BINGO! Get to know a tree

 

What to do

1. Choose a tree

Head into your backyard and choose a tree 

This is a kowhai tree. I had to do some activities for boys brigade so have a bark rubbing, leaves and flowers from the tree we have in the garden.

2. Record your observations

What animals do you notice in and around this tree? We have heard bellbirds, tui's and seen lots of wax eyes in the tree. Mum said the wood pigeons love being in there too. Under the tree is chickens as it is on the edge of the chicken run

Record any interactions between animals and the tree. Look closely for birds and insects on the branches, trunk, and in the surrounding soil.

Consider:

• What reasons would the observed animals have for visiting or living on this tree? The bellbirds, tuis, and pigeons love to eat the nectar from the flowers. The chickens would use the tree to hide in the shade on a hot day. 
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• What else do you notice about this tree?  The flowers are yellow and drop down in bunches. the leaves on the tree are very small and in lines the bark is smooth it's a young tree. Mum said they turn a very dark brown colour almost black colour when very old. When Mum was younger she had three in her yard and used to play and climb in them when the birds weren't in them Pigions used to love them and dive bomb her when flying around the tree
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• Would you notice different things around this tree at different times of day? I think in the mornings it would be more busier with birds waking up
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• Would you notice different things on different days and over the coming weeks. On a wet day, I don't think you would see much. i don't like coming out in the rain so why would birds On a fine day they would be plenty happening the birds would be extra hungry from hiding in the rain
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• Would you notice different things about this tree at different times and over the coming weeks? As the birds go from flower to flower they would eat all the nectar and then be nothing left the birds will leave the tree alone