What do Birds Eat?

LESSON 3

Children engage in a story that teaches about different bird beaks, and then create a bird feeder to hang outside.

  • The book “A Peak at Beaks: Tools Birds Use” by Sarah Levine.

  • Choose one or both bird feeders to make.

Twig Wreath Bird Feeder: 

  • Small twig wreath

  • Peanut butter

  • Birdseed

  • String 

Materials

  • Gather materials.

Preparations

  • Enrich the child’s understanding of bird beaks by helping them make connections and comparisons as you read the story.

  • Provide opportunities for children to reflect on what they have learned about and observed in birds from the past lessons.

  • Assist children as they follow the directions for making a bird feeder, encouraging accurate measuring and mixing. 

Objectives for Teachers

  • Children become curious about what birds eat and how their beak shape reflects their diet.

  • Children participate in the reading of the book “A Peak at Beaks: Tools Birds Use” by Sarah Levine and make connections. between bird beaks and household tools.

  • Children practice following step-by-step directions as they make a bird feeder.

  • Children practice their fine motor skills as they mix and mold the bird seed.

Objectives for Children

Collect and Connect

Little Bird on My Window

Little bird on my window,

Won’t you sing me a song?

As you fly over meadows,

Won’t you bring me along?

There are beautiful flowers,

To be seen from up high,

Won’t you please take me with you,

Little bird as you fly.

Little bird on my window,

May your song never end,

I will tell you a secret,

You're my very best friend.

Activity Flow

  1. Reflect on previous activity by asking your child if they can remember the parts of a bird. Allow them to share what they remember, then take a moment to name the parts of the bird they learned.

  2. Initiate a discussion to launch into today’s activity: 

  • What do birds eat?

  • Do all birds eat the same thing?

  • What part of the bird helps them eat?

  • Are all beaks the same?

3. Encourage them to think about their bird watching experience from lesson 1 and ponder what would be available for the birds to eat. Create a list together.

4. Read the book “A Peek at Beaks: Tools Birds Use,” to learn more about what birds eat and why their beak shape is so important to their diet. Add to your list as you read the story. 

5. After reading the story, discuss with your child why birds may struggle to find food during winter. In the winter, many birds struggle to find sufficient food, and we can lend a hand. Ponder the types of food local birds might eat then work together to craft a bird feeder. 

Twig Wreath Bird Feeder:

  1. Begin by spreading a layer of peanut butter on the twig wreath using a soon or butter knife, covering it evenly.

  2. Roll the peanut butter-coated twig wreath in birdseed, pressing gently to ensure the seeds stick.

  3. Tie a piece of string securely around the wreath, creating a loop for hanging.

  4. Hang your homemade twig wreath bird feeder in a suitable location, ensuring it's visible and easily accessible to birds.

  5. Watch and enjoy as feathered friends visit your bird feeder!