Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify common birds and native plants in New York State.

Materials and Prep

• Field guide to birds of New York State
• Field guide to native plants of New York State
• Sketchbook and colored pencils
• Outdoor space for observation

No prior knowledge needed, just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!

Activities

• Bird Watching: Go outside and observe the birds in your area. Use the field guide to identify and sketch the birds you see.
• Plant Scavenger Hunt: Explore your backyard or a nearby park to find native plants. Use the field guide to identify and learn about them.
• Nature Journaling: Create a nature journal entry with sketches and descriptions of the birds and plants you discovered.

Talking Points

• Birds: "Birds have different beaks for different purposes. Some are sharp for eating insects, while others are long for sipping nectar."
• Plants: "Native plants are important for our environment because they provide food and shelter for local wildlife."
• Adaptations: "Birds and plants have special features that help them survive in their habitats. Can you think of any examples?"
• Conservation: "It's important to protect native plants and birds by not disturbing their habitats. How can we help them thrive?"