Card N.7

7. Hiking and bird session

1 DAY
Young people 12-16
Mountain
Walking/Running

Hiking is the typical walking activity in nature. It has benefits as a meditative effect, with positive effects also on the nervous system, mood and breathing. This physical activity could be a good basis for workshop with a scope of environmental education. Phase 1 – Theoretical input Give the participants an informal presentation on the bird population inhabiting the selected hiking area (information on the nesting period, alimentation and the importance of improving birds’ living conditions and their role in preserving biodiversity) Phase 2 – Hiking/walking to the wild bird’s natural habitat Lead the team to the natural nesting location of the selected wild birds. During the hike/walk participants observe the natural environment and aim to spot different species and bird’s nests. The utilization of mobile applications can facilitate the recognition of birds’ voices, however the facilitator should be well prepared to identify these species.

Video: Fall Birding Hike

There is always life to discover in the woods, prairie and wetlands! Join Environmental Educators and avid birders

Activities to develop

PERSONAL AND SOCIAL SKILLS

Teamworking Participants work in teams of two or three. They use pre-selected materials to assemble bird nests or birdhouses. Depending on if the task is to build a birdhouse or nest, the team of participants can either start building a birdhouse using the tools and materials brought with them or they can collect dried grasses and other plants, sit on the ground, and try to weave it into a nest. To enhance Personal and Social Skills include in the activities: Presentation of the work; Debate on teamworking process and creative thinking

Teamworking
Creative thinking

Video: How to Build a Birdhouse

As you learn how to build a birdhouse, you can work alone or with kids. Birdhouse design is a fun weekend project for the whole family.

Activities to develop

PRO-ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOURS

During the session of the presentation of the work, participants present their hand-created houses or nests and try to identify safe locations for placing them. Depending on the species, these nests shall be placed respecting the minimum nesting area distances and in safe places, higher up. The activity improves the competences of the participants in environmental field involving learning exercises about the nesting period, alimentation and the importance of improving birds. The activity raises awareness on the importance of protection our natural environment

Improving environmental literacy

Activities to develop

THE EMOTIONAL CONNECTION WITH NATURE

By creating homes for wild birds participants develop emotional connection with the natural environment. Seeing your birdhouse taken over by a bird can strengthen ties with nature. strong sense of connection for a good impact on bird life

Video: Birdhouse

In this video, Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps a pair of woodworking siblings build a DIY birdhouse in their new workshop.