Lessons Learned from Observing Birds

This is a post written by my Aunt Evie in which she shares lessons that she has gleaned by observing birds.  Her article can be used as a mini unit study, encompassing the subjects of character development and science.  Character qualities are shown below in italics and are linked to a description of the character quality being discussed.  Each type of bird discussed is linked to a page that tells shares a picture, habitat, and qualities of the bird.  These can be shared with children and discussed while reading Aunt Evie’s story.  To add language arts to this bird unit study, lists of spelling words can be created from this post and writing assignments given.  To include art, assign sketching or watercolor projects of the birds discussed.  An energetic bird watching hike fits into the subject of physical education. I hope you enjoy her thoughts.

Just as the Bible uses many chapters, all different so God’s second book also has many chapters, and each one is full of character building lessons for those who look for them.  One of my favorite chapters deals with birds and I would like to share a few of the lessons they have taught me.

From the common robins I have learned diligence.  Early in the spring while other birds are just flitting about choosing nesting sites and going through their courting antics, the robins are busily building their nests.  They have no time for nonsense!  They are the first ones up in the morning and the last to retire at night.  Their sturdy mud and grass nest is quickly finished.  By the time most of the other birds have settled down to start making their nests, the robin’s babies are almost ready to fly.

In the killdeer I have observed courage and perseverance.  One hot day in late spring I watched a brave little mother killdeer standing over her eggs which were laid among the rocks on the edge of a sunny parking lot.  There was no need to sit on her eggs to keep them warm.  Instead, she stood beside them to shade them from the burning sun  Cars came and went on the lot but she would not leave her eggs.  Even when I walked up to her nest to look at the eggs, she stayed at her post of duty, though she was obviously upset by my nearness.

The lovely cedar waxwings have taught me refinement and good taste.  They do not go in for flashy colors like some birds do, but in their quiet way they are as beautiful as any of the more showy birds.  Every feather is always sleek and perfectly groomed and their soft conservative colors look so neat and smart.  Their voices are as gentle and harmonious as their colors, and their family life seems to go on without any scrapping or fussing,  They will sometimes sit side by side on a branch and pass berries to one another.

From the beautiful yellow warbler, I learned something about the meaning of this text from God’s first book.  “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”  A pair of these sweet singing birds had just nicely finished building their nest when along came a mother cowbird and aid an egg in it.  She expected that her egg would hatch before the yellow warblers eggs did and then her larger baby would crowd the others out and get all the food.  Many little birds are thus forced to raise baby cowbirds which are bigger than themselves, instead of raising their own babies.  But the yellow warblers have found a way to overcome this problem.  I once found a very interesting nest that showed me how they do it.  It seemed to be a very deep nest but when I began to take it apart, I found that it was three stories high and the first and second stories each had a large speckled egg in them.  The cowbird had laid her egg in the first nest and the warblers had simply built another nest over top of the first one, covering the unwanted egg.  Then the persistent cowbird had returned and laid another egg in the second nest.  But the yellow warblers still did not give up.  They built a third nest over the second one and laid their eggs in it.  How often we try to do right only to find that something spoils all our plans  Can be learn from these little birds to keep on trying and “overcome evil with good”?  Next time someone spoils something you were trying to do, see if you can find a way to overcome evil with good.

Patience was the lesson that an Oregon junco taught me one summer day.  He was just getting ready to take a nice refreshing dip in our bird bath when an old robin hopped in and started splashing around.  Since the pool was not big enough for two, the junco flew to a nearby rock and patiently waited his turn.  The robin took his time, splashing and splashing, then just when at least he seemed to be finished he started all over again.  he took so long that the patient junco finally fell asleep while he was waiting.  Still the robin continued to splash.  At last he flew to a branch to preen himself, but the junco did not notice  he was too sound asleep.  Suddenly, with a start, he woke up and seeing the pool empty at last he hopped in for his long delayed bath.

A western wood pewee once taught me a very striking lesson:  dare to be different.  I watched him taking a bath at the edge of a lovely wooded lake.  But he was not content to just wade into the water and splash around like other birds do.  He had a style all his own.  From the top of a post at the waters edge, he darted at the water, hitting it a glancing blow with his chest, just before he swooped upward again.  Water splashed in every direction as he struck it.  he repeated this several times until he was thoroughly wet, then he settled on the post to preen himself.  Sometimes we need to have the courage to be different, not just for the sake of being different, but because it is the right thing to do.

Last but not least, I have learned from my pet chickadees.  They have taught me to trust.  Birds generally do not trust anyone.  Especially do they fear the human hand.  It could close on them and take away their freedom and to a wild bird, freedom means  more than any delicacy.  But chickadees can be taught to be more trusting.  As I held out to them my hand, filled with seeds, I thought of how our heavenly Father holds out his hands to us and calls us to come to Him.  But we are so afraid that He might take away our freedom to do what we want to do, that we refuse to trust Him.  But the chickadees learned one winter day that they could trust and eat from my hand and still be free.  In fact, they were more free than ever.  The rich food that I was offering them kept them warmer and better nourished than the meager food that they were finding for themselves and they did not have to work so hard to try to survive in the cold.  So it is with us.  If we will learn to trust our heavenly Father we will find more real freedom and satisfaction than we ever thought possible.

