by Janet Gremli

On Sunday, December 7, 2014, the Young Naturalist Club of the Great South Bay Audubon Society met at Brookside County Park for a fun time with Nature. The children gathered around the large meeting table to create pine cone bird feeders. Charter member Vanessa Roe assisted in demonstrating how the feeders are assembled. Vanessa chose a pinecone and with her sleeves rolled to her elbows, she filled her hands with the “special mixture” and began coating the pinecone. Vanessa deftly rolled the suet covered pinecone in a mixture of black-oiled sun flower seeds, cranberries, cracked corn, Nyjer and thistle. A piece of twine was fastened to the seed-studded pinecone. The finished product was now ready for hanging outside. The other children joined in the fun and the pine cone feeder frenzy began!

Observing the talents of YNC member Toussaint, Jaelynn, one of the youngest attendees,was quick to learn the craft and soon had three feeders fully assembled. Friends Vanessa, Victoria, Josie and Lulianna giggled and chatted while making over a dozen of the pinecone feeders. Siblings Gabby, Victoria and Jojo were cheered on by younger brother Anthony as they worked together on their pine cone feeders. With all of the children “up to their elbows” in suet and seeds, the project was completed.

Our group headed outdoors eager to enjoy the bright sunshine and to see what birds we could find. Volunteer Helga Merryman quickly located white-breasted nuthatches and black-capped chickadees playfully darting among the branches of a nearby oak. The children watched and listened as Helga described the characteristics and features that help to identify each species.

The children then assisted volunteer Lois Goelz as she had them place seed into the several bird feeders in the park. Lois taught the children about which seeds were appropriate for which feeders and what types of birds would be attracted to the seeds. The children gathered enthusiastically, as this is a favorite activity. The older children readily assisted the younger children with pouring the seed into the mesh feeders, taking care not to spill the seed. It didn’t take long for the goldfinches, hairy woodpeckers, chickadees and nuthatches to begin feeding on their favorite seeds. The children were able to observe the lesson they had just learned.

The children ended their day with a hike along the trails, collecting litter and engaging with Nature.

Special thanks to Juliane for preparing the “special mixture.”

Click to enlarge photos – Photos Courtesy of Janet Gremli