first field trip of the year!

Today Kristy & I went with a bunch of fourth graders-

on their first field trip of the year.

We went to the fabulous Farmington Bay Bird Refuge right next to the Great Salt Lake.

It was a beautiful day full of fabulous birds -- I was so excited to take my new camera!! I got a lot of great pictures, but it wasn't until I got back that I realized I didn't get any pictures of the birds ...?

The center equipped all of the kids with their own pair of binoculars. They got to view Shoreline birds in their natural habitat. As the kids exited the bus they were told to be very, very quiet, and not to make any sudden moves as not to upset the birds... they did it- very impressive!

There are Great Blue Herons, Eagles, Pelicans, ducks... all kinds of birds who migrate in & out of this beautiful bird refuge throughout the year.

this is the view back towards our town.

We were lucky to get to walk across the empty flats (they are in the process of building a walkway, then will let the water come back) over to see a frog burrowed in the mud, a muskrat scull, alkaline soil, some pickle weed- crazy fun times!

The lady who gave the tour was very knowledgeable, but did not like talkers... at all. In fact she stopped more than once to tell not ask the adults in the back to stop talking & listen!

I of course have excellent listening skills.

I rarely have a word to say & I am quiet as a mouse,

so there fore she didn't scold me... way maybe once.

This teacher below was fascinating - she was so great at keeping the kids & adult's attention.

She taught us all about interesting things like how birds migrate & adapt to their environments. She had us in this classroom for at least 30 minutes & not one kid stirred.

well, trent did - a little.

I can't believe I have lived near here for 13 years & haven't made it out to this place! I am planning on taking Brett here soon. He is a true bird lover & we have counted over 9 species of birds in our backyard. We have different feeders & enjoy them all year. I even bought him a subscription to Birds & Blooms last year for Christmas!

The best part of this field trip?

There wasn't enough room on the bus for parents... we had to drive separate- YES!

sorry, but a whole bus full of kids = a pulsating headache for hours to come.

Still- I love field trips & think it's great for kids, teachers & parents to get out in nature.