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Feather Finder

Activity

Exploring Bird Adaptations

Find a feather and examine it closely. Take note of its shape, color, and texture. Can you guess which type of bird it came from? Consider how the feather’s structure might reveal information about the bird’s flying adaptations. For example, is it long and slender for speed, or short and wide for stability? *Remember to always return the feather to where you found it and wash your hands after handling*

Science Seed

A bird’s feather structure can tell us a lot about how it flies and survives. For example, long, narrow feathers help birds like falcons or swallows fly fast, while short, wider feathers help birds like ducks or geese stay steady in flight, especially over water. Feathers also help birds stay warm, dry, and even communicate, like the colorful feathers of a red-shouldered hawk. By closely examining a feather, you can learn how it helps the bird survive in places like Memorial Park, whether it’s for fast hunting, stable flight, or protection from the elements.

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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 the Memorial Park Conservancy

The mission of Memorial Park Conservancy is to preserve, restore, and enhance Memorial Park for the enjoyment of all Houstonians, today and tomorrow.

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