cases, it is the parent that is the least colorful that will watch the eggs, so they can hide from the enemy easier.

Migration: Many birds live in different areas during the winter than they do in the summer. A bird will travel every year and make a flight to travel to their seasonal home so that they can find food easier. This long trip is called migration and can sometimes be as long as 10,000 miles! God instills in the birds the knowledge of when to begin their travels and when to return home. These birds will end up in the same place every year. Scientists hypothesize that birds use the sun, stars, landmarks, and their hearing to guide them on their way.

What I LEARNEDNow identify the following parts of this bird with your troop:

Beak Breast Ear Slit Eye Feet Tail Feathers Wing


Task 2: beaks

When we look at various birds, right away, we can see that beaks come in so many different shapes and sizes. There is a big difference between a hummingbird beak and a toucan beak!.The reason is because the birds have different food sources depending on where they live and what is available in their area.

To complete this task, get to know the uses of a beak’s size and shape by participating in an experiment to see how handy you are with your beak. How many items or how much of an item can you pick up in one minute using the different beaks?

Gather chopsticks, spoons, tweezers, straws, marbles, toothpicks, pennies, popsicle sticks, red or yellow tinted water (use 2–4 drops of red or yellow food coloring in a cup of water), and plastic cups. Use the items under beak type, and try to pick up items off a tray.

Beak Type Marbles Pennies Popsicle Sticks Red Tinted Water

Chopsticks

Spoon

Tweezers

Straws or Coffee Stirrers

Toothpicks

It is easy to see that the shape and style of a bird’s beak affects the kinds of food they look for in the wild. Here are some examples of what birds eat and what kind of beak is best suited for that food:

To crack nuts and seeds: Strong, thick, cone-shaped beaks. Examples: cardinals and finches.

To primarily eat large fruits: Large, strong beak. Example: toucans, which eat wild avocados and other large fruits.

To eat fish: Long, skinny beaks for “spearing” the fish. Fish are fast and difficult to capture, so a long beak gives these birds a better chance of catching their prey. Some have special adaptations, such as the pelican’s fish-scooping pouch under its beak. Other examples of fish- eaters: kingfishers and gulls.


Task 3: bird feeder

To search through mud and water: There are two main kinds of beaks for birds who filter their food from mud and water. Some of these birds have long, skinny, curved beaks (such as the beaks on avocets and curlews) for dipping into mud sweeping through with more efficiency. Others have flat beaks for either sweeping through water (like the beak of a spoonbill), or for picking up mouthfuls of mud and straining out anything that isn’t food (like the type of beak you find on ducks).

To eat insects: These birds need small, sharp beaks for swiftly and deftly snaring an insect in their jaws. An exception is the woodpecker, which has a long, strong beak for hammering through bark to find the larvae it eats. Examples: woodpeckers, warblers, and the American robin.

To eat meat: A beak with a hook is used to tear meat from the bones of prey. Examples: hawks, vultures, and falcons.

To drink nectar: A long, straw-like beak is used for reaching into flowers and sipping nectar. The nectar is usually red or yellow colored. Example: hummingbirds.

Being good stewards of God’s creation gives us the wonderful opportunity to provide assistance to animals in the wild. Sometimes at parks, you may see signs that ask you not to feed the ducks or geese or other wild animals, but at your own home or at the corps, you are welcome to feed the birds. To complete this task, make a bird feeder to provide food and treats for the birds in your area. Your troop leader will provide ideas of feeders you can make.


Task 4: watching

It’s time to see some birds. Birds have a huge range of sizes, shapes, and colors. You may know a bird enthusiast who loves to talk about the color of birds he sees out of his window. To complete this task, do one of the following activities, and log it in your Explorer notebook.

Spend an hour outside and count the number of birds you see in a particular area. Draw a picture or take a picture of three birds. Research the name, color, and other information about each species.

– OR –

Visit a zoo or wildlife preserve that has a bird sanctuary. Draw a picture or take a picture of your favorite bird. Write down information about the species and why you enjoyed seeing it.

– OR –

Take a tour of a chicken, quail, duck, or pheasant farm. Learn about these farm birds and the uses they have in your society. Record three things you learned during your trip.

1. _______________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________

3. _______________________________________________________

Feathers! All birds will lose their feathers at different times in their lives. A feather is like hair or fingernails, so if it is damaged, it falls out and a new one grows in its place. For this task, use feathers to create an original piece of artwork. Get some feathers, paper, glue, and craft supplies, and create. Use your imagination!

