The stately Great Blue Heron and the gawky-looking Double-crested Cormorant are just two of the many shoreline birds “junior birders” will see cavorting in their natural setting as part of the Bird Program.  But the main focus of this program is the special adaptations birds have undergone allowing them to survive in environments like the Morro Bay Estuary.  Using a great variety of live mounts and other specimens in the intimate setting of the Learning Center, docents help students understand the concept of adaptation by comparing bird adaptations such as feathers, skeletal structure, bills, and feet.  At another venue, students, in small groups of five, will engage in hands-on activities to test their understanding of these adaptations.  As a final treat, there is an owl pellet dissection demonstration. lcd screen

Please note that it is desirable if students can bring binoculars for better viewing of the estuary birds.

Great Blue Heron