This resource details the different species of birds that kids (and adults) can see in Oregon, along with images of each bird and tips for spotting them.
You can view them individually by clicking on the image or try the list view to see the summary of each on the same page.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This resource is a great place for students to learn about the different species of birds that live in Oregon.
Students will enjoy the pictures, succinct information, and fun facts that are included about each bird.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should be comfortable reading non-fiction text.
Younger students should be able to listen to and follow non-fiction texts being read.
Differentiation
Cross-curricular connections can be made in social studies classes that are learning about different parts of the world and their ecosystems or in art classes using wildlife as inspiration for art projects.
For younger students, this resource would make for an interesting and engaging read-aloud.
Older students may enjoy choosing their favorite bird to become an "expert" on, sharing what they have learned with their classmates. Have them focus on the environmental features that may change due to climate change in their presentation.
For students in or around Oregon, this resource would make an excellent guide for a bird watching outdoor activity in the school's playground or nearby park.
As an extension, consider having students create a poster about a bird they learned about to educate their community about birds.
Scientist Notes
This resource from Portland Audubon is a pictorial guide to birds commonly seen in Oregon, from common birds seen in the backyard to majestic birds of prey. Each picture links students to a page that lists physical descriptions, behavior, habitat, and fun facts about that species. Links to recordings of some bird’s songs or calls are included, which is a good way to help students learn to use their ears and not just eyes while birding. This resource features stunning photographs and detailed information about each bird species that students are likely to see in Oregon. This resource gives students a great tool to help get them started bird watching and is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
LS3: Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits
3-LS3-2 Use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be influenced by the environment.
LS4: Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
3-LS4-3 Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Reading: Informational Text (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.4 Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 3 topic or subject area.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.10 By the end of the year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, at the high end of the grades 2-3 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
