Re: [MDOsprey] birding with kids

Guineabird@aol.com
Thu, 10 Jun 1999 18:00:20 EDT 

In a message dated 6/10/99 2:00:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
andyrab@wam.umd.edu writes:

<< In a couple of weeks I will be leading a bird walk for a group of about 15 
kids aged 7-11.  This will be the first time I've led a walk for kids.>>

	Make guidelines/expectations that the kids know BEFORE the walk, i.e. 
no loud talking, follow behind the leader. This bird walk is an earned 
privilege. The kids need to know what is required.
Tell or send them a list of consequences if they don't follow your brief set 
of rules. Word it kindly but leave no doubt that there are NO EXCEPTIONS! 
Stay firm - many adults don't do that nowadays. 

<<  I figure I could go to a place with a lot of large, easy to spot birds 
(herons, etc.) and find some nests with eggs or young.>>
	PLEASE, include birds the kids see in their own neighborhood. We 
birders tend to dismiss Starlings, House Sparrows, Robins, Song Sparrows, 
Cardinals etc. But these are the birds the kids see and wonder about. Start 
with the more common birds & build on that adding the other species at 
appropriate times. How 'bout, "The first person who can describe the color of 
a (your choice) can look through my bins/scope for 30seconds/1 min ."
The more kids you can get to spot, the better. It's interesting to them when 
they find the bird & then you can ID it. So what if they miss the Mississippe 
Kite you've expertly located. At this point in their birding experience 
"Frankly, my dear, THEY DON'T GIVE A DAMN."

If you're in a kid's neighborhood, don't point out nests. You don't know 
these kids & they don't know you. On the other hand, if you're on strange 
territory, it probably doesn't matter.
(Locally, we suspect some kids have been using Cliff swallow nests for target 
practice.) 

Divide the groups into teams, you might have one or two kids take charge of 
the counting, award the teams with the most species a certificate, don't 
forget there's always Honorable Mention for the run-ups. You can whip one up 
on your computer. Kids love certificates. Eventually they become enamoured of 
the hunt & the reward is secondary.

Yes, you have to deal with the problem kids, but keep an eagle eye out for 
the kid who is really paying attention & pointing out the good stuff , which 
may be a House sparrow flying into a nest. Give him/her an instant reward 
(verbal praise, sticker, sweet treat) along with the other kids who give 
appropriate responses. 
If the Juvenile Jerk whose messing up your walk doesn't reciprocate with 
appropriate interest and respect, even after you've spent time with him/her, 
fix it!  You have that power! GET RID OF HIM/HER. Remember, you already set 
up this walk with your list of expectations and you're the person in 
authority. Take that responsibility & don't feel guilt. 

I have a kid's check list & certificate I'd be happy to sent to you. You can 
amend or use it totally.

Gail Frantz
Reisterstown, MD