In an Audubon’s Nature Encyclopedia I found an interesting note about chickadees.  It said that if you want to find birds in the wintertime, listen for chickadees.  They have an air of confidence about them that leads other birds to follow them.  I have found this to be very true.  Wherever there is a band of chickadees, there will usually be other birds close by.

Those who learn to trust also develop an unconscious air of confidence in God that leads others to follow them.  Would you like to lead others to your heavenly Father?  Then first learn to trust and eat fro His hand, and your life will attract others and you will be able to teach them to trust your God.  “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”.  Matthew 4:19.

To continue this study, click here.
Copyright EvelynS@2014

A Child's Contact with Nature

Edith Schaeffer has always been one of my favorite authors. Recently I discovered that her gift for writing was passed along to her daughter, Susan. In her book For the Children's Sake she reminds us to give our children many opportunities to spend time in nature. And I love how she says it!

"Although we should give a child access to varied creative work by other people, how about seeing that he grows up with as much daily access as possible to his Lord's created works? The Bible is a direct verbal word. But we have a place also for other ways of knowing Him, for "the heavens declare the glory of God."

"Do the children know the feel of dew-fresh grass on their bare feet, and lush freshness of the shade of a leafy tree on a hot afternoon? Do they know the fun of autumn leaves, and the fairy-tale beauty of an icy morning? Wherever the child lives in the world, we should consider his contact with nature as part of his life."

Susan Schaeffer Macaulay, For the Children's Sake
page 85

Autumn Leaf Craft

When the boys were young, we spent much time creating. One room was reserved for messy projects like painting, cutting, pasting. Sometimes other media were used like wax, cardboard, string, balloons, newspapers, glitter, and more. What fun we had! This was always an integral part of our home school.

Last week when we visited Dad and Alma, one of the boys early projects was sitting on the nightstand in the guest room. So simple, yet sweet, these leaf art pictures have graced the guest room for nearly 10 years now. 

If there are young children in your family, this is a great project to do with them! Here's how:

• Purchase small frames. They do not need to be expensive. Frames from a place like the Dollar Store or WalMart work perfectly. Remove the colored 'advertising' in the frame. In it's place, insert a piece of plain white paper.
• At the craft store, purchase a sheet of beeswax. With sharp scissors, cut it to the same size as the 'advertising' paper you removed from the frame. Place the beeswax on top of the plain white paper.
• Sprinkle extra fine "prisma" glitter sparsely on the beeswax.
• Place one dried leaf per sheet of beeswax. Center it carefully, so that it looks like it's falling from a tree.
• Put the frame together, with the glass layer going on top of the leaf and beeswax. Secure tightly and enjoy.

*This project also works well with dried flowers.

Nature Educates

 

"All Nature seems at work.  Slugs leave their lair
The bees are stirring, birds are on the wing,
And Winter slumbering in the open air,
Wears on his smiling face a dream of spring."

   Samuel Taylor Coleridge 

Nature provides so many wonderful opportunities for educating children. They relate so willingly to planting gardens, searching for birds on their nests, raising bunnies and chicks, or picking flowers to press. The first appearance of spring creates many positive object lessons for learning!

A Nature Guessing Game

September is a wonderful month for nature projects and activities.  The weather is conducive to exploration and plants and trees are mature and starting to seed.  A nature guessing game can include the outdoors and is fun for all ages.

Give each person in a group a grocery bag.  Label each one with a different number on the outside.  Be sure the grocery bag is not opaque, because you don't want people to be able to see shapes or shadows of what's inside.  Have everyone go outside for a walk in the woods, a park, or the back yard.  Each person is to find and gather five different items that they find.  Make sure they don't collect live things, but other nature objects instead. Things to look for could be pinecones, leaves, rocks, seeds, seed pods, an acorn, a feather, a stick, fallen pine needles, and more. Set a timer for 15 minutes and then have everyone return to a central location.

When everyone has returned, have them sit in a large circle.  Give each person a pencil and paper. Have each person pass their bag to the person on their right.  Allow them one minute to feel what's inside the bag, guess what it is, and write the names of the items in the bag on their paper. Make sure they write the bag number on the paper along with the names of the objects.

Then, continue with the next person's bag and so on, with individuals writing the names of objects guessed on their paper.

After all the bags have been explored, have each person show the items in their bag and tell about it.  As they do this, everyone should check their papers to see how correct they were.

Although this game is very simple, it is fun, entertaining, and educational for all ages!

Animal Alphabet Game

 Grandpa shares a picture from his vacation.

In the age of information and technology, many resources are available to homeschool families.  These resources assist in education.  Computer, iPads, smart phones, X-boxes, Play Stations, and other electronic gadgets can be used to teach anything from reading and math facts to providing practice for eye-hand coordination.  The typical home life of most families has changed with these new technologies.  But, technology can bring isolation, even when together in a group.  Interaction through planned activities is encouraged in an effort to bring families together in a positive way.  Although they can be considered "old fashioned", planned family activities like the one below can be fun, educational, and interesting.  Why don't you give it a try?  Adapt the game rules to fit the ages and abilities of family members.


ANIMAL ALPHABET GAME


1.)  Use index cards and a marking pen.  Write one letter of the alphabet on each card.  Shuffle the cards.


2.)  Have each family member draw a card from the stack.


