Heron Adaptations

Show the kids a picture of a great blue heron, and ask them if they have ever seen one of these long-legged birds around water. Show them the skull and legs from the wildlife box, pointing out the pointy beak with rough edges for catching slippery fish and frogs, and the rough feet with splayed toes to walking on mud.

Get a volunteer to help demonstrate how well adapted the heron is for life in the wetlands. Begin to dress them with the articles in the bag:

  • A ticket to Florida in case the waterways here freeze, they will have to migrate a little farther south (of course they will fly themselves)
  • A compass and a map, so they know which way. (Somehow, they just know ... )
  • A pair of binoculars because they need to see into the water, and for distance flying. (they have very good vision)
  • A pair of leg warmers, because herons have extra good circulation in their long legs. Just tie these around the kid's legs)
  • A fishing pole to catch food (herons only have a beak)
  • A pair of wooden tongs, with sandpaper on the inside edges (for a beak)
  • An insulated cup for a crop to store food later, or for regurgitating to their babies.
  • A down jacket to keep warm (herons really do have down)
  • A blue poncho in case it rains (they have an oil gland, which they use to put oil on their feathers.)
  • Grippers on their feet to stay up on top of the mud.
  • A Cloud Apron to fool the fish when they are stalking above them. (Real herons do have white feathers on their breasts, which may be camouflage for hunting.)

Now that's Good Adapting! Thank your volunteer and move on to the other artifacts and tracks in the wildlife box.

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Last modified 9/22/06 1:08 PM by menichol (history)
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