Feed the Birds

Feed the Birds! In this time of ever increasing habitat destruction, we can help through habitat creation in our yards, gardens, parks and farms. Many of our smaller, native birds continue to be at risk from imports like starlings.

Since these native birds evolved within our local ecosystem, they fill a niche in the local food web. They are an important link to an ecosystem. Frequently, they need help to make it through the winter. You can help by setting up a feeding station.

Before you consider making a feeding station, remember:
1. birds will depend on your food supply
2. don't start if you think you will tire of the project
3. place feeders in places where cats can't get the birds
4. don't mix seed for larger bird species (set up feeders just for them)
5. keep squirrels out of bird feeders

My favorite small bird feeding station is a very unique feeder that uses a 2 liter bottle to hold the seeds and a small platform screws on the existing bottle threads. It is convenient to refill, and you can replace the bottle whenever you want. I purchased my feeders at my local Ace Hardware. I found this supplier, The Yankee Gardner, online.

Squirrels can't get to the seed because they are too heavy, and the feeding station tilts when they try to use it.

Since I feed small finches, wrens, chickadees and similar types of birds, I use two types of seeds: thistle(black) and safflower seeds. Most of the smaller species love these seeds. The largest birds that will eat these seeds are cardinals, but they don't travel in flocks. They are not a problem for they seem to co-exist with the smaller birds.

Some of my friends, family and colleagues create small bird habitats also. It would be wonderful to learn what they are doing.

If you love beauty, you will be rewarded by feeding the unique, small native birds in your region.

Make Way for Sun-Earth Day!

Even though Sun-Earth Day 2008 is not until later in the year, on or near the Spring Equinox, I know that teachers work schedules and plans become very full from now until the end of the school year....if that comes for you. It is easier to add something to your teaching protocol, lesson plans and fun activities if you have had time to think about it.

Throughout the next few months, I will provide information about activities, groups and lessons that you can use, or not, for Sun-Earth Day. Most of these can also be used in Science or Social Studies classes, even if you aren't making a special effort for Sun-Earth Day.

The pedagogical reason I make a big to-do over Earth/Sun Day is two-fold: one for the study of the environment and two for the study of MANY related science strands.

Besides, Earth/Sun Day is a great time of year to bring your learning activities outdoors, and so it is a great reason to have a learning party. UH-OH! I know I said party and learning in the same breath, but it is OK! Don't you like to learn? Isn't it fun when you learn? Don't you want to share that fun with your students, peers and community? Then what better way than participating in project based learning that culminates with a celebration of all that was learned?


This is my choice for the Blog Action Day for the Environment blog entry for Classroom2.0. It seems to me that ecolibris is a community action group that ties the virtual world with the real world in a sustainable manner.

Earlier in the year, I wrote about various online groups and activities that are oriented towards sustainability and the environment. One of those groups was Eco-Libris, so I went back to their website and checked on their progress. First I am including a "quote" from one of blog postings from CR2.0 for Blog Action Day, on October 15, 2007. Then I will close this posting with a summary of what I found during my update at ecolibris' website.

Bloggers Unite - Blog Action Day

Whether we like to admit it or not, we all have favorite activities that probably require excess energy. I know most of us read books or still use paper....even though we are working to establish a "paperless" environment.

Each book that is published represents some pulpwood that was used to make the pages of that book. What if you could help by planting a tree for every book you read? For some of us, that would mean planting and entire forest.

Check out ecolibris, and see if their community project if something you would like.

I checked out Eco-Libris, and they have gained more partners, as well as acknowledment. They also have opportunities for collaboration (project based learning) for book clubs and other oriented towards selling and reading books. Here is a short summary of what EcoLibris is all about.