That was the question that most impressed John De Boer, park naturalist for Miami County Parks. It came from a little girl who attended one of John’s programs involving bird calls. Every time he tells that experience, his eyes get that twinkle in them and you know this man is special.

Oh, he wouldn’t say so. But his list of credentials and talents speak for themselves. He is not shy about explaining the books he’s written. He admits to being a poet, a flute player, a storyteller, a writer, besides his day job of park naturalist and educator. And, he readily admits there is someone who knows more about birds than he does. Her name is Debbie, and together with John, they presented the program, Party for the Birds, at Troy-Miami County Public Library last week.

They use what is called experiential learning whereby students (including this writer and hubby) have first-hand experience with a subject; in this case-birds. Debbie brought a European starling named Ralph that she had raised since a chick. Debbie and John both are licensed to care for injured or abandoned birds. An up-close look at Ralph revealed the reason for his name-tiny flecks of white stars on feathers. He is a congenial bird, letting everyone who wanted to, to touch him.

John provided an I-pad loaded with bird calls. Debbie had a table set up for the kids to make pinecone bird feeders. John played his flute song of the hummingbird and told the story of his close encounter with one. Debbie explained about feathers. John explained what the word Mnemonic means. John explained how we all could earn a semiprecious stone, the Bird’s Eye. Debbie told about ringtail pheasants and a banded marsh hawk who lived to be 35 years old.

Then the experiential learning got into high gear. We all went outside for the story book trail. John used his latest book, Dinner Party for the Birds (still in the works), made page signs which were posted at intervals in the library’s park. As the group walked along, children and adults took turns reading the book pages, John adding the bird calls when called for. For all of us, all our senses were involved. There was laughter, conversation, reading, birdsongs, fresh air and free movement.

Back inside, peanut butter and bird seeds went into action on one table while worksheets and pencils stirred on another. We drew what we had been impressed by. Birds, party scenes from the book, pinecones hanging in a tree. Then the reward. Choosing a stone as a keepsake.

Information on mnemonic identification took us back to John’s favorite question, Do You Speak Bird? It is an ancient Greek term made modern in 1858. It means to assist or intend to assist the memory. For bird watchers, it is a pattern of letters to assist in identifying birds by their songs.

Carolina wrens call tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle. Chickadees call chick-a-dee-deed-dee. Bobwhites call Bob-white or Poor-Bob-whoit. Owls issue a question, Who, Who. Eastern Pewees call phoe-be or fibree. Nuthatches call a nasally yank, yank. Blue Jays sing a musical rendition of queedle, queedle.

When you’re outside and hear a bird, see if you can imitate it. Call it in, when it comes closer you will be able to identify it. John and Debbie would be proud of you. And, if anybody asks- Yes, you can speak bird.

Contact the Miami County Parks District Education office at 937-667-1286 for more information about their educational programs for all ages.

Contact Connie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Box 61 Medway Ohio 45341

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First Group 2x2
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