Birdman Returns to Kindergarten

One of our first stops was to to check out the Western Meadowlarks out in a pasture.  A few miles later we stopped by the lake to check out some American Crows and Bald Eagles sitting on the ice.  The kids warmed up to the camera right away and they were "Bird Rock Stars!  They really surprised me and they were amazing!  I was so proud of them!

When we got to the refuge we drove slowly along the dike observing the waterfowl.  I heard several kids shout out, "Life bird!"

We all fell in love with the cute little Buffleheads!                               

The larger gulls are Herring Gulls and the smaller ones in the photo are Ring-billed Gulls.
There were hundreds of gulls eating dead fish off of the ice.

Here we stopped to check out the Buffleheads using the spotting scope.

The kids were so surprised by all of the ducks, geese and Bald Eagles that were flying by.  We also saw some Killdeer , White-throated Sparrows and Song Sparrows along the shoreline.  We saw about 40 species of birds total for the 2  hours that we were there.  Migration is such an exciting event to witness!

Tim did an awesome job of teaching the students while he was here. 
We all learned so much from him!  Thank you Tim!

The kids were really interested in all of the feathers lying along the trail. 
Here Birdman is teaching them that we are not allowed to keep Bald Eagle feathers
and that we are to leave where we find them.

We are trying to discover why there are dead fish lying all over the trail. 
Ask your child what we discovered.

Not a great photo, but I know the kids wanted to see this guy on their blog. 

The trees were dripping with Bald Eagles!  It is quite a sight to see a huge raptor like this in such great numbers.  We estimated over 90 BAEA in just this one section of the refuge.  Grab your child, your binoculars and go check it out! 

Twenty-five plus Bald Eagles were soaring high in the sky. It was quite a sight!

We were awed by the hundreds of Green-winged Teal that lifted off the small pond! 
They made a really neat sound as they flew.

Birdman has hops, but he can't outrun a kindergartener in a race to the top!

They started begging for their picnic at 9:30! 
I wonder how many times I was asked if it was time to eat?

We all enjoyed the picnic!

An up close and personal look at a Golden Eagle!  Wow!  Talk about a huge wingspan!

This guy is checking out the Cackling Goose and Greater White-fronted Goose.

The k-kids loved looking at the birds in the Refuge Headquarters! 
They were able to name most of them.

Mr. Barksdale interviewed all of the kindergarteners while Jason filmed. 
We had to dismiss early due to the snowstorm, so we head to wrap it up quickly and get home. 
The kids were sad that the guys had to leave.  We all had a great time! 
It was an awesome learning experience!