COUNTING PIGEONS WITH GROUPS

To simplify counting when you have a large group, assign participants different tasks. For example,

• One person or small group can count the whole flock while others count each of the color morphs, or record the colors of courting pairs. Have one Tally Sheet on which someone records the data for the whole group. Be sure to submit only one Data Form for each Site on each day that you count.

or

• Make a separate Tally Sheet for each color morph. Give one to each person or small group and have them count only the color morph(s) assigned to them. Assign another person or small group to count the entire group. Have another person or small group record the courting pigeons. Compile the data after returning to your meeting place and submit only one Data Form for each Site where you counted on one day.

ACTIVITIES FOR GROUPS

• Read to kids from the pigeon stories in the Reference Guide (for example, Cher Ami) or from the Internet or other sources.
• Cut the "cool facts" (Reference Guide or click here) into strips and put them into a hat--have participants draw and read the facts to the group; use this also as a vocabulary or language exercise by using the English and Spanish together on the strips.
  
• Make loads of copies of the coloring page; provide other art projects.
  
• Develop lessons using the 'Pigeon Parts' bird anatomy page: discuss how birds fly, hand out unlabelled copies to identify.
  
• Play "Pin the `bars on the pigeon" by enlarging the pigeon in the 'Pigeon Parts' of Reference Guide.
  
• Review and discuss your data. Click here for help with understanding PigeonWatch data.
  
• Conduct a scavenger hunt for pigeon/science learning.
  
• Encourage kids to use Project PigeonWatch for science fairs at their schools.
  
• Connect with local teachers and encourage them to collaborate with your group.
  
• Develop "Pigeon Pals" If you would like your participants to share their ideas and information with another PigeonWatch group, contact PigeonWatch and we will try to find you a Pigeon Pal group.

CONDUCTING PIGEONWATCH WORKSHOPS

• Find pigeons first: Group leaders have been amazed at how hard it is to find pigeons at locations where they were guaranteed to be there. Be sure to identify a flock before the workshop.
  
• Anyone can be an expert: The simplicity of conducting PigeonWatch helps participants, particularly teens and adults, feel empowered to be experts.
  
• Put up bird feeders: Window feeders that attach directly to the window or feeders hung close to a window will bring birds close enough to identify easily. If possible, provide a pair of binoculars near the window for use by your participants. You also may want to have a journal where participants can record what birds they watch at the feeders.
  
• Make a "birding kit": Consider including some of these in a birding kit:
  
  • disposable cameras
    
  • binoculars (small plastic children¿s models are inexpensive)
    
  • books about birds (eyewitness series, field guides, and so forth)
    
  • clip boards and pencils or pens (include your logo)
    
  • other science activities/materials
    
  • use materials to produce games, for example, pigeon bingo or flash cards

GETTING FAMILIES INVOLVED
Strategies for recruiting parents and children

• Provide incentives such as food or birding kits.
  
• Encourage children to invite their parents or mentors to attend informational meetings.
  
• Hand out materials to children to take home to their families.
  
• Show the short introductory video at meetings of other groups or during other group activities at museums, science centers, and youth agencies.
  
• Announce the project in newsletters for agencies such as Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Scouts, Girls Incorporated, and YM/WCA.
  
• Place announcements in youth columns in local newspapers.
  
• Use personal phone calls to invite parents or mentors and children.
  
• Write letters to families to invite their participation.
  
• Promote past or current participants to recruit new ones. Children often recruit other children by talking about their excitement with the project.

USING LOCAL CONTACTS TO BENEFIT YOUR PARTICIPANTS

Many groups have worked together with local institutions or organizations to help broaden their participants¿ experiences. For example:

• Natural history and science museums often have displays about birds or archives of bird specimens that you can tour. Museums may also consider giving discounted memberships to your participants.
  
• Bird/raptor rehabilitators and zoos give regular programs about birds or may allow you to tour their facilities. Some of these organizations also allow you to adopt or sponsor an animal or work behind the scenes.
  
• Local bird clubs and Audubon societies may have members who are interested in presenting programs or leading your group on a bird walk. Or, you might offer to have your group do a presentation for one of their meetings.
  
• Art museums occasionally have exhibits on nature or bird art and programs about nature photography or drawing.
  
• Public libraries may have rare or unusual collections of bird art or bird identification guides.
  
• The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has citizen-science ambassadors in many regions who may be available to give a presentation on Project FeederWatch or other Lab projects.
  
• Hardware and feed stores, local corporations, and local foundations have, in many cases, contributed things from birdseed to binoculars or even cash to support these kinds of educational projects.
  
• News releases sent to local newspapers and news programs have been very successful for highlighting groups¿ activities. Contact us if you would like a sample press release. (Please send us a copy of any news items that describe your PigeonWatch activities.)