56 NEBRASKAland • NOVEMBER 2017
Winter "Kid-approved" Wildlife Crafts
A to-do list when the weather outside becomes frigid.
By Allie Claypool, Outdoor Education Assistant
Y
ou have probably noticed the
weather outside is becoming a
bit more frosty. The critters of
Nebraska feel this change more
than we do. You may have
observed an abundance of birds flying
in the sky or that the neighborhood
squirrels look extra plump this time of
year.
With the cold comes snow and with
snow comes snow days, which leave
you and your family trapped inside.
Well, you're in luck, because the
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
has a few fun ideas you can try with
your family when staying home is the
best option.
Homemade Bird Feeders
This is an easy craft you can make
using what you already have around
your house. This activity doesn't have
to be something you overthink. Let
your creativity come out.
What you could use:
•
Ribbon, old shoe laces, or pipe
cleaners.
•
Bird seed. Do not use whole
grains of rice.
•
Gelatin or peanut butter.
•
Pine cones, cookie cutters,
hollowed out orange peels, plastic
pop bottles, or anything you can find
around your house to help keep the
seed contained.
Once you have completed your bird
feeders, find a good place outside to
hang them. It is best if you can hang it
near a window so you can encourage
your kids to watch for bird visitors.
Make a Bird Journal
Add to the fun by creating
a bird journal with your kids.
Encourage them to draw the
birds they see on a journal
page. All you'll need for
this is construction paper,
printer paper, and markers
or crayons. I recommend
buying or borrowing the book Birds of
Nebraska Field Guide by Stan Tekiela
to help your kids learn
more about what birds
they might see.
Create a Hibernation Fort
Make a fun activity by creating a
pillow and blanket fort with your kids
while teaching them about animals
who hibernate to survive the cold
winter. Hibernation is defined as a state
of inactivity when an animal's body
temperature lowers, their breathing
becomes slower, and their heart rate
and metabolism also slow down.
Some Nebraska animals that hibernate
include striped skunks, prairie dogs
and bats. ■