3.)  Discuss the letter each person chose.  Practice making the sound the letter represents.  Have the person who drew the card write the letter in upper and lower case (or trace the pattern with a finger or draw in sand with a stick).


4.)  The person who draws the card thinks of an animal that begins with the letter they draw.  Each person in the family chooses an animal whose names starts with the letter they drew.


5.)  Using nature books, encyclopedia, or the Internet, have each child research the animal they selected.    Each person should share (orally):


a.  name of animal
b.  where the animal lives/habitat
c.  tell what features make it unique; describe how it looks
d.  what are the eating habits of the animal
e.  describe the typical habits of this animal, both day and night
f.  what is the origin of the animal; what country can it be found?  identify on a world map
g.  tell how this animal protects itself?  who are it's enemies?
h.  what are the off-spring of this animal called?  what are the babies like?

6.)  After sharing about animal, have the others ask questions about the research done.  


7.)  Go around the circle, having each family member sharing their research.


Follow up activity:  color a picture of the animal; read a book about the animal; find a poem or verse about the animal; write a story; draw a sketch; draw a map of the country where it lives.  Make a giant collage, using the pictures and information shared about the animal each person researched.

Nature Provides Object Lessons

Nature provides many object lessons that can be taught in the homeschool.  Values and principles can be taught and reinforced by looking at things around us in nature.  Character traits can be developed as children relate nature's objects with the choices they make and how they choose to live.  Here is one activity that can be used as an object lesson from nature:


The Faith of a Mustard Seed


Buy whole mustard seeds at a health food store.  Fill a small, clear jar with them and add a lid.  Sit down with your children and look at the jar of mustard seeds.  Pass it around and observe the size of the seeds.  Open the jar and give each child one seed.  Discuss how the seed looks and feels.  Let them taste the seed and chew on it if desired.  Drop a seed and see if it makes a sound.  Have the children describe it in detail.


Then look up Matthew 17:20.  In the NIV version of the Bible it says:  He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Ask the children to tell what they think this verse means.  Talk about literal meanings and analogies.  Discuss.


Find examples in nature that illustrate what the verse is trying to teach.

1.   By faith birds...(build nests, migrate, etc.)
2.   By faith squirrels...(gather nuts, walk along high wires)


3.   By faith bears...(hibernate, protect their cubs)
4.   By faith raccoons...(wash their food)


5.   By faith dogs...(protect and be a companion)
6.   By faith bees...(     )


7.   By faith chicks...(     )
8.   By faith ducks...(     )

9.   By faith whales...(     )
10. By faith we...(are saved by grace)


Conclusion:  Like the animals, we should "do" the action first.  The action is faith.  Then we should "expect" a response.  The A,B,C's of prayer where we ask, believe, and claim is a concrete way in which our faith can be put into action.


Activity:  Find pictures of a mustard seed and of a mustard plant that is blooming.  Plant a mustard seed and observe how it grows.  Guess how many seeds are in the jar and then count them.  Write a descriptive paragraph about mustard seeds and relate it to having faith.


Although this lesson is likely a part of a class in character development or Bible, this theme could be expanded upon to create a mini-unit study that incorporates other areas of the curriculum.  How many subject areas can you think of that could be included in this lesson?

CrEAtiViTY Found in Nature

As homeschool parents, we generally think of nature study as a way to learn about science, or to learn about God through it, His second book.  Sometimes we view time in nature as a means for recreation and physical activity.  But this time can also provide impetus for creativity!  Nature study can produce creative results, stimulates creativity, and refreshes ideas.  It becomes a means of creating and achieving artistic expression.  Nature as a means of creative expression requires time that is spent in quietness and observation.  It is a time that happens without motors and gadgets.  A good pair of walking shoes, binoculars, a sketch pad and pencil, a bottle of water, and a small backpack to carry things in are the only resources needed.  Hiking through fields and meadows, climbing mountain trails, observing on the ocean shore, and meandering along a stream or river provide opportunity to gather, collect, and observe.  The process brings refreshment to the tired and weary, eliminating the stresses of daily life.  Even children find respite from daily stress as they spend time in nature.

How does nature observation provide a means to creativity?  It stimulates creativity in many ways.

*Nature contains every color palette ever created.  Complimentary,
analogous, and monochromatic color schemes can all be found with a
little effort and an impromptu treasure hunt.

* Nature provides a plethora of ideas for creative writing.  Subjects
can be found for story, verse, or poem simply by looking around.

* Nature shows variable subjects for sketching and watercolor.

* Nature presents objects for sculpture.  A collection of rocks,
twigs, dried plants, and sand can be glued together to make
magnificent displays.

* Nature brings many things that work together to create a centerpiece
or focal point for a space indoors.  Twigs, rocks, moss, and flowers
can create whimsical scenes on the kitchen table.

*  Nature is a perfect place to practice photography.  Waiting quietly
for a bird or animal to come near, or staging a scene, give the
participant quiet time in nature as creative abilities are enhanced.

The opportunities nature provides are endless!  Children can gather rocks, leaves, flowers, bark, and sand.  Or they can search for feathers, arrowheads, egg shells, and nests.  They can draw what they see.  They can tell about their observations by writing in a journal.  When they "glass" what they see with binoculars or scope their perspective changes.  Children can build forts or blinds.  They can observe wild animals, birds, tadpoles, frogs, salamanders, and snakes.  They can picnic on a point, or build sandcastles on the beach.  They  can sleep in a tent in the woods, or hike trails and post markers along the way.  Every experience in nature replenishes the soul and stimulates the creative aspects of the brain.

