Next generation learn about Nature. Recently I had the pleasure of meeting the new juniors in St Michaels Girls National School in Tipperary town. They are settling in to their new routine and we started off with a quick discussion in the classroom. We looked at some Oak apple galls that I had found on an Oak tree and learned about the wasp that creates this amazing structure. We cracked one open with some difficulty but unfortunately there was no baby wasp inside. The previous night I have run the moth trap at home and had caught three beautiful December moths. These were presented to the wide eyed kids and we talked about the differences between a moth and a butterfly. One was still asleep and we gently passed him around and all the children got to handle the moth. Next we went out to explore the school grounds and the wildlife outside our doorstep is often amazing. We scattered some bread and seed in the school yard and waited as quietly as possible in the shed. A Chaffinch was calling nearby and we saw a Jackdaw and rook on the school roof but our enthusiasm made the birds nervous. We left the shed and found some beech seeds and looked at its buds. A Magpie was calling from the hedge and we saw it long tail. There was only a sow thistle in flower and this is important for butterflies. All too soon we had to return to the classroom but as we entered the school building the Jackdaws and the rooks came down to eat the bread and we got amazing views. Many thanks to the class teacher and the students for their interest and I look forward to meeting them again in the new year. Comments/Questions to albert.nolan@rocketmail or 089 4230502
Posted on: Mon, 02 Dec 2013 13:37:50 +0000
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