Bird Feeder
Make a bird feeder and learn interesting facts about favorite feathered friends

Introduction
In the Maya & Miguel episode “Teacher’s Pet,” Paco stops speaking. Maya and Santiago take him to the vet, who tells them that the poor parrot is simply lonely staying at home all day. Maya solves the problem by taking Paco to school with her. But when Paco gives wrong answers in front of the class, accidentally insults kids in the hall and eventually flies off somewhere in the school, Maya has a lot of problems to solve all at once.

In this activity, your child will learn interesting bird facts and will make a homemade birdfeeder. Your child will also be encouraged to share bird facts in English, Spanish or your own native language, and to tell why, or why not, a parrot would be a good choice for a family pet.

Materials:

• bird facts (listed below)
• pinecone
• peanut butter
• birdseed (or small nuts/grain)
• string

Directions: Speaking of birds, let’s learn something about these amazing creatures and then make a bird feeder for your feathered friends!

Interesting Bird Facts

• A bird is a natural flying machine! (It takes off, soars, dives and lands without any help!)
• A bird’s heart beats faster than any other animal. (Feel your heart beat.)
• A bird’s body temperature is higher than people's. (98.6 degrees is normal for humans.)
• All birds have wings, but not all birds fly. (Like the ostrich.)
• Birds lay eggs. (Describe an egg you have seen before.)
• All birds have feathers, beaks, 2 legs, 2 wings and claws on their toes.
• The largest flying bird is the Great Bustard, weighing 32 pounds! (How much do you weigh?)
• Some birds have bones that weigh less than their feathers.
• When old feathers wear out, new feathers grow in…this is called “molting.” (Snakes also molt!)
• We see birds as symbols: Owl for wisdom, Dove for peace and Eagle for freedom!

Make your own bird feeder by tying a string on a pinecone. Cover the cone with peanut butter and roll in seeds, nuts or grain. Hang outside or place on a window-sill and watch your favorite feathered friends fly in to feast!

Talk About It: Ask your child to tell you what facts he/she found most interesting about birds in spoken English, Spanish or your own native language.

Take It Further: So you think you might want a parrot for a pet? Did you know that parrots can live up to 80 years? Encourage your child to use English and Spanish, or your own native language, to read and talk about the facts listed below.

• Parrots are wild animals, not domesticated like most dogs and cats
• Parrots are social, active and need lots of attention
• Parrots bite and chew on most anything, including you!
• Parrots often scream and many don’t talk
• Most parrots aren’t too interested in learning cute tricks
• Some parrots don’t bond with humans
• Parrots are sensitive to household products
• Parrots need a special diet
• Parrot toys, cages, supplies and vet visits can be costly
• Parrots are one of the most popular pets in the United States and Mexico

Now ask your child to tell why or why not a parrot would be a good choice for his/her family pet.

With a Group: Bird Mural
Discover local birds by taking a nature walk in a park, zoo or bird habitat. Take pictures and gather small, light-weight objects like twigs, grass, fallen feathers, acorns, etc. Use pictures, objects and drawings to glue on a 3-6 ft. piece of paper. Help children write interesting facts on mural. Be sure to help children communicate how the birds looked, sounded and interacted with other birds and with your group of humans.