As a part of Rye Country Day's celebration of Earth Week, over 90 RCDS students from all three divisions participated in a virtual visit to the Rye Nature Center. During the Zoom gathering, Siobhan Prout, the Nature Center's Outreach Educator, introduced students to the variety of birds that they can discover in their own backyards. Ms. Prout explained how to recognize the calls of common birds, owls, and raptors. She also clarified the difference between bird songs and bird calls—bird songs, which are pretty and melodic, are akin to conversations between birds, and bird calls, which are repetitive and harsh, can be described as warning or distress signals between birds. RCDS students did an impressive job in the quiz section, where they were challenged to name that bird after hearing a recorded bird song.
After the birding portion of the visit, students got to see the Nature Center's bearded dragon, Ozzie, up close and personal. Ms. Prout explained how the staff at the Nature Center care for Ozzie, and she even tried to feed him some mealworms (he wasn't very hungry!). Students learned about the distant evolutionary relationship between reptiles and birds. They also learned that bearded dragon's like Ozzie can't be found in Rye, they're native to Central Australia, which is a much more fitting, warm climate for these cold blooded creatures who can't control their body temperature. Ms. Prout showed students Ozzie's camouflage and his spikes, and she elaborated on his omnivorous diet, which consists of fruit, vegetables, and his favorite, mealworms!
"This virtual visit to the Rye Nature Center was a wonderful way to celebrate Earth Week," said Director of Sustainability, Kerry Linderoth. "Our students enjoyed learning about the birds they see and hear every day, and they are now equipped with the skills needed to identify them."
Many thanks to our partners at the Rye Nature Center for this engaging program. Below is the full list of birds that were included in the presentation:
- Screech owl
- Barred owl
- Chickadee
- Robin
- Blue Jay
- White-throated Sparrow
- Tufted Titmouse
- Cardinal
- Starling
- Red-winged Blackbird
- Cedar Waxwing
- Nuthatch
- Mourning Dove
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Bald Eagle
- Osprey