Choose Learning Type ▼

Create a Bird Resting Spot

Activity

How Can We Help Migrating Birds Recover and Continue Their Journey?

Collect natural materials like twigs, leaves, grass, or pinecones—what could you use to create a resting spot for tired migrating birds? Could you build a small birdhouse or perch or craft a simple bird feeder using natural materials? Once your habitat is complete, imagine how it might help birds recover and continue their journey. What kinds of birds do you think might stop by?

Science Seed

Many migratory birds pass through Pharr, TX, along the Central Flyway, traveling between their breeding grounds in the northern United States or Canada and their wintering habitats in Central or South America. Migrating birds fly from the Yucatan Penninsula in Mexico across 600 miles of open ocean to reach the Texas coast! This is one of the most important bird migration routes in North America and has become known as The World Birding Center, which includes nine parks and preserves in the Rio Grande Valley. People visit the area from all over the world to watch birds! Birds like warblers, orioles, and hummingbirds rely on the Rio Grande Valley as a crucial stop to rest, eat, and refuel during their long journey. This region provides food like insects, fruit, and nectar, along with dense vegetation to shelter birds from predators and harsh weather. Without these vital rest stops, birds might struggle to survive the journey. By building a habitat, you’re helping these incredible travelers reach their destinations safely!

move to the next activity

earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Geraldine Palmer Elementary

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

This project was made possible by HEB.