The Birds of Vermont Museum is a delightful
place where students can learn about the birds which make
up such a colorful and interesting part of our natural environment.
Our collection of biologically accurate woodcarvings offers
a unique opportunity to observe birds that will not fly away!
Each of more than 120 free standing displays includes a male
and female pair, their nest and eggs, and vegetation typical
of their habitat. There is also an exhibit on North American
Endangered and Extinct Species, a Wetland Diorama of birds
that can be found on Lake Champlain, and a collection of information
about native butterflies.
General
Information (continued)
When the students arrive they start
by watching an 8-minute video that gives the students background
information regarding the museum, and introduces them to the
founder and carver, Bob Spear.
After the video, students travel
through the Museum using age-appropriate scavenger hunts.
The scavenger hunts focus on topics such as bird identification,
migration, adaptations, and nesting habitat. All scavenger
hunts have been designed to coincide with Vermont's Grade
Expectations.
In 2007
the Museum is partnering with Audubon Vermont to create
an indoor / outdoor experience for your students. For more
information please view All About Birds (PDF
3.1MB) -13 minutes
dial-up, 2 minutes DSL, 32 seconds cable
After Touring the Museum
We have 100 acres and trails throughout
the property. Students may want to practice their newfound
bird identification skills or just to enjoy the outdoors.
We are 1 mile up Sherman Hollow Road
past the Audubon Vermont who also offers school programs.
Scheduling a Visit
It's easy! Call the Museum at 434-2167
or email museum@bridsofvermont.org.
Our program generally last 1 1 /2 hours and can be combined
with a visit to Audubon Vermont. Students can also have lunch
at our picnic tables, or take a walk on the Museum grounds.
Study Topics
Adaptations
Birds are a special type of being - although
other creatures can fly; only birds have feathers. Birds have
many special adaptations for flight and for fitting into many
ecological niches. It would be impossible for a hummingbird
to gobble up a mouse. And it would be just as impossible for
a hawk to slurp up some nectar from a flower. Using biologically
accurate carvings discover how the structure of a bird's body
and its behavior adapt it beautifully to its niche in the
environment
Bird Identification
By studying the bird carvings or
looking at live birds at our bird feeders, students can practice
identifications skills. Novice birders can look for differences
in size, color, and habitat, and advanced birders can look
for ID marks such as eye rings and wing bars. MIGRATION: Migration
is when birds travel, often great distances, to utilize a
variety of resources. Using the carvings and the corresponding
range maps students can learn where Vermont's summer birds
go in the winter and where the winter birds spend their summers.
Nesting
Birds build their nests in all kinds
of places. Some nest high in trees while others nest on the
ground. Birds also use a variety of nesting materials to build
their nests, including sticks, mud, stones, grass, spider
webs, and even snake skins. See how many different nesting
styles reflect birds' ingenuity at using the materials provided
by their environment for protection of their young.
Habitat
Some birds prefer conifers, some open
meadows and others Lake Champlain. By studying the bird's
preferred nesting habitat, students can see the different
types of habitats needed to sustain our population of birds.
This introduces students to other topics such as the need
for habitat diversity, and the importance of land protection
in Vermont.
