Nov. 2021 | Vol. 01 Iss. 09
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Centerville/Farmington
YOUR C O M M U N I T Y N E WS PA P E R
STUDENTS ARE FLYING HIGH AS FHS OPENS ITS AVIARY By Peri Kinder | peri.k@davisjournal.com
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armington Bay is a hotspot for birdwatchers, with more than 200 species of birds found in the wetlands including bald eagles, swans, pelicans and cranes. The bay is less than a 30-minute walk to Farmington High School and science teacher Adam Blundell uses its proximity to introduce students to ornithology and conservation. There are less than a handful of high schools across the country offering ornithology programs but Blundell’s programs are thriving, with more than 70 students enrolled this year. But while other schools might study birds, FHS is the only high school with its own aviary. “I don’t know where the crazy idea came from, but someone said ‘Let’s have an aviary in the school,’” Blundell said. “It’s really The FHS aviary is home to nearly two dozen birds, including a pair of colorful macaws. Photo courtesy of Adam Blundell
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good for the birds and it’s extremely good for the students. Farmington High has this cool opportunity that nobody else has.” With no money in the budget to build an aviary, community leaders, local businesses and parents donated funds to get it off the ground. FHS Principal Richard Swanson suggested placing the aviary in the center of the school where it would be a focal point, as well as an educational outreach display, demonstrating ecology and conservation. “It is amazing to have a teacher with the expertise to give our students such a wonderful, handson experience,” Swanson said. “We are so excited for the learning experiences that this aviary will bring to our students.” The aviary will give students first-hand experience in caring for nearly two dozen birds. Students will learn about creating the prop-
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