Peaks Island Elementary School Bird Class

Karen Peterson and Ms. Nicola Donatelli organized a special bird course for the Peaks Island Elementary School. They included Michelle Brown as their advisor and helper.

Ms. Nicola Donatelle’s Statement:

Grade 4/5 students at the Peaks Island Elementary School are studying about the birds of Peaks Island. The research will include ecology, resident bird populations, and migratory birds as well as how to identify birds by sight and by sound. On May 20th, students were awake with the birds and were led on an "early bird" field trip tour at Battery Steele by Peaks Island resident and birder, Michelle Brown.

Birds were observed in the marsh, over the ocean, and in the forest near Battery Steele:

New PI Birders overlooking Battery Steele Marsh

New PI Birders Overlooking the Ocean

New PI Birders Overlooking Battery Steel Forest Photos © Nicola Donatelli

Peaks Island Elementary School bird list with species habitats:

Marine Species

Common Loon

Common Eider

Double-crested Cormorant (Mostly this species was seen flying over the ocean.)

Herring Gull

Marsh Species

Tree Swallow

Red-winged Blackbird

Forest Species

Northern Cardinal

Black-capped Chickadee

Yellow Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Common Grackle

Pileated Woodpecker (We did not see the bird but we saw 'signs' of it: big dug-out area on a dead-standing tree was observed.)

Northern Flicker (Although a forest bird - we heard it calling around Battery Steele.)

Gray Catbird

White-throated Sparrow

Freshwater Species

Great Blue Heron

Black Ducks (We saw them flying overhead.)

All Habitats

Common Raven (A generalized species - it is seen in many different places.)

Final Comments:

Michelle had a great time with the students on the bird walk and found that many of them had a great eye for birds, already knew many of the bird names, and learned quickly.

Congratulations new birders from Peaks Island Elementary School on finding so many great bird species on your first field trip. We look forward to learn about more of your adventures this summer.

Compiled by: Patty Wainright