Page 2 - Kind News, Jr. Activity Guide, May/June 2024
P. 2
Answer Key
Critter Clues FROM PAGE 7
Our mystery critter is a “seagull.” How many times
Other common names include the ring-billed does “fire” appear
gull, herring gull, and great black-backed gulls. in the issue?
Seagulls can be found all across North America Answer: 22 times
and sometimes never see the sea!
While you’ll surely see a gull on a trip to the ocean
this summer, you may also see one at the Great Lakes
or your local river, reservoir, or parking lot! They’re drawn
by food sources like small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and
garbage. While many are annoyed by gulls’ expert thievery of beach snacks, gulls
are known as heroes in the state of Utah, where the California gull serves as state
bird. In the mid-1800s, a Mormon settlement was threatened when crickets
feasted on settlers’ crops. Crops were saved when California gulls swooped in and
fed on the crickets.
Over thousands of years at the shore, gulls have developed special glands above Where’s Raja?
their eyes that let them process salt water. The salt is separated and expelled from
their nostrils! Today, watching gulls is still part of a relaxing time at the shore, and RAJA IS HIDING
COVER: SOUP STOCK/BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM. THIS PAGE: MARIA LOPEZ JORGE/UNSPLASH.
ON PAGE 4!
many are tempted to offer a piece of bread, or a chip or french fry. Many state
departments of natural resources advise against feeding gulls, however. Human
foods such as these are poor in nutrition and can harm gulls. Take heart knowing
that gulls are very adaptable and good at finding their own food sources.
BOOK NOOK
The Seagull and the Sea Captain
Written by Sy Montgomery
Illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford
Recommended for ages 4-8
The captain met the seagull when they both were out riding the winds around
Gloucester Harbor. They became fast friends. The seagull even landed on
the captain’s shoulder to enjoy a cracker. But after winter comes, when the seagull must
fly south and the boat can’t set sail, will the friends find each other again in the spring?
THE SEAGULL AND THE SEA CAPTAIN © 2022 BY SIMON & SCHUSTER/PAULA WISEMAN BOOKS;
SUMMARY FROM SYMONTGOMERY.COM
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