God created a universe that is personal, alive, vibrant, and ever changing.  As we experience it with our children, we reinforce appreciation for Earth and the creativity it fosters in each being who takes the time to notice it.  Through experiences in nature our children gain a better understanding of an infinite God as He speaks to the soul.

Nature and Creativity

"It is in nature, among the things which God has created, designed and brought forth himself, that we are in the most natural atmosphere to be inspired. Creative ideas are apt to flow in the midst of the creativity expressed in God's creation, as one is temporarily from the confusion of conflicting voices..." 

The Hidden Art of Homemaking Page 169 - 170

Lessons from Nature

Spring and summer is a wonderful time to study nature with children.   Picking spring flowers, taking hikes on the hillsides, throwing rocks in a creek, or enjoying newborn animals are opportunities that the season provides.  Each nature experience provides the teacher-parent with object lessons and opportunities to teach lessons in character development, science, applied arts, and more.  

Today's post shares a story about baby goslings.  Do your children like pets and cool dip in a pond on a warm summer day?  If they do, this story will be of interest to them.  It teaches about responsibility and love for God's little creatures.  It's about baby goslings and a young boy's responsibility to care for them.

When the story is over, your children might enjoy this blog post about Brianna, a homeschool girl who has been enjoying her goslings this spring.  She's been trying to think of just the right names for them.  Pictures of her goslings can be seen here and here.  They are really cute!

The Bird Who Went People Watching

This is another story that was written by my Aunt Evie.  She shares how birds can teach us valuable lessons.  In this story she shares how a bluebird can teach us to hold fast to what we believe with determination and strength.  


Please note that the linked words in the text below lead to photos of the birds, nests, and insects talked about in the story.  And here is a link to Busy Bee Kids Crafts where they share instructions for making this pretty little baby bluebirds craft.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.   
1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV


"What are you making, Dad?" our son Art asked as he came into the garage where his father was busy cutting some little boards.


"I'm making a bluebird nesting box," Dad replied.  "Help me hold the sides together so that I can nail them."  Art helped to finish the box and then he and his sister, Karen, watched as Dad nailed it high on the north end of the garage.


A few days later someone shouted, "There's a bluebird in the box!"  We ran to the window to see not one, but two Mountain Bluebirds.  The male hovered over the next box while the female watched from a nearby perch.  It was easy to tell them apart.  The male wore a beautiful aqua blue suit, with a paler vest of the same color.  His mate wore a soft gray dress with only touches of blue.


The male hopped in and out of the box.  He sat on top of it and fluttered his wings eagerly and flew over to Mrs. Bluebird and tried to persuade her that they should move in right away.  "Phew, phew," he called in his gentle voice.  But she was not so sure.  After much persuasion she consented to have a look inside, but soon flew away again with Mr. Bluebird right behind her.  Time after time he brought her back to the box, but after a quick look she always seemed to loose interest.  We were almost as eager as he was to have her accept the box and decide to make our yard her home.  To us, bluebirds, with their iridescent colors and gentle refined ways, were just about the best summer guests we could imagine.


This went on for several days until one morning the tree swallows arrived.  They were not nearly as feisty as Mrs. Bluebird.  After a few quick looks inside the box they were ready to set up housekeeping.  It was just what they had been looking for and they claimed it as theirs.


Suddenly the bluebirds appeared on the scene and then the fuss began!  Each pair of birds tried to keep the other pair away from the box.  The scrapping went on for several days.  Finally the female tree swallow went inside the box and sat with her head peering out of the little round doorway.  She had claimed the box and she wasn't moving out!  The bluebirds twittered and fussed around the box.


We were sorry to see the swallows winning out, but we knew that they were really good tenants too.  They were also blue, though not as bright and pretty as the bluebirds.  We consoled ourselves with the thought that they were great mosquito catchers.


Mrs. Bluebird's apparent lack of interest in the box had disappeared with the appearance of the swallows.  So also had her gentle manners!  Now she showed an aggressiveness that I never expected to see in a bluebird.  She flew directly to the opening and grasped the swallows neck with her bill and dragged her out of the doorway.  Scrapping and squawking, they struggled together in the air.  Mrs. Bluebird dragged her victim right down to the ground.  Finally the swallow decided that she had met her match and flew away to look for a more peaceful neighborhood.


In later years we realized that this behavior was not as unusual as we had thought.  Whenever we have seen swallows and bluebirds contending for nesting boxes, it has always been the bluebirds who won.  If this were not the case, it is doubtful if the bluebirds could survive.  Swallows have found the increase of human building construction to their advantage.  They like to nest in and around buildings, and if they could, they would take over every available nesting box.  They like the same size of birdhouse that the bluebirds require.


Now Mrs. Bluebird was ready to settle down to the serious business of nesting.  Her gorgeous mate fluttered his wings in excitement.  At last his efforts were being rewarded.  Soon the children saw them carrying in grass and twigs for the nest and in a few more days they could peek in and see the little blue eggs.  Then all was quiet.  The female sat on the eggs hour after hour while the male sat nearby, watching to make sure no harm came to the nest.  But after a few days of this it seemed he became a little bored, or was he just curious about what people do inside of their nesting boxes?  At any rate, he decided to do a little early morning people watching.


