This term, the Year 3s adapted their Humanities unit while learning online. Our focus was to complete a study on why people participate within communities and how they can actively participate and contribute.

We chose to investigate birds in our own backyard urban habitats by researching the features needed for survival. The girls enjoyed exploring the role that they could play in the development and character of the local community by taking part in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, as well as studying the peregrine falcons in the city.

We have also been extremely fortunate to have our own real-life bird show outside the 3S classroom window, where a family of Tawny Frogmouths have nested and had a chick of their own!

The girls are now busily designing their own ideal urban habitat which may hopefully lead to improved spaces for even more of our local bird species.

Year 3 HASS Investigation
By Nina Calvert and Aimee Davenport

This year we have been watching and studying birds as part of our HASS unit. We have been learning how to be ornithologists and taking part in a citizen science project, making contributions to our community.

We completed the Australian Backyard Bird Count (ABBC). We also have a couple of Tawny Frogmouths outside our window that we love looking at every now and then to see if they are awake or have moved.

In class, we have also looked at the peregrine falcon on 367 Collins Street and the little chicks have grown so fast and are so cute! Lastly, we have been researching, designing and making an ideal urban habitat for birds with Ms Schilte and Ms Stride. We love helping the birds and improving their habitat.

Peregrine Falcons
By Lucy Venema

Over the last couple of months, Year 3S have been studying the Peregrine Falcons. They are endangered and nest on a tall building in the city. This year, they laid four eggs on the 22, 24, 27 and 30 of August. This is more eggs than normal!

Four chicks hatched, three on the 30 September and one on the 2 of October.

On the live stream, we have watched them eat and grow and move around a lot. They are now developing their adult feathers and are getting ready to fly. They are so big now! I have loved watching them grow up and can’t wait to see them take flight!

Aussie Backyard Bird Count
By Isabelle Reichman

As part of their HASS classes, the Year 3 girls have participated in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count. It is run by Birdlife Australia and participants can take part in late October. This year all participants have counted over five million birds.

So, how do you take part in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count?

Well, first participants download an app called BirdCount. Then you register your details and location and then you can begin with a time limit of 20 minutes.

Why should I participate in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count?

Scientists use this information to see which species of birds are increasing and which ones are decreasing. This gives them information on what birds are endangered or becoming extinct. Also, it’s a lot of fun!

What happens if I don’t know the species names of the birds I see?

If you don’t know the names of the birds you see, then you can search for a bird via shape, colour and size. If you still cannot find the name of the birds you see, you can include them later when you have done more research. For example, there was once a bird in a tree that was very colourful and I didn’t know the name of it. I knew it was a parrot but didn’t know which one. So, I did some research and found that it was an Eastern Rosella and included it later.

What are some of the birds that Year 3 saw?

I saw Galahs, Wattlebirds, Australian Magpies, Rainbow Lorikeets, Spotted Doves, Rock Doves, Crest Pigeons, Eastern Rosellas, Welcome Swallows, Little Ravens, Noisy Minors and Common Mynas. Zoe was lucky enough to see Tawny Frogmouths as she was at School. Some other birds that the Year 3 girls and teachers have seen are Superb Fairywrens, Sulphur Crested Cockatoos and many more.

Did you enjoy reading this report on the Aussie Backyard Bird Count? If so, I hope you can join us next year to find some more wonderful birds.