Choose Learning Type ▼

Flyway Watch

Activity

Observe Birds Passing Through the Central Flyway

Look up! You are right under one of the most important bird highways in the world, the Central Flyway. Go outside during spring or fall migration and look for birds that seem like they are just passing through. Can you spot a hummingbird zipping by? A hawk circling high above? A bright warbler in the trees? Make a quick tally of how many birds you see in 5 minutes and imagine where they might be coming from.

Science Seed

Perez Elementary sits along the Central Flyway, a major migration route for birds traveling between North, Central, and South America. During spring and fall, thousands of birds pass through this area on their way to nest or spend the winter. Some, like ruby-throated hummingbirds, fly across the Gulf of Mexico in a single night! Others, like scissor-tailed flycatchers, stop to rest and feed before continuing north. Onion Creek and nearby green spaces offer food, water, and shelter that these birds rely on during their long journey. Watching migratory birds here connects you to ecosystems across the entire continent.

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 Perez Elementary School

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.

Perez Elementary School is named in honor of Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Perez, who gave his life in service to his country. Perez is a supportive learning community with a focus on service. At Perez, we believe effort creates ability and all students will learn at high standards if they are given clear expectations, taught using best practices adapted to their unique needs and provided extra time and resources as needed. Perez students have numerous opportunities to serve their school, community and environment. They receive powerful instruction in the core curriculum areas, as well as in technology, art, music, physical education, and health.

This project was made possible by The Powell Foundation.