Beautiful Birds (1 hour)

Students will sit in a half circle.  First the unique characteristics of birds will be discussed such as feathers, hollow bones and eggs.  Students will learn the function of each type of feather (primary, secondary, contour, down and tail) and pass each one around to feel and examine.  Next, students will see a chicken skeleton and how the bones of birds are adapted for flight.  The instructor will also pass around a broken turkey leg bone so students can see the hollow inside.  Next, students will see the largest bird egg in the world from an ostrich and have a chance to feel the shell.   The instructor will then show students an ostrich skull in order get a feel for the size of the bird and to see the large eye sockets.  In comparison, a replica of the smallest bird egg in the world from a bee hummingbird will be shown so students can see the variety of sizes and colors of eggs.  Students will then visit with a live chicken to reinforce what they have learned and to discuss bird development. (If available, students will also visit with a  live chick).  

After the special features that all birds share has been discussed, students will then learn how birds are adapted to different habitats and lifestyles.  The instructor will ask the students where they would find food if they were a wild bird (in the soil, in the water, on trees and in the air)  For each environment, students will participate in an experiment to determine which beak is best suited for obtaining food.  For example,  in the soil environment, the instructor will cover several gummy worms in a bucket of oats.  The instructor will then chose a student to pick the best "beak"  to remove the hidden worms from the soil.  The student has a choice of; a long thin pair of pliers, thick short pliers, tweezers, net, or a spoon with holes.  During each experiment, the instructor will explain why some beaks worked better than others.  A couple students will try each  experiment in order to show the effectiveness of different tools.  After each experiment, the instructor will show a mounted bird that shares the same features of the tool best suited for it's habitat.  Some of the mounts may include; Mallard duck, Eastern Meadowlark, Woodcock skull, Yellow Bellied Sapsucker, Cardinal, Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl talons.

Once all the experiments are completed, the students will visit with a live domestic turkey which resembles the wild turkeys found in Connecticut.  Using what they have learned, students will determine the turkeys' habitat and food by looking at its' body features.  To wrap up the program, students will have a chance to touch the turkey.