As part of the lead up to the Big School Birdwatch we have been learning about British birds of prey. Understanding how they hunt and what they prey on helps the children to understand these birds. In class we looked at the different types of birds and then what kind of animals they prey on. Understanding why birds that “prey” on insects are not birds of prey, despite eating other living things is quite a tricky concept. Once the children understood what is meant by flesh they had a better idea of how to define birds of prey.
Then we headed outside to see if the children could build shelters to protect the prey. The younger children focused mainly on structure, the older children introduced elements of comfort, more dynamic entrances and perhaps most importantly camouflage. Really grasping the fact that the area of danger comes from above. Whether that be a hovering kestral or a swooping sparrowhawk.
