Nature Creations: Exploring Wildlife

Duration:

13 minutes, 54 seconds

Explore the wonders of wildlife of the Niobrara National Scenic River by making an eagle’s nest in your own living room; modeling your blanket and pillow nest after the home of our National Bird. Then swoop into making a snowy-owl craft using your hands as a template for their wings!

Share Your Nature Creation with Us!

 

A blanket nest on the floor.

Almost Unschoolers, 2012

Build an Eagle's Nest of your own:

Supplies:

• Blankets
• Pillows
• Open Floor Space

Instructions

1. Wrap Pillows and blankets into a rounded nest shape, make sure it's big enough to lay in all directions
2. Eat snacks, pretend to be eagles, hang out the rest of the day!

 

A young boy holds an Owl-Hand Craft.

NPS, 2019

Owl-Hand Craft:

Supplies:

• 2 pieces - white paper
• Cotton Balls
• Glue
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Template Pieces - See below or Visit our Social Media
  • OR - One Piece of White Paper and Colors

 

Instructions:

1. On the first piece of white paper, trace both hands and cut them out
2. On the second piece of white paper, draw an owl body (an oval or circle) and cut it out. Or use our template below or on our social media
3. Glue the hand-wings to the owl body
4. Unroll 10-15 cotton balls
5. Glue the unrolled cotton balls to the owl's body and wings, covering everything
6. Cut out and glue on the owl's eyes, beak, and talons from the template below, or draw and color your own
7. Let all the glue dry, and then let your owl fly!

 

Owl Template Pieces

Left image
Owl Body Template
Credit: NPS: M. Vetch

Right image
Owl Eyes, Beak, and Talons Templates
Credit: NPS: M. Vetch

 

Other Activities

• Eagle's Nests
• Nature Creations Landing Page
• Discovering Snow
• Digging Paleontology
• Mammoth Milk-Jugs
• Candy Waterfalls

Explore more Nature Creations Activities

All activities and crafts were created with household items and easy to find supplies. If you are looking for more activities or crafts, explore the links to the right and discover more of what makes the Niobrara River special.