Saturday, August 16, 2008

Discovering...You Name It

Every Saturday I do a Junior Ranger program. I really should be calling it Junior Naturalist, because these programs have more to do with nature than being a ranger. But they get badges, and the badges say "Junior Ranger", so that's what I call it..for now.

Each week is a new topic. I love the variety. I love studying up on each topic each week. And the kids (for the most part) are just fun to talk to and listen to.

Today's topic was "Discovering Birds." I have some very cheap bins that I give out to the kids, and we talk about bird parts, feathers, colors, songs, etc. Then we head out to see how many birds we can find. Today was not a birdy day. I think the total seen was four. But it didn't matter. These kids just loved the opportunity to get out and explore, and I think the parents had a grand ol' time too. At one point we watched as a Sharp-shinned hawk circled on a thermal while a single, brave little swallow harassed him. We all watched him until he vanished over the ridge top.
We've talked about and searched for snakes...


tracks and scat...


and mountain building...

among many other things.

Not a bad way to spend an hour or so on a Saturday.


4 comments:

Deejbrown said...

Do you need an assistant? I volunteer!

Nicole said...

Looks so fun. You would be the best. I bet the kids totally love you. Way to go.
Ditto

Rachel said...

What a cool thing you do. I need to find out more and come see you with my kids.

nd1361 said...

Each week is a new topic. I love the variety. I love studying up on each topic each week. And the kids (for the most part) are just fun to talk to and listen to.

This is a pic I took about a year ago while taking teching very wel