Robins, Blue Jays, Rooks and Children

For several years, we've had a bird's nest on the wreath on our front door, in front of a window, so we can watch the birds as they hatch and grow.

Now we have two nests, so have more of a Bird Condo on the wreath. It's been amazing this year to watch, first the baby robins, and then, the baby blue jays, on the two nests.

We were privileged to actually see the mother bird demonstrate flying, and then nudge her last baby off the nest -- on Mother's Day, no less!

And, the blue jays look like they're ready to go now, too.

In addition, the Economist's May 30-June 5 issue has an article (page 83) on rooks, which are birds. It seems that rooks in the wild, who are not "working together", lack an adaptive skill, but rooks in the lab, who are "working with other rooks" learn to adapt nearby items as tools, to obtain food. http://www.economist.com/science/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13726746

So, even rooks learn more by working together, being adaptive and innovative.

All this bird viewing and info made me realize how quickly children (and birds!) learn, grow and fly away.

So, the time we spend learning together seems even more valuable...if baby rooks can do it, so can we!

(For more info on summer learning resources and tools, please visit the Useful Links section of our web site, www.ChineseLanguageSchool.org )