Task 5: feather art


Task 6: symbols

Birds are used as symbols in many parts of our life. Many birds are majestic and symbolize power, freedom, and peace.

The bald eagle has been the national bird of the United States since 1782. It is the symbol of our freedom as citizens of this country. You can find pictures of the bald eagle on our money, stamps, government buildings, and more. When you say the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag, look at the top of the pole, and you’ll find an eagle sitting on top in most cases.

Think of a time when you saw a bird as a symbol or mascot. Birds hold different meanings in our culture. Research birds used for symbols and/or mascots, and fill in the chart below.

type of bird symbol or mascot for:

In the Bible, we see birds in many stories. We read about ravens, doves, hawks, sparrows, gulls, owls, vultures, eagles, falcons, and more. Matthew 3:16 (NIV) reads: “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.” For many people, this image of the dove brings the ideas of peace, care, and love. Look at a picture of a dove. What words and ideas come to mind when you see this animal? To complete this task, spend time and write a poem or song, draw a picture or painting, or write a story about the dove. It can be an illustration of the Bible story or something that you are inspired to create from looking at the picture.

Task 7: dove

bible time

Leader’s or Resource Person’s Signature

Date Completed

Emblem Completion


ON TARGET!Write down the things that worry you on a piece of paper each morning for a week. Then, tear the paper up into the smallest pieces you can, and throw them away. Pray and ask God to take those worries far away from your mind.

Matthew 6:26 NIV

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

reach for the stars


Leader’s or Resource Person’s Signature

Date Completed

Star Completion

To complete the Reach for the Stars project, finish one of the choices below.

All around the world, people keep birds as pets. Research a bird you would like to keep as a pet. Make a budget of costs for supplies, feeding, and caring for the bird. Save up the money, and, with your parent’s permission, keep a bird as a pet.

– OR –

Research a bird that you have found very interesting during your completion of this emblem. Present a report, PowerPoint presentation, or display sharing information about this bird. What makes it unique, where does it live, what color are its eggs, how long does it live? Start with these questions, and learn all about the bird of your choice.

leader resource


Task 1: facts

Review the information provided in the Explorer Handbook with your troop, have a guest come in and discuss the topics listed, or watch a documentary with your boys about birds so they can learn about the following topics: feathers, wings, bones, eyes, ears, beak, legs, feet, home, and migration.

Identify the parts of this bird with your troop: beak, breast, ear slit, eye, feet, tail feathers, and wing.

Eye

Beak

Feet

Breast

Ear Slit

Wing

Tail Feathers

Task 2: beaks

During this task, the Explorers will play a game to learn about how different birds use their beaks to access their food. Have a timer ready, and give the boys a certain amount of time and try to pick up the different shapes of food. After a few minutes, your boys will see how important your beak shape is when having to use it to pick up certain shaped items!

Remind them that:

• Cone-shaped beaks are good for cracking nuts and seeds.

• Large, strong beaks are useful for eating large fruits and veggies.

• Long, skinny beaks are good for spearing fish in the water.

• Flat beaks are good for sifting through mud and water.

• Birds with small, sharp beaks are good at snaring insects.

• A beak with a hook is used to tear meat from the bones.

• A straw-like beak is used for reaching into flowers and sipping nectar.

bird lifeTo earn the Bird Life emblem, Explorers must complete FIVE tasks.


MATCH THE BIRDS’ BEAKS TO THE FOOD FOR WHICH THEY ARE ADAPTED:


MATCH THE BIRDS’ BEAKS TO THE FOOD FOR WHICH THEY ARE ADAPTED:

Beak Matching Answer Guide:


Task 3: bird feeder

There are so many DIY bird feeder ideas out there. Here are a few options, but with a few minutes searching at the library or online, you will find many choices.

Pine Cone Bird Feeder

Materials: String, pinecone, peanut butter, birdseed

1. Tie the string around the pinecone so it can be hung from a tree branch.

2. Spread the peanut butter over the segments of the pinecone. This step is messy.

3. Roll the covered pinecone in birdseed.

4. Hang the pinecones from a tree, and watch the birds enjoy their treat!

Ice Cream Cone Feeder/Stale Bread Bird Feeder Materials: Sugar cone, ribbon, peanut butter, birdseed

1. Chip a small hole in the point of the ice cream cone. Thread the ribbon into the cone, and tie it in the inside so that it will not come out.

