• make careful observations of appearance and behaviour of songbirds in an outdoor environment;
  
• identify songbirds based on physical descriptions; and
• record details of their observations in a field notebook.
  

BACKGROUND

Refer to the background material in Activity :Songbirds Need to Feed: primary version. The design and construction of the feeder can be decided upon by the students. Some simple suggestions for a good feeder are shown below. Since it will be out in all weather, ensure that the feeder is well built and can withstand inclement weather. Natural materials such as wood, logs, cones and coniferous branches are the best building materials; avoid metal - particularly in cold climates. [Feeder Designs]



Recording Observations

The scientific field notebook is one the most important parts of field work. A well-organized, detailed notebook can provide the scientist with valuable information for further studies. A key feature of a good notebook is that any scientist can open it and clearly understand the information it contains. At the museum, researchers are very careful to record detailed locations and descriptions that make their information useful to others. A scientist that does not take care with field notes may record information that is misinterpreted by his colleagues and is therefore useless and misleading. For example, a student in the East Kootenays that records "Sparwood" as a location of a feeder site has left out vital information. There is a variety of different habitats within the town of Sparwood - is the feeder on the school grounds? Is it within a mixed forest behind the school? A good idea is to try to use distances from significant landmarks. For example, "2 m up a coniferous tree in a mixed forest opening 1 km north of Mountain View Elementary School, Sparwood." Another example of insufficient information would be to give a location description such as "Elk Lake", since there are at least four lakes named Elk Lake in British Columbia alone. Without further information it may be impossible to tell which Elk Lake the observer meant. Be specific! The best way to pinpoint an area is by using latitudes and longitudes or UTM coordinates from a topographical map.

Here is an example of a good way to organize the notebook:

Field Notebook

Location:
_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Date: ___________________ Time: ________________(am/pm)

Latitude:______________________ Longitude: _____________

Observer: ______________________ Weather: _____________

Habitat: ______________________________________________

Type of Feed: _________________________________________

MATERIALS

• Construction materials and tools
• Appropriate food for feeder
• Notebooks for recording observations

PROCEDURE

1. Discuss the songbirds that are found in your local area (refer to the map in "Where's that Bird You Heard? ").

2. Discuss methods of making observations of songbirds in their environment and how bird feeders will be used as a way to attract songbirds for observation. Students should understand the importance of accurate, detailed observations.

3. Discuss the significance of bird feeders and important design and location features as outlined in the background information. Decide how many feeders the class will construct (more than one will ensure greater success in attracting songbirds).

4. Have the students research and decide on an appropriate design for the feeders and the type of food that will fill them. Consider making this a contest! Suggest that they use different foods at different feeders and make comparisons as to which birds are attracted to each food type. Build the feeders, fill them with food and put them in different locations.

5. Outline an appropriate observation schedule that allows students to be responsible for watching the feeders periodically. Decide on a format for the field notebook.

6. Use "Dee Byrd's Guide to Who's Who " or other field books to help the students identify the songbirds they see. Stress the importance of detailed notes to aid in later identification if they are unsure of the identity of the bird.