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November 9, 2011
NOAA: Journey of the Birds
Presented by: Tom Gaskill and Dawn Grafe
Tom GaskillEducation Program CoordinatorSouth Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
Dawn GrafeVisitor Services ManagerU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Journey of the Birds
Question
What is Migration?A. The regular seasonal journey undertaken by many animals in response to changes in food availability, habitat or weather.B. The seasonal movement of animals over a relatively long distance, from one habitat or climate to another.C. The regular, periodic movement of animals population away from and back to their place of origin.D. All of the above.
• Began in 1996• Field, internet, &
classroom activities• Study of habitat
and birds along the flyway
International Brant Monitoring Project
South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
• Advance our understanding of estuaries and their watersheds
• Apply science to improve management through education and stewardship
TODAY - 2009
TURBIDITY
DEEP EELGRASS BED
SEA LEVEL
Control of Eelgrass Beds by
Light Attenuation
LIGHT ATTENUATION
FUTURE - 2025?
SEA LEVEL RISE
LOSS OF DEEP EELGRASS BED
Changes in Eelgrass
Beds due to Climate Change
LIGHT ATTENUATION
INCREASED TURBIDITY
Shorebird Migration is Predictable• Fly north in spring for the breeding season
• Fly south in fall for the non-breeding season Photo by Tom Grey
Photo by Francesco Veronesi
Part 2: Teaching About Birds in the Classroom
• Shorebird Sister Schools Program
• International Brant Monitoring Project
Shorebird Sister Schools Program
www.fws.gov/sssp
• History of the program
• Helps students… – feel connected to wetlands and
beaches– increase their awareness and
knowledge of wetlands– care about and appreciate natural
placesPhoto by USFWS
SSSP Content
Lesson #1 – introduction to the National Wildlife Refuge System and shorebirds
Lesson #2 – adaptations and habitat
Lesson #3 – migration
Lesson #4 – observation skill building, identification and preparation for field trip
Lesson #5 – threats, conservation and protection of shorebirds
Photos by Becca Schiewe/USFWS
SSSP Content FIELD TRIPS:
Station #1: Bird Watching
Station #2: Invertebrate/Mud Prey collecting
Station #3: Interactive shorebird games or an estuary clean-up
Photos by USFWS
Subject:Shorebird Adaptations
Activity:Build-A-Bird (K-6)
Objective:●Define adaption●Define 3 adaptations of birds●Define 3 adaptations of shorebirds
Subject:Migration
Activity:Migration Headache(K-7)
Objective:●Define migration●Give 3 factors that can affect populations of migrating shorebirds●Predict the effects of habitat loss on shorebird populations
Question
Which of the following bird watching resources do you have access to?
1. Binoculars2. Field Guides3. Natural Areas
What type of migratory bird would you and your students study?
A. Seabirds
D. Ducks
B. Shorebirds
E. Songbirds
C. Raptors
Resources for Citizen Science Projects
• Brant Monitoring Project: www.padillabay.gov/brant
• Shorebird Sister Schools Program www.fws.gov/sssp
• Project Budburst: www.neoninc.org/budburst
• Project Nestwatch: www.nestwatch.org
• Project Feederwatch:birds.cornell.edu/pfw
Resources:Bird Information
• International Migratory Bird Day www.birdday.org
• U-Stream - www.ustream.tv/pets-animals
• Junior Duck Stamp www.fws.gov/juniorduck
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This web seminar contains information about programs, products, and services offered by third parties, as well as links to third-party websites. The presence of a listing or such information does not constitute an endorsement by NSTA of a
particular company or organization, or its programs, products, or services.
National Science Teachers AssociationDr. Francis Q. Eberle, Executive Director
Zipporah Miller, Associate Executive Director Conferences and Programs
Al Byers, Assistant Executive Director e-Learning
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