Birders Take Flight! Wiscasset Elementary Students Explore Maine's Native Birds
- JIM MOULTON
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
Fourth-grade students at Wiscasset Elementary School are learning to become young naturalists and gaining insight into Maine's native wildlife.
A new grant from the Maine Environmental Education Association is providing the students in Kaden Pendleton's class with binoculars, nautical charts, and Birds of Maine field guides, allowing them to head out to the banks of the Sheepscot River and participate in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. Participants in the Count document local bird populations and contribute to conservation efforts.
"Watching the students discover and identify birds through their binoculars has been incredible," says Mr. Pendleton. "The MEEA grant has transformed our ability to study Maine's native species up close and in their natural habitat."
The project extends beyond basic bird identification. Students are also incorporating nautical charts into their studies, particularly during their ongoing puffin project. This interdisciplinary approach combines biology, geography, and environmental science, helping students understand the complex ecosystems that support Maine's diverse bird populations. And by comparing their real-world sightings with the detailed information in their guides, students are developing critical observation and research skills while building a deeper connection to their local environment.
Through initiatives like this, supported by MEEA's grant program, a new generation of environmental stewards is taking shape along the banks of the Sheepscot River. As these young birders continue their observations and studies, they're not just learning about native bird species – they're becoming active participants in wildlife conservation and environmental science.