About 5:00 AM one day he flew to our bedroom window and hovered in front of the glass.  I heard him twittering and opened one sleepy eye.  Suddenly I was wide awake!  I woke my husband and pointed to the window where the bluebird was fluttering in mid air.  His bright blue feathers were shimmering in the morning sunlight.  At first we thought that he was only trying to see his reflection, but then he hopped onto the windowsill and tried to look in through the sliding screen that held the window up.  He made twittering comments on everything he saw.


After some time he returned to his observation post near the nest, but early the next morning he was back, still curious.  Again he tried to peer in through the screen.  Just what was inside that window?  After watching him quietly for several mornings, I had an idea.  When the bluebird flew away for a few minutes, I slipped out of bed and removed the sliding screen and propped the window up with a stick.  Then quickly I slipped back to bed.


The bluebird was back in a few minutes, sitting on the windowsill, looking right in at us.  He stood quietly for a moment, noticing the missing screen.  Cautiously he hopped a little closer to the opening.  Two more hops and he was right inside.  He looked as us as if to say, "How can people sleep so long on such a bright, sunny morning?"  Then he flew to the top of a chest of drawers and surveyed the bedroom.  "So this is how people build their nests," he seemed to say. 

His people watching trips ended abruptly with the arrival of his newly hatched offspring.  Now there was no time for anything but the serious business of keeping them fed.  


Bluebirds seem to model what true Christianity should be --- gentle, refined, and well mannered, yet not afraid to do battle when the situation demands it.  There is a tendency to think of Christians in terms of the passive virtues only.  Love, gentleness, and kindness are always held up as the virtues that should be cultivated and rightly so.  But true Christians are not wimps or cowards.  The manly virtues of strength and courage are equally as important, yet they are less often spoken of.  When Jesus cleansed the temple He manifested a different aspect of His character than we usually think of.  He is represented as the Lamb of God, but He is also called the Lion of the tribe of Judah.  Each of these animals illustrate different aspects of Christ's character.


"The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are bold as a Lion."  Proverbs 28:1


"Fight the good fight of faith."  1 Timothy 6:12  

Copyright EvelynS@2011

Making a Crystal Garden

There are many kinds of gardens, and some of them don't require plants.  Making a crystal garden using household items can be a fun science project for children.  Here's how:


1 aluminum pie pan
5 pieces of plain charcoal (untreated)
6 Tbsp. water
1 Tbsp. ammonia 
6 Tbsp. bluing (a laundry product)
6 Tbsp. salt
a few drops of food coloring


Mix the ammonia, water, salt, and bluing in a glass bowl or jar.  Place charcoal in the pie pan.  Pour the liquid mixture over the charcoal.  Dot with the food coloring.  Use a variety of colors if desired.  Place in a dry place and watch it grow!

Birds Teach Many Lessons

This is a post written by my Aunt Evie in which she shares lessons that she has gleaned by observing birds.  Her article can be used as a mini unit study, encompassing the subjects of character development and science.  Character qualities are shown below in italics and are linked to a description of the character quality being discussed.  Each type of bird discussed is linked to a page that tells shares a picture, habitat, and qualities of the bird.  These can be shared with children and discussed while reading Aunt Evie's story.  To add language arts to this bird unit study, lists of spelling words can be created from this post and writing assignments given.  To include art, assign sketching or watercolor projects of the birds discussed.  An energetic bird watching hike fits into the subject of physical education.
~


Just as the Bible uses many chapters, all different so God's second book also has many chapters, and each one is full of character building lessons for those who look for them.  One of my favorite chapters deals with birds and I would like to share a few of the lessons they have taught me.


From the common robins I have learned diligence.  Early in the spring while other birds are just flitting about choosing nesting sites and going through their courting antics, the robins are busily building their nests.  They have no time for nonsense!  They are the first ones up in the morning and the last to retire at night.  Their sturdy mud and grass nest is quickly finished.  By the time most of the other birds have settled down to start making their nests, the robin's babies are almost ready to fly.


In the killdeer I have observed courage and perseverance.  One hot day in late spring I watched a brave little mother killdeer standing over her eggs which were laid among the rocks on the edge of a sunny parking lot.  There was no need to sit on her eggs to keep them warm.  Instead, she stood beside them to shade them from the burning sun  Cars came and went on the lot but she would not leave her eggs.  Even when I walked up to her nest to look at the eggs, she stayed at her post of duty, though she was obviously upset by my nearness.


The lovely cedar waxwings have taught me refinement and good taste.  They do not go in for flashy colors like some birds do, but in their quiet way they are as beautiful as any of the more showy birds.  Every feather is always sleek and perfectly groomed and their soft conservative colors look so neat and smart.  Their voices are as gentle and harmonious as their colors, and their family life seems to go on without any scrapping or fussing,  They will sometimes sit side by side on a branch and pass berries to one another.

