Overview
This unit on bird habitat will have the students search for and try to discover the habitats of species of birds. Using the site that contains the North American Breeding Bird Survey, the students have access to a wonderful amount of information for any bird they may choose or any location they may choose in North America. This means that students may find information about migratory birds or birds that are native to their locale. The information includes location and density of the population, both past and present.
Learner Outcomes
Activity
1. The students will access the North American Breeding Bird Survey to locate the information for their state and download the material that is relevant to a certain species of bird in their area. (Activity found here.)
2. The students should try to join a bird survey such as Journey North to understand how surveys are taken and to help "ground truth" information about birds.
3. Students may also want to do a comparison of endangered species of birds and whether they migrate or not. The students should try and determine what if any effect the migration has to do with their endangered status.
Assessment and Extension Ideas
1. Students determine the migratory path of certain birds and relate that migratory path to the habitat.
2. Students research the birds in their local area and improve habitat for the birds that are around their school or their home.
3. Students put together a book of birds that are seen in their area.
4. Students compile a survey of birds while doing the unit.
5. Students listen to various birdsongs: Cardinal, Mockingbird, Bluejay
On-line resources
Academy of Natural Sciences Bird Link (This is a subscription site, but does have some information that is accessible without a subscription.)
Bird On! (news, facts and pictures of wild birds.)
The Birdfeeder(A guide for attracting wild birds to your home.)
The Ornithology Website (Concerned with bird ecology and conservation.)
Birdguides (books, videos and multimedia CD-ROMs for birdwatching.)
Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (A home page on birds found in Minnesota, including distribution maps, publications about Minnesota birds, species at risk, rare bird sightings, and much more.)
Wild Wings: Heading North (Tracks radiocollared snow geese as they migrate.)
Birdlinks to the World (hundreds of other links)
Threatened Animals of the World Database
Note: The bird songs on this and the birdlesson page are courtesy of Sauer, J. R., J. E. Hines, G. Gough, I. Thomas, and B. G. Peterjohn. 1997. The North American Breeding Bird Survey Results and Analysis. Version 96.3. Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD.