Wings Over Arkansas

We have become enthusiastic bird watchers in first grade this year.  We have a bird feeder right outside our classroom window and have been excited to identify 12 different bird species at the feeder so far.  Bird watching teaches children skills of observation, sorting, and classification.  It also teaches an appreciation of nature and encourages children to be good stewards of God’s creation.  I would like to suggest that you make bird watching a family activity by participating in the “Wings Over Arkansas” program from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.  I’m sending home a packet with all the information that you need to get started.

How to Participate

·         Record each species you identify on the official Wings Over Arkansas Application Checklist. You may photocopy the checklist.

·         Mail application and bird records to Wings Over Arkansas Coordinator, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, 2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205. 

·         Allow six weeks for delivery of certificate and pin.

Official Rules

·    All bird listings must include species name, date and location of sighting.

• All birds listed must be in Arkansas when identified.
• All birds listed must be alive, wild and unrestrained when observed.   
• All birds listed must be identified by the person submitting the application.
• Retroactive bird lists are acceptable.

Children who identify 25 species will receive a Carolina Chickadee pin. You can start by listing the 12 species that we have seen at school.  I’m sure that every first grader can at least earn the Caroline Chickadee pin.  Keep me posted about your child’s level of achievement so that we can recognize their efforts during chapel announcements.

Happy Birding!