From the beautiful yellow warbler, I learned something about the meaning of this text from God's first book.  "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."  A pair of these sweet singing birds had just nicely finished building their nest when along came a mother cowbird and aid an egg in it.  She expected that her egg would hatch before the yellow warblers eggs did and then her larger baby would crowd the others out and get all the food.  Many little birds are thus forced to raise baby cowbirds which are bigger than themselves, instead of raising their own babies.  But the yellow warblers have found a way to overcome this problem.  I once found a very interesting nest that showed me how they do it.  It seemed to be a very deep nest but when I began to take it apart, I found that it was three stories high and the first and second stories each had a large speckled egg in them.  The cowbird had laid her egg in the first nest and the warblers had simply built another nest over top of the first one, covering the unwanted egg.  Then the persistent cowbird had returned and laid another egg in the second nest.  But the yellow warblers still did not give up.  They built a third nest over the second one and laid their eggs in it.  How often we try to do right only to find that something spoils all our plans  Can be learn from these little birds to keep on trying and "overcome evil with good"?  Next time someone spoils something you were trying to do, see if you can find a way to overcome evil with good.


Patience was the lesson that an Oregon junco taught me one summer day.  He was just getting ready to take a nice refreshing dip in our bird bath when a b  old robin hopped in and started splashing around.  Since the pool was not big enough for two, the junco flew to a nearby rock and patiently waited his turn.  The robin took his time, splashing and splashing, then just when at least he seemed to be finished he started all over again.  he took so long that the patient junco finally fell asleep while he was waiting.  Still the robin continued to splash.  At least he flew to a branch to preen himself, but the junco did not notice  he was too sound asleep.  Suddenly, with a start, he woke up and seeing the pool empty at last he hopped in for his long delayed bath.


A western wood pewee once taught me a very striking lesson:  dare to be different.  I watched him taking a bath at the edge of a lovely wooded lake.  But he was not content to just wade into the water and splash around like other birds do.  He had a style all his own.  From the top of a post at the waters edge, he darted at the water, hitting it a glancing blow with his chest, just before he swooped upward again.  Water splashed in every direction as he struck it.  he repeated this several times until he was thoroughly wet, then he settled on the post to preen himself.  Sometimes we need to have the courage to be different, not just for the sake of being different, but because it is the right thing to do. 

Last but not least, I have learned from my pet chickadees.  They have taught me to trust.  Birds generally do not trust anyone.  Especially do they fear the human hand.  It could close on them and take away their freedom and to a wild bird, freedom means  more than any delicacy.  But chickadees can be taught to be more trusting.  As I held out to them my hand, filled with seeds, I thought of how our heavenly Father holds out his hands to us and calls us to come to Him.  But we are so afraid that He might take away our freedom to do what we want to do, that we refuse to trust Him.  But the chickadees learned one winter day that they could trust and eat from my hand and still be free.  In fact, they were more free than ever.  The rich food that I was offering them kept them warmer and better nourished than the meager food that they were finding for themselves and they did not have to work so hard to try to survive in the cold.  So it is with us.  If we will learn to trust our heavenly Father we will find more real freedom and satisfaction than we ever thought possible.  

In an Audubon's Nature Encyclopedia I found an interesting note about chickadees.  It said that if you want to find birds in the wintertime, listen for chickadees.  They have an air of confidence about them that leads other birds to follow them.  I have found this to be very true.  Wherever there is a band of chickadees, there will usually be other birds close by. 


Those who learn to trust also develop an unconscious air of confidence in God that leads others to follow them.  Would you like to lead others to your heavenly Father?  Then first learn to trust and eat fro His hand, and your life will attract others and you will be able to teach them to trust your God.  "And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men".  Matthew 4:19.


To continue this study, click here.


Copyright EvelynS@2011

Wildflowers of God's Creation

Spring has arrived in North America. In the cooler areas, spring wildflowers are just starting to show their beautiful faces. On trips to the mountains and forests, hillsides of yellow lupine, lavender phlox, and yellow dog-tooth violets can be seen. It won’t be long until shooting stars and Calypso lady slipper orchids appear in secluded spots. Finding them is like a treasure hunt that a person never tires from. Each year it is exciting to find the first bloom from these special plants. Wandering hillsides and meadows in search for wildflowers is fun without any tools, but if one has a zip-lock bag or field guide, samples of wildflowers can be gathered or identified for more fun and interesting activities. Adding some water to a zip-lock bag of flowers keeps them fresh until home again where they can be put into a vase to enjoy for a few days. Pressing wildflowers between the pages of a catalog and using them to decorate rolled beeswax candles or to glue to a card is a creative way to display wildflowers for months to come. Identifying flowers is an art that can take some time and research. If a regional field guide of wildflowers is used the task can be completed in the field, but sometimes using the Internet is easier. The flowers kept fresh in a zip-lock bag can be used to compare with images found online and descriptions compared with the wildflower in hand. 

As the art of flower identification is explored, interesting discoveries can be made. Sometimes plants are not named with common sense! When discoveries are made that appear inconsistent, time spent in study of how plants are classified can result in families spending time together in the rewarding task of being “plant detectives”. Clues from nature lead the observer through the steps of identification and tell stories of why things are named as they are. For example, right now the dog-tooth violets and the yellow violets can be found growing near one another in forest meadows and woods. Both have the name ‘violet’, yet the differ vastly from one another. One is an actual violet, and the other belongs to a different family altogether! The real name of the dog-tooth violet is Erythronium and it received its name because it grows from a bulb that looks like a dog tooth. On the other hand, the yellow violet really does belong to the Viola family, and is therefore accurately described as a violet. Starting with one picked flower like a dog-tooth violet can direct the the explorer to another flower like the violet, and that can lead to other interesting discoveries about plant families and other facts of nature as the thread of learning continues. Learning about wildflowers by observation and discovery is fun and an interesting way to observe God’s creation!

