Blue Jays are favorite feeder visitors among the 7th grade biology students at Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Clifton, New Jersey.

Stephanie Morales and her 7th grade biology students at Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Clifton, New Jersey, have been attracting and observing birds for five years, which has really expanded their perspectives on the natural world. This is the first year they’ve become involved with FeederWatch, and now they are this season’s BirdSpotter contest winners, which celebrates teachers and student birders.

Their biology classroom faces the courtyard of the school, and they have three window feeders stocked with mixed seeds to attract birds. Stephanie explained, “We usually see sparrows, Blue Jays, Mourning Doves, and cardinals. Occasionally, there is a hawk in the tree ... and no songbirds. The students like Blue Jays, who announce their visit!”

Morales brings Project FeederWatch into her biology class too. She says the project is an extension of her classes that connects students to the outdoors. When learning about predator-prey dynamics, sexual dimorphism (the distinct difference in appearance or size between different sexes, such as male and female cardinals), and other relationships, the birds serve as great real-life examples.

When asked if she had any tips for other teachers about how to get their students excited about birds, Stephanie’s advice was concise: “Be aware that we are surrounded by wildlife! Explore! Observe!”

Thanks to Stephanie Morales, her students, and all the schools who are participating in the Project FeederWatch contest! Winning teachers who use FeederWatch as a way to engage students with hands-on science receive prizes from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and a gift card from the project sponsor, Wild Birds Unlimited. Visit the BirdSpotter homepage for more information at https://feederwatch.org/blog/feederwatch-in-the-classroom-middle-school-menagerie/