Nature study is a vital part of Charlotte Mason homeschooling. As part of our 5 Days of The Green Ember series we are so delighted to share this nature study with you.

This is a little glimpse into how our family uses nature study cards and how we add observations to our nature journals. I prefer watercolors, but the boys alternate between watercolor and coloured pencils.

The printable packet is below and we’d love to see your students’ nature study pages! Thanks for being part of our community.

 

A Green Ember Inspired Nature Study

 

 

Download the printable Green Ember Nature Study packet here:

 

 

Cooper’s Hawk- Accipiter cooperii

 -Cooper’s hawks are native to North and CentralAmerica.

-Cooper’s hawk can be blue-grey and have warm redunderparts.

-These hawks live in wooded areas, but they also canbe seen in parks or neighborhoods.

-Males can be 14-15” long. Females tend to be 16-17” long. Like other birds of prey, the female is slightly larger than the male.

Red-Tailed Hawk – Buteo jamaicensis

-The red-tailed hawk is the most familiar hawk in North America.

-They eat a variety of small mammals, birds, or even reptiles.

-Red-tailed hawks are one of the largest birds in North America.

-The oldest known red-tailed hawk was at least 30 years old. It was found in Michigan.

-During courtship the male may catch prey and pass it to female in flight.

Rabbits – Oryctolagus cuniculus

 -There are around 305 types of domestic rabbits.

-A female rabbit is called a doe. A male rabbit is called a buck. A young rabbit is called a kit.

-Rabbits are herbivores and eat plants and grasses. Domestic rabbits can eat rabbit pellets.

-Rabbits can reproduce very quickly. Their average litter has 4-12 babies.

-Rabbits can live around 8-12 years.

-According to Guinness World Records, the world’s longest rabbit is a Flemish giant measured at 4 feet 3 inches and 49 pounds.

Rabbit Defense

-Rabbits have powerful hind legs and can use them to kick predators.

-Rabbits are typically noiseless, but may scream (it sounds more like squealing) if they are in fear or pain.

-Rabbit live underground in burrows that protect against predation. A group of burrows is known as a warren.

-Rabbits have “tonic immobility” when they are on their backs and are perfectly still. It is a way for people to handle rabbits. They still can feel pain, but being in this position helps them defend themselves from predators.

Talons

-All birds have special claws called talons.

-Birds of prey (also called raptors) have special talons made for catching and tearing. These talons vary in shape and thickness depending on the bird.

-In addition to their talons, many raptors also have a special tooth on their bill to crush or break the neck of their prey.

-The feet of raptors are also very strong – they squeeze their prey with their feet and talons to catch and carry them. Some raptors like Ospreys have very curved talons that are excellent for catching the slippery fish they eat. 

A Story Formed Life Giveaway

Because we are so passionate about the power of story AND such big Green Ember fans, we decided to have a fun giveaway to go with our 5 Days of The Green Ember series!

Enter in the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win: The giveaway has ended but you can get your own copies of the books through the links below!

• John Ronald’s Dragons – perfect for the kids to learn about Tolkein
• C.S. Lewis’ On Stories – great for your moderate to stiff stack of Mother Culture reading
• Caught Up in a Story by Sarah Clarkson
• The Green Ember by S.D. Smith
• The Green Ember medallion ornament from Eddy Efaw pottery

 

Books by S.D. Smith

 The Green Ember Ember Falls Ember Rising Ember’s End The Black Star of Kingston The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner The Last Archer The First Fowler