The Quiet of Wood and Field

"In the early ages, with the people who were under God's direction, life was simple.  They lived close to the heart of nature.  Their children shared in the labor of the parents and studied the beauties and mysteries of nature's treasure house.  And in the quiet of field and wood they pondered those mighty truths handed down as a sacred trust from generation to generation."  

  

This quote creates a beautiful word picture in my mind.  After reading it, I started thinking about the children of the Bible who had a strong relationship with nature.  The first  child to come to  my mind was baby Moses.  Even as an infant, he was placed for days in a reed basket and placed in the Nile River while his older sister kept watch.  He was rocked by the gentle action of the waves and among the fragrance of plants and the sounds of waterfowl.  David  also spent much time learning lessons from nature.  He was a skilled shepherd, even at a young age.  He wrote beautiful songs and poetry, and by studying them we can observe that he had a close relationship with the natural world.  He took lessons from everything around him.  The boy Jesus also spent much time in nature.  He was homeschooled at his mother's knee, by work with his father, and by observations  of nature in wood and field.  He learned about God's care and of life's lessons by observing God's creation.

What other children of the Bible can you think of spent quality time outdoors?  How did their experience influence them in adulthood?  Please share!

Source quote:  Education 221
Photo:  Baby robins in our flowering crab apple tree

Experiencing Nature with a Journal/Notebook

Most homeschool teacher-parents realize the importance of nature as they study with their children.  It teaches so many things --- of science, art, ecology, physical education, observation skills, and of God's care.  With thoughtful attention, even math, history, language arts can be taught in nature.  Treasure and scavenger hunts in the back yard support observation skills and mathematics if designed properly.  And there's no better way for a primary age child to learn how to write the alphabet than with a stick in the sand.  Following famous footsteps, like hiking along the Oregon Trail, combine nature with history.  A well-prepared parent will be full of stories to share as the hike progresses.  Nature provides many opportunities for a teacher-parent to create mini unit studies that enhance learning.  It doesn't need to be difficult or complicated.  Try putting together a one-day unit study that uses nature as the classroom and teaches across the curriculum.  You will be sure to have the interest of all ages!  And after a long winter of dreary days, spring is the perfect time to implement this.

Keeping a nature journal or notebook is an easy way to tie everything together.  I like the idea of using both to implement nature studies.  A small journal with both lined and unlined pages works to write sentences and paragraphs about things observed.  The blank pages work great for sketching, watercolor, or chalk drawings.  And a notebook works great for quick notes and for collections.  Gallon size zip-lock bags, punched with a three-hole punch, make pages.  Using twelve gives students one for each month of the year.  Page dividers, marked January through December, give the child a place to put notebook paper, their zip-lock bag for that month, and handouts from their teacher-parent that might be helpful in their nature study.  Mini field guides, diagrams of the parts of trees or flowers, or scanned photos of birds, animals, or bugs give them guidelines as they search and identify in the outdoors.  Plants and leaves gathered can be brought home to press and dry, and later can be glued or taped to notebook pages and marked according to identifying parts. A story could even be written about the objects in the notebook or about the events leading up to gathering what is shown.  Scripture can be quoted and copied as it pertains to things seen or gathered.  Handwriting practiced.  A camera that takes photos that can be downloaded into a computer and then printed and put in a notebook is a great way for a child to document and learn.  There are no age limits!  From preschool through adulthood, this is a learning adventure that encompasses all ages!  Creative, active, and enriching, a nature notebook is a fun way to enjoy God's creation and apply it to everyday learning and lifestyle.

Blender Moss

When nature is combined with a kitchen activity, it's a winning situation as far as children are concerned.  They generally enjoy playing in the dirt, gathering things, mixing, blending, and creating.  If there is an area in your yard that is shady and can be kept moist, propagating moss can be something fun to do!  Here's how:

1)  Go for a hike in the woods or take a trip to your local plant nursery.  Gather several varieties of mosses.  Some types may be better suited to growing conditions in your yard, so having more than one variety improves your chance of success.

2)  In the kitchen, crumble a handful of the moss into a blender bowl.  Add two cups of yogurt or buttermilk.  Blend, adding enough water to make the mixture spreadable.  Remove from blender and place in a bowl.  If compost is available, stir a bit in to fuel growth.

3)  Outside, find a place where you would like moss to grow.  Large rocks, an area of soil that is cleared of twigs, leaves, and weeds, or any other surface work well.  It's best if this area is in a shady place.  Using a broad paintbrush, spread the blended moss over the surface of the rocks, soil, or other desired areas.

4)  To establish the moss, mist it daily so that the area stays moist.  Keep the area clear of leaves and debris so that the moss isn't smothered.  Wait patiently.  This would be a good time to discuss patience as a character trait, because moss can take a long time to grow.  But, it is fun to observe over the weeks as progress is checked. 

The Soul of a Child

The soul of a child is the loveliest flower 
That grows in the garden of God. 
Its climb is from weakness to knowledge and power, 
To the sky from the clay to the cloud. 
To beauty and sweetness it grows under care, 
Neglected, 'tis ragged and wild. 
'Tis a plant that is tender, but wondrously rare, 
The sweet, wistful soul of a child. 


