What color is the belly, band around neck, and head of the Black Brant?
Subjects: science, physics Duration: entire class period Group Size: whole class, and then into small groups Setting: indoors and /or outdoors Topics: optics, observation, bird watching, data collecting Objectives: 1. Students will identify methods used by biologists to observe waterfowl populations 2. Students will learn how to identify and observe birds before going into the field 3. Students will learn the proper use of binoculars and spotting scopes Method: Students will learn to identify birds by doing a “mock birding” activity at school before heading out to the field. Background: Birdwatching is an activity as old as humanity and for good reason! The migrations and habits of avian fauna (bird-like animals) tell us a great deal about the changing of conditions in the environment and the availability of essentials such as food and water. Of course, birds are also a beautiful and diverse group of animals which are often easier to view than many other kinds of creatures. While the “
