Jacob Rodenburg - The Big Book of Nature Activities

A book of this sort would never have been possible without the assistance of many people. First and foremost, we wish to extend our sincere thanks to Judy Hyland, whose superb drawings illustrate much of the book. We are also grateful to Heather Watson for permission to use drawings by Doug Sadler, her late father, a well-known Ontario naturalist, writer and educator. Finally, we are fortunate to be able to include drawings by Jean-Paul Efford and Kim Caldwell as well as noted childrens author and illustrator Kady MacDonald Denton.

The accuracy and completeness of this book was greatly enhanced by the following individuals who gave generously of their time to review sections of the manuscript and to share their expertise. Thanks are extended to Ken Abraham, Cathy Beach, Alan Berkowitz, Bob Boekelheide, Gary Burness (Trent University), Glenn Branch, Danielle Brigida (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), Glen Caradus, Terry Carpenter, Kim Dobson, Neil Fortin, Donald Fraser, Gord Harrison, Sandy Johnston, Erica Nol (Trent University), Anne Murray, Sheila Potter, Cathy Rowland and Laura Summerfeldt (Trent University).

While many have been supportive of this work, the responsibility for any errors remains with us. Any such reported to the publisher or us will be rectified in subsequent editions.

Cards for Song Ensemble and Listen for Your Mate

American robin

Cheer-a-lee, cheer-up, cheer-a-lee (happy!) 4:00 AM11:00 AM / 3:00 PM9:00 PM

American bittern

Gulp-a-pump (very deep) 4:00 AM8:00 AM / 8:00 PM10:00 PM

Red-winged blackbird

Konk-er-ee (tinny) 6:00 AM10:00 AM / 7:00 PM9:00 PM

Common yellowthroat

Witchity-witchity-witchity-witch (rolling) 4:00 AM8:00 AM / 6:00 PM\8:00 PM

Mourning dove

Theres nothingd o (slow, deep) 6:00 AM12:00 AM / 2:00 PM\5:00 PM

White-breasted nuthatch

Wee-wee-wee-wee-wee-wee (nasal, 1 pitch) 6:00 AM10:00 AM / 4:00 PM\7:00 PM

Yellow warbler

Sweet-sweet-sweet-Im so so sweet (fast) 5:00 AM9:00 AM / 6:00 PM\8:00 PM

Song sparrow

Maids-maids-maids-put-on-your- tea-kettle-ettle-ettle 5:00 AM9:00 AM / 3:00 PM\6:00 PM

Black-capped chickadee

Hi Sweetie or Fee-bee-bee 5:00 AM9:00 AM / 7:00 PM\9:00 PM

Hermit thrush

Veer-veer-veer-veer (change pitch each time) 5:00 AM9:00 AM / 8:00 PM\10:00 PM

American goldfinch

Pa-chip-chip-chip per-chick-a-ree (bright) 6:00 AM10:00 AM / 2:00 PM\5:00 PM

Great horned owl

Whos awake? Me too (deep) 4:00 AM5:00 AM / 10:00 PM (continues)

Leaf Adaptations Scavenger Hunt

A leaf from the tallest tree in the area (take from the ground)

Two different species of leaves that both end in a point

Two different leaves with tiny teeth around the edge

Two different leaves with big teeth around the edges

Two different leaves with smooth edges

Two different leaves with wavy edges

Two different compound leaves with small leaflets

Two different simple leaves that are very large

Two different brown leaves lying on the ground

Two different leaves with a strong smell when you rub them

A leaf with tiny thorns like a thistle

Two different evergreen leaves (or needles)

Two different leaves that are dark green

Two different leaves that are light green