Be tender, O gardener, and give it its share 
Of moisture, of warmth and of light, 
And let it not lack for the painstaking care 
To protect it from frost and from blight. 
A glad day will come when its bloom shall unfold. 
It will seem that an angel has smiled. 
Reflecting a beauty and sweetness untold 
In the sensitive soul of a child. 


Author Unknown

Homeschooler Raises Exotic Birds

Natasha K. is a college student living near Orlando, Florida.  She was affected by an illness during her childhood that prevented her from attending her local church  school.  As a result, she was homeschooled during her middle school and high school years.  The local academy recommended that she enroll in a high school program for homeschoolers, and she completed all requirements for graduation in three years instead of the usual four.  She says she had wonderful teachers and it was a positive experience for her, although she admits that learning a foreign language with only a textbook was challenging.  Today I am sharing an interview with Natasha in which she tells about her love for nature and how her appreciation for God’s creatures has helped her become an expert in raising exotic birds.

Tasha, having known you since infancy, I have always admired your innate interest in nature and the things that God made.   Please tell us about that interest and how it was developed in your life.

I have always been very in tune to nature and all of the things God created. When I was little I would go up to any animal I could, whether that was a turtle, frog, goat, anything in the norm, and out of it too. I was never fearful of any animal that I happened across.  While I was growing up, my family was very involved in nature activities. We would go on nature walks, visit farms, and zoos.  We enjoyed all that God has created for us. It was something that my mother and my grandparents encouraged in me and helped me with. I remember when I was little I would cry when even a bug got killed.  To this day, I still try to catch the bugs that make their way inside to release them back outside.



Is there one part of nature study that you have taken on as your specialty? What is it? How did it start?

I wouldn’t say I have one area of nature that is my specialty.  I love everything to do with nature! However, I do try to help out any animals that need extra assistance. I have rescued cats, frogs, baby possums, birds, lizards, baby raccoons, and many more creatures. Some I have kept until they were ready to be released back into the wild and others I found a more suitable home for because they had extra issues they were dealing with. It’s almost like I have a calling card out there that says that any animal, stray or injured, knows where they can come to find help and a haven.



I know that you have worked extensively with exotic birds.  Please tell us about your experience in raising them.

I started working at a bird store during my teen years. It seemed to be a perfect fit for me, because I got to be around animals all day long. I started out as just a grub worker, cleaning cages and doing the dirty work, which I never minded. I enjoyed making things better for the birds. In just doing that, I developed bonds with them. It wasn’t too long though, before the owner of the store saw this connection and wanted me to try working with the babies. At that point I started hand feeding and taking the babies who fed through the night home with me.  At one point I had over 50 babies at my house, not to mention all the ones at the store as well.   I had a connection with each and every one of them. I started working with the vet and ended up giving shots and helping with all of their other medical needs too, including sitting in and helping with surgeries. I have raised every kind of exotic bird, from parakeets all the way up to a hyacinth macaw (which is the largest of all exotic birds).  In addition, I have raised many from the egg or just one day old up, because the parents refused to take care of them. In a sense I became mama bird to all of the babies.



Raising each bird is unique, depending on the age and species of birds. Some of the main issues involved in raising and caring for baby birds are: making sure they have clean and dry bedding when they are really small and then clean cages when they are bigger; hourly feeding depending on the age; and giving each and everyone the tender loving care that makes an affectionate, loving and gentle bird.  It is also important to make sure they stay clean, with no formula or waste on their skin or feathers.  It’s important to keep an eye out for any changes that there might be in their behavior or health, as this could mean there is something wrong with them which might need to be addressed as soon as possible by a vet. There are many other details but those are the most important ones.

After the babies are finished being hand fed, they get new homes. Sometimes people come into the store and buy them before they are grown enough to leave, so the babies stay around until they are ready for their new homes. Hand feeding is a very precise thing and it could be deadly if done wrong.  When I worked at the bird shop, I would try to make sure each potential owner knew about the behavior of each type of bird, as some are more energetic, others more loving, etc. This way the customer would know what they were committing to. Also I’d make sure they knew the life expectancy for the bird they were interested in, as some live almost 100 years. I wanted them to know it really was a lifetime commitment.  Then I would make sure each potential owner had a connection with the bird they were interested in. If they didn’t have a connection, I tried to direct them to a different bird.  It wouldn’t be a good relationship for the bird or owner if there wasn’t a connection. The main thing was to make sure they were going to be a loving person or family who would take really good care of each and everyone.  Even though raising baby birds can be fun, it is a lot of work and takes a lot of commitment! There are also many abandoned and abused birds in the world who need loving and caring homes too.



Please share with us where you are in life right now — and what your plans for your future are. Do you see that nature study will be a part of your future? How?

Right now I am going to college, trying my hardest to finish as quickly as I can. I am studying occupational therapy. Even though I am not perusing a career in nature, nature will always be a part of who I am as a person. I may no longer work in the bird store, but I still get calls for advice from them, customers, and even breeders. In addition I still have my own birds that I have adopted along the way.


Thank you, Tasha, for sharing about raising exotic birds and of the importance of nature study in the development of a well-rounded individual.  Much success to you as you continue your education.  It is always encouraging to hear from successful homeschooled students.