We started another big day at Seabird Camp with a presentation on “Seabird Capture: How and Why. “ Some of the students, including Chauncey and Ethan, were eager to tell the class about their own experiences working with scientists to capture seabirds. All of the kids enjoyed seeing pictures of themselves and their friends from past seabird camps.
Next was our big “Seabird Scientist Extravaganza!” Groups rotated through 6 seabird science stations. At each stop they learned more details about being a seabird biologist and recorded scientific information on data sheets. Campers caught bird stuffies with a noose pole and learned how to take a variety of anatomical measurements.
Ram gave a dramatic reading of our two finished scripts. We hope the whole island will be talking about “The Foxinator” and “The Outsmarted Hunters ” after our Saturday performances.
The next step was to cast the plays. We drew names out of a hat to fill the parts. We also had to figure out which mask fit which kid! The random processed worked quite well and we have a great cast!
The whole group headed up to the Rec Hall for our first rehearsal. At rehearsal, two things became clear: 1) We have some work to do, and 2) We can to it!
Veronica and Misty showed up well before the evening session to prepare for dissection of both Least Auklet and Red-legged Kittiwake. Veronica led 20 kids through dissecting their birds while including lots of fascinating information about bird anatomy and physiology. First, the kids took feather samples for Veronica’s contaminants research. Next, campers removed Red-legged Kittiwake breast meat for traditional cooking. Next, we looked at a variety of internal organs, including heart, liver and lungs, and learned the differences between these organs in birds and people. Even teacher Tonia learned a thing or two!
Painters and crafters stayed late working on props and painting. A few of the masks were actually completed! They are ready to go for today’s dress rehearsal.
