Bonkers for Birds

The Bonkers for Birds program introduces the concept of biodiversity to 4th and 5th grade students in the St. Louis Metro area. This concept is critical in understanding the natural world and how each species has a unique niche in the ecosystem. Many students are familiar with biodiversity, but rarely have the opportunity to put it into local context. This program reinforces the idea that biodiversity is in your own backyard.

Park rangers from the National Great Rivers Museum visit classrooms to teach Birding 101. Students learn about specializations, bird identification, and the Mississippi Flyway.

Each class is assigned a local, native bird species to research and draw. Students are encouraged to use a variety of field guides and other resources during their research efforts and to get outside to see their bird species in the wild. The contest introduces students to bird watching and aspects of scientific research. Students discover information regarding their species, including, but not limited to, behavior, range, migration pattern, and physical features.

The Bonkers for Birds Art Contest challenges students to see individual species, such as the White-breasted Nuthatch and Eastern Meadowlark, instead of “birds.” The hope is to inspire children to appreciate the diversity and value of the nature that surrounds them and encourage them to become ecologically responsible earth citizens who will share the planet with their feathered friends.