Due Date- Wednesday, July 20- "Watch the Birdie!" Traditionally, I've given mini science projects for one of our summer homework assignments. In the past, we've studied our flora by growing herbs and by planting fruits and vegetables. Now it's time to give our fauna a little equal time. I'd like you to do a little project on your local birds. Once again, this is a very open-ended assignment. You can do as much or as little as you like. I'll be sending you some links to help you get started learning about the birds in your area. I'll also send you some inexpensive ideas for feeding the birds if you'd like to do that. You can try and get a photo of some of your feathered friends or you can just do some research and link to a photo. As I tell my students, don't let your brains turn to mush just because it's summer. Who knows... this might turn into a new hobby for you and your family.
The American Goldfinch is a common backyard bird in the Los Angeles area. The first time I saw one, I thought it was an escaped little yellow canary. I was so excited that I had to find out right away how to attract more to my garden. I found that they love to eat nyjer seed. So I went to the bird store and bought a finch sock and a supply of nyjer seed. They loved it and stayed in my yard all day long. Unfortunately, they are timid and easily frightened away by the more common house finches. So then I went and bought a special upside down feeder just for them. It seems that only goldfinches invert for food and this feeder has openings below the perches so they could eat all they wanted without being bullied by the other finches. Here's a closeup photo of a little Goldfinch on one of my sock feeders.
Hey! Not enough perches!
Click here to see all of my wonderful birdfeeders!
