Learning Resources
Learn more about the kōlea (Pacific Golden Plover), the manu-o-kū (White Tern), and the ‘ua’u kani (Wedge-tailed Shearwater), three native species that the Hawaiʻi Audubon Society highlights in separate projects and school presentations.
We also have links to classroom activities and videos about other Hawaii birds below, plus resources for general bird education.
To request a classroom visit, email events@hiaudubon.org
Kōlea (Pacific Golden-Plover)
Our free coloring page was designed by our volunteer, Kelly Furuya https://www.instagram.com/kellyfuruya/
Report your sightings with the Kōlea Count project, and learn more about these special birds.
This episode from PBS Nature isn’t about kolea, but it is about related species of other migratory shorebirds that have a lot in common with the Pacific Golden Plover: Far Eastern Curlews, Lesser Yellowlegs, Red Knots and Hudsonian Godwits. Here in Hawaii, we have winter flocks of the Bristle-thighed Curlew, and the Lesser Yellowlegs is an occasional visitor here as well. This video is a good opportunity for students to compare and contrast between these species.
Manu-o-kū (White Tern)
The Hui Manu-o-Kū is a group of dedicated conservationists and citizens who have come together to observe, protect and raise awareness about manu-o-kū.
Learn more about the White Tern on their website, participate in citizen science, view the nest maps, report an unmarked nesting tree, and see photos: https://www.whiteterns.org/
Note: If you find an injured adult bird or chick on the ground, call the Manu-o-Kū Hotline at (808) 379-7555.
ʻUʻau kani (Wedge-tailed Shearwater)
The classroom activity package teaches STEM+Art skills through the eyes of a Hawaiian seabird, Wedge-tailed Shearwater or ‘Ua‘u kani, trying to survive in urban Honolulu. For grades 6 – 8 with suggested modifications for grades 9 – 12.
Other Seabirds
A sweet video from Pacific Rim Foundation showing the process and necessity of translocating albatross chicks, and caring for them until they are fully grown.
Learn more about this project here: https://www.islandarks.org/
Educational Resources: Inspiring the next generation of seabird scientists
To help you engage children with seabird science, the Woman in Seabird Science team and external organizations have compiled a collection of free seabird educational resources.
A great selection of different activities to continue learning about albatross: videos, games, crafts, art and writing activities. You can also download a free teacher guide.
The Division of Forestry and Wildlife has created a new website dedicated to celebrating Hawaiʻi’s forest birds. The site has links to events, learning activities, and more.
Learn about the O’ahu ‘elepaio bird — biology, threats and conservation, and how you can help.
Other Hawaiian Birds
Bird songs:
Sounds Hawaiian: https://www.soundshawaiian.com/
Listen to the calls of different native birds and their ecosystems.
Manu Minute: https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/podcast/manu-minute#stream/0
A podcast with bird songs, calls, and information about the birds.
Art and craft activities, including worksheets, coloring pages, and puppets!
Storybooks in English and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi
ʻAukuʻu https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jaqjBY1GUlQgShKGBsMNrspvOcupSzIV/view?usp=sharing
Iwiʻi https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kAJDuTscm8xbB26yNgUq04SWNdIDfG83/view?usp=sharing
General Bird Education (not Hawaiʻi based)
Cornell Lab
eBird: https://ebird.org/home
This amazing resource is linked to their bird counting app
All About Birds https://www.allaboutbirds.org/
Learn about birds, compare similar species. Most of the information requires a paid account.
Bird Academy: https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/
Guide your own learning with this site. It offers learning games (not just for kids, you can sort by age range and 13+ are good for all ages), video lectures, a bird vocabulary glossary, and online courses.
K-12 Education: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/k12/
Homeschool, classroom, or informal educator? This site is for you. Free and paid downloads of activities, resources, and curriculum units.
Audubon
Audubon Adventures: https://www.audubonadventures.org/
Download or order the magazine, or explore the website for activities, facts, and ideas.
Audubon for Kids: https://www.audubon.org/get-outside/activities/audubon-for-kids
Games, project ideas, drawing videos, bird facts, and lesson plans.
Audubon Birding Adventures for Kids: https://www.audubon.org/audubon-birding-adventures-kids-book
New book for kid birders.
Bird Migration Explorer: https://explorer.audubon.org/
An interactive guide to learn about bird migration. You can study the data by species or location, and learn about the challenges that birds face.