More Information: Connecticut Wildlife Series

The Connecticut Wildlife Series (CWS) may be brought to your school as a series of visits with a day dedicated to each group (Reptiles and Amphibians, Birds, Mammals).  The CWS may also be presented at the Barnes Nature Center as one day long visit.

Connecticut Reptiles and Amphibians (1 hour) 

Students will take an in depth look at these fascinating creatures by observing live animals and study materials.  Learn about the reptile way of life with a focus on Connecticut's turtles and snakes and the amphibian way of life with a look at the world of tadpoles, frogs, toads and salamanders. Grades: 2nd - 6th; recommended 3rd - 5th

    Students will sit in a half circle on the floor of the Center or in their classroom.  The unique features of amphibians such as smooth moist skin, jelly-like eggs, and ectothermic temperature regulation will be discussed.  Students will learn how to differentiate salamanders, frogs and toads.  Live amphibians will then be introduced including; Marbled Salamander, Bullfrog, Green Frog, Wood Frog, and American Toad.  Note: Species may vary depending upon availability.  The instructor will introduce the students to each species and allow the students to observe their locomotion, behavior and special features.  Students may touch selected species.

          Next, the instructor will introduce the unique characteristics of reptiles such as scales, leather-like eggs or live birth, and ectothermic temperature regulation.  "C.L.E.A.R." Cards (flash cards with picture of the animal as well as information on characteristics, life cycle, environment, adaptations and range) will be viewed to show the diversity of Connecticut species.  Turtles will be shown first and students will get to see the underside of a turtle shell in order to see the backbone and the ribs.  Students will visit with a live painted turtle and box turtle to observe their unique adaptations to aquatic and forest habitats.  They will also have a chance to touch each turtle.  Snakes will then be introduced by showing students a snake skeleton.  A live black rat snake will then be held by the instructor while habitat and lifestyle is discussed.  Lastly, students will have a chance to touch the black rat snake.

Connecticut Birds (1 hour)

Discover the wonder of beaks, feathers, feet, flight and feeding.  Mounted specimens, study materials, and a live bird (including a turkey and/or a screech owl, depending on availability) will help students learn how different lifestyles affect how birds are shaped.  Grades: 2nd - 6th; recommended 3rd - 5th

Students will sit in a half circle on the floor of the Center or in their classroom.  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.  A model of an eye will be shown in order to relate the relative size of the eye to the size of the head.

After the special features that all birds share have 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).  Students will examine a variety of mounted birds in order to see and feel the adaptations that allow the birds to survive in a variety of habitats.  Some of the mounts used may include: American Black Duck, Mallard, Eastern Meadowlark, Northern Flicker, Northern Cardinal, Eastern Screech Owl, Great-Horned Owl, Red-tailed Hawk, Golden Eagle, Blue Jay, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Ruffed Grouse, American Crow and Snowy Owl.  Students will also be able to examine a Woodcock skull, along with the wings and feet of birds in order to relate adaptations to environments.

Students will see the largest bird egg in the world from an ostrich.  The instructor will then show students an ostrich skull in order to 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.

Once the various mounted birds have been examined, the students will visit with a domestic turkey which resembles the wild turkey found in Connecticut.  Using what they have learned, students will determine the turkeys' habitat and food by looking at its body features, including feather types.  To wrap up the program, students will have a chance to touch the turkey.

Connecticut Mammals (1 hour)

Learn how mammals can use their senses and other unique characteristics in order to survive in a variety of habitats.  Mounted specimens, study materials, and a live rabbit will help students learn how different characteristics affect the lifestyles of mammals.  Grades: 2nd - 6th; recommended 3rd - 5th

Students will sit in a half circle on the floor of the Center or in their classroom.  First, the unique characteristics of mammals will be discussed such as fur, live birth of young, young that feed on milk from the mother, and alert senses.  Students till learn the function of fur (guard hair and under fur) and have a chance to feel the fur of an animal.  Next, students will see a cat skeleton in order to learn how the bones of mammals are adapted for walking.

After the special features of mammals have been discussed, students will then learn how mammals are adapted to different habitats and lifestyles.  The instructor will ask the students where they would find food if they were a wild animal (in the soil, in the water, on trees, and in the air).  Students will examine a variety of mounted mammals in order to see and feel the adaptations that allow the mammals to survive in a variety of habitats.  Some of the mounts may include: Coyote, Black Bear, Oppossum, Woodchuck, Squirrel, Muskrat, Red Fox, Bobcat, Mink, Eastern Cottontail Rabbit, and Bat.

Once the various mounted mammals have been examined, the students will visit with a live domestic rabbit.  Using what they have learned, students will determine the rabbit's habitat and food by looking at it's body features.  To wrap up the program, students will have a chance to touch the rabbit.