2. Cover the cone with peanut butter.

3. Roll in birdseed.

4. Tie the string on a branch, and watch the birds enjoy!

(You can follow these same steps using a piece of bread instead of an ice cream cone)

Pipe Cleaner Bird Feeder Materials: Three pipe cleaners, string, Toasted O’s cereal

1. Thread cereal pieces on the pipe cleaners leaving about one inch on each end.

2. Connect the piper cleaner ends to make an oval with one pipe cleaner running down the middle.

3. Tie a piece of string on each side.

4. Hang the feeder in the tree for the birds.


Water Bottle Bird Feeder Materials: Empty water bottle, wooden spoons or branch, birdseed, knife or scissors.

1. Poke holes in a water bottle so that the branch or the wooden spoon can go through the bottle.

2. Cut a small hole over one side where the birds can perch to eat.

3. Poke a hole in the lid of the bottle. Tie a string or ribbon through it.

4. Fill the bottle with birdseed.

5. Put the lid back on the bottle.

6. Take it outside, and hang it in a tree or by your home.

Online resources on how to build other bird feeders: http://happyhooligans.ca/32-homemade-bird-feeders/ http://www.diyncrafts.com/3515/home/23-diy-birdfeeders-will-fill-garden-birds http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/craft-ideas/how-to/g678/bird-feeders/


Task 4: watching

Bird Watching Explorer Activity

Name:____________________________________________________Number of Birds I watched: ____________________________

Bird Name:

Color: Large or Small?:

Beak Color: Baby or Adult?:

Feet Color: Favorite?: Y/N

Bird Name:




Bird Name:





Task 5: feather art

Provide your Explorers with feathers to work with for this project. You can pick bags up at your local hobby store of colored and natural feathers. Have glue, crayons, and craft supplies available too.

Check in your area for any bird mascots at local schools or universities. You will be surprised at the number of birds that you find. Some common bird symbols are:

Matthew 3:16 (NIV) reads: “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.”

For many people, this image of the dove brings the ideas of peace, care, and love. Have the boys look at a picture of a dove. Encourage them to share words that come to their mind (peace, cute, soft, gentle, innocent, love, grey and so on). To complete this task, Explorers will spend time and write a poem or a song, draw a picture or a painting, or write a story about the dove. It can be an illustration of the Bible story or something that they are inspired to create from looking at the picture.

Peacock: NBC Channel Logo

Duck: Aflac insurance company

Big Bird: Sesame Street character

Chicken: San Diego mascot

Penguin: Pittsburgh Penguins mascot

Toucan: Toucan Sam is the mascot for Fruit Loops cereal

Eagle: Swoop is the mascot for the Philadelphia Eagles

Task 6: symbols

Task 7: dove

bible time


Matthew 6:26 NIV“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet

your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

Supplies:

• CD player or MP3 player with speaker

• Song: “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin (There are also VeggieTales and Kidz Bop arrangements of this song available on iTunes.)

• Small piece of paper for each boy

• Pencil

Introduction: (Begin by playing the song “Don’t Worry Be Happy.” Sway to the music, and snap your fingers. Sing along with the chorus.) The words to that song are so fun! I love the beat and the way the music makes me feel! But you know what? Sometimes, there are things that I might worry about. I try not to worry about them, yet there are moments when I don’t think I can handle them, and I get sad and anxious. Do you ever feel like that? What are some things that we might worry about? (Give time for responses: sick family member, a test, friend, relationships, a pet, etc.) These are all things that can cause our tummy to turn and make us uncomfortable. But you know what? God gives us a verse in the Bible that tells us something very important.

Scripture: The verse is found in Matthew 6:26. Listen as I read it to you: “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Well, are you more valuable than the birds of the air? God loves you SO much! He will provide for you and meet your needs.

ON TARGET!

First, come up and get one of these papers and a pencil. Second, on the paper, write or draw a picture of something that you are worrying about. Third, hold the paper in your hand until everyone is finished. (Give time for this to happen.) Now, I’m going to pray, and I want you to repeat after me and do as I say.

Leader Resource: bird life - Bible Study


PRAYER

Dear Jesus, Today I am worried about this. I want to turn it over to You. As I tear this paper up, I give it to You. Take my worry and concern. (Tear the paper.) Thank you for loving me. Thank you for caring. Thank you for thinking I am valuable. In Your name, amen. (Have a trash can up front for kids to throw their worries away.)

Documents

Task 1: facts This is What I Know This is What I Want to Know · EPLORERS bird life - 2 Wings: Unlike most vertebrates, birds can fly. Many characteristics of a bird work together