Flying with the Birds of Chebeague Island

Mrs. Hoidal, a teacher in Chebeague Island,engages her students in migratory bird studies by having them take flight! Together, they produced a video of common birds found on the island year-round. In another video, the Pre-K – 2nd grade students displayed 15 different migratory birds that can be found in Chebeague. Each student learned the calls and natural history of their birds and made nests and bird sculptures to represent the bird. For the video, they crafted their own costumes made out of paper mâché beaks, paper feathers, and other items to become their bird.

Students then shared the videos they created with the community, including to the assisted living home, the Ladies Aid, the local Audubon Society, and the other grades in their elementary school. These videos have garnered thousands of views and turned many in their community into avid bird watchers and enthusiasts.