Go “Birding”

Birds are an important part of our ecosystem. Some eat insects and worms, which helps keep those creatures from taking over our yards. Others eat fruits and distribute the seeds of those fruits in their droppings, effectively “planting” new bushes and trees when they do.

Head outside and observe some birds that make their homes in Illinois.

The Experiment

Supplies: None, just your eyes.


What to do: Observe each of the following:

A member of the Thrush family (The most common one is gray with a reddish-orange breast, relishes earthworms, and goes by the scientific name of Turdus migratorius.)
What species of bird did you see? _________________________

A member of the Jay family (The most common one is blue and white with black markings, is known for its noisy calls that mimic other birds, and goes by the scientific name of Cyanocitta cristata.)
What species of bird did you see? _________________________

A member of the Finch family (The most common one is black and yellow with white markings, loves thistles and milkweed, and goes by the scientific name of Spinus tristis.)
What species of bird did you see? _________________________

Links

To find out more about bird species you see when you are out in your yard or out on a hike, visit All About Birds from The Cornell Lab at Cornell University.

Official Illinois Nature Species

Each state has its own state nature symbols – plants and animals that are native to that state. Some of these symbolic plants and animals are easy to find. Finding others might require a trip to a special location, like a botanical garden or a zoo. Do you know what plants and animals are symbolic to Illinois?

The Experiment


Supplies: None. Just your eyes, and perhaps a web search.


What to do: Identify (and observe, if possible) the following:


Amphibian _________________________
Animal _________________________
Bird _________________________
Fish _________________________
Flower _________________________
Grass _________________________
Insect _________________________
Mineral _________________________
Reptile _________________________
Tree _________________________

Did you know Illinois had so many state symbols? Were you able to see all of these in person? If not, which ones are you still missing?

Links

For more information about the state symbols of Illinois, check out the State Symbols web page on the Illinois.gov website.