Discovery Group: Nests and A Nature Hike at Jester Park

Gessmann, Tupy and Huffey kids

Our homeschool community in Des Moines has so much going on from week to week that it is often a problem being over scheduled at times.  We love trying new activities and new groups, meeting new people and exploring different and interesting places, so when I heard of Discovery Group from a friend (an outdoor exploration and learning group), I was excited to join in and see what it was all about. 

Today, Discovery Group had a Nest Exploration activity followed by a nature hike at Jester Park, and with the need for sunshine in my life, we took full advantage of the outdoor time and time hanging with friends. 

Every Discovery Group meeting starts with a short lecture lead by the hosting parent, followed by time to explore and hands on discovery to enforce the lesson being discussed.  

Even the bison came close to hear the discussion.

Lots of info in this book!

The founder of the group, Audra, was leading, and she had a ton of info about nests, the reasons why different birds build them the way they do, and also some visual examples of a few native nests for the kids to see and touch.  The kids learned a lot and so did I.

After hearing the info, everyone was encouraged to go on a short hike to gather materials for nest building and try to recreate a few examples of nests on their own.  The kids had a great time digging in the mud, gathering grasses, moss and sticks, and making different types of nests with their friends.  We encouraged them to then think of the types of birds that might use their nest and try and tell us a little about the why and how of their process.  

Heading over to hike in the trees.

Good nest builders need a mud source.

Everett and his buddy, discussing the plans for their nest.

Hunting for nest supplies.

The older kids worked together to build a nest from grasses and twigs.

Someone spotted a nest in a tree branch.

Adding the finishing touches.

Super proud builders!

The mud blobs and curved stick really make this a top-notch nest!

Some made structures for kids to hang out in.

Ethan, checking the lower level of Everett's nest.

After the formal lesson was finished and the nests were all built, we went off on our own with a few of our friends to see where the trail went and explore a little more before heading home.

Along the way, one of the kids spotted a frog, and I scrambled, baby belly and all, into the grass to trap him so the kids could see him up-close.  We observed him for a bit, passed him around to those that wished to hold him, and then let him go at the water area near our vehicles before going home. 

Ethan had a firm grip so not to let him hop away.

The kids loved watching him but we ended up moving him to a different spot because he was getting handled a bit too much.

We thought this guy was a Northern Leopard Frog