Hey there! Today, Squeaks and I are playing a super fun guessing game. We’re pretending to be different animals and trying to guess which animal the other person is acting like. It’s a blast!
So, I pretended to be a squirrel first, and Squeaks guessed it right away! Then, I decided to be a bit trickier. I gave Squeaks some hints: I have wings, I hold onto trees, and I hit my beak on the tree. Can you guess what I was pretending to be? That’s right, a woodpecker!
Woodpeckers are a type of bird found all over the world. They get their name because they love to peck at things like trees. Most woodpeckers are black and white, with some red and yellow patches. If there’s a woodpecker nearby, you might hear them before you see them. They make loud noises and tap on trees with their beaks.
Woodpeckers don’t eat the wood. They’re looking for something tasty inside the trees, like grubs! Grubs are baby beetles that live inside trees. Woodpeckers peck at the tree to make a hole and find these grubs. They have super long tongues to reach into the tunnels and pull out the grubs for a yummy snack.
Squeaks wondered if it hurts woodpeckers to hit their beaks against trees. But don’t worry! Woodpeckers have special skulls that keep them safe. Their skulls are strong and thick, like a helmet. They also have extra squishy bone that wraps around their skull for extra protection. So, they’re perfectly safe while pecking away!
What about you? Can you act like a woodpecker? Or maybe you like pretending to be other animals? Let us know! Have a grown-up help you leave a comment or send us an email at [email protected]. And if you want to keep exploring and learning with Squeaks and me, hit the subscribe button. See you next time at the Fort!
Woodpecker Observation Walk: Take a walk in your neighborhood or a nearby park with a grown-up. Look for trees and listen carefully for any tapping sounds. If you hear a woodpecker, try to spot it! Notice the colors and patterns on its feathers. Can you see it pecking at the tree? Draw a picture of what you see and share it with your friends or family.
Build a Woodpecker Model: Use craft materials like paper, cardboard, and markers to create your own woodpecker model. Make sure to include its wings, beak, and colorful patches. Once your model is ready, pretend it’s pecking at a tree. Think about how the woodpecker’s strong skull and long tongue help it find food. Share your model with your class and explain how woodpeckers stay safe while pecking.
Woodpecker Role Play: With a friend or family member, take turns pretending to be a woodpecker and other animals. Use clues to help each other guess the animal. For example, you can say, “I have wings and make a tapping sound on trees.” After the game, talk about what makes each animal special and how they find their food.
