Around our Homes

Today we are going to share with you some animals we have seen around our neighborhoods. Do you remember wondering what kind of bird was building a nest in this porch light?  Over many, many days observing this nest and the trees around it, I have spotted the bird! 

Can you spot the bird that is hiding in this tree? Have you seen any birds that look like this one?  This bird is a sparrow. She has been busy caring for her nest, and staying nearby.  She spends her time sitting in her favorite tree, perching on the fence or gazing from the roof of the house.  

One day there was some loud bird chattering outside. I looked out the window. This sparrow seemed to be telling the other birds to go away!  Look closely, is it the same sparrow or another one? Could there be a mother and father sparrow? 

While I was taking my dog for a walk, I spotted this big puddle in a grassy field. After days of April rain showers, the puddle grew bigger and bigger, and then two mallard ducks came along to take a swim.  They swam together and kept ducking their heads in the water. I wondered what were they doing and if they were finding food to eat?

The Mallard Ducks Look for a Nest

We’re all spending lots of time at home and maybe walking around our neighborhoods right now.   What makes a neighborhood do you think?  Is it the people?  The buildings?  The open spaces?  Something else?  All of those things together?  Perhaps your neighborhood feels a little different right now.  People are wearing masks and not getting so close to one another.  Sometimes it can be difficult when you can’t see someone’s face to even know who they are.  Even though we may not like it, that’s one way to be a good neighbor and keep each other safe.  Though we’re not sure when this will end, we do know it won’t last forever.   We can still keep enjoying our neighborhoods and special places.   Below are some illustrations of different neighborhoods in story books.  Do any of them look like your neighborhood?  How are they the same?  How are they different?

What a busy neighborhood Omu lives in!  Her stew must have been delicious, she was so kind to share it with everyone.
Until next time think about what is around your house, the buildings, the people, the animals, the vehicles, all the different spaces.  On Wednesday we will share some ways to tell stories about your neighborhood.