Examine the Status of Local Birds How are they doing? A 2009 report says some native birds are in decline. Is this true in your community or state?

1. Listen to Report Warns Many Bird Species Declining In U.S.

Action: Use your online research skills to locate the report that is mentioned in the story.

2. Name several birds that are found in your community, region or state that are thriving.

Select one local bird species. What actions, that people have taken, have been beneficial to this species?

Explain how this bird species impacts the whole local ecosystem.

Should these actions continue?

3. Name three birds that are found in your community, region or state, that are in decline.

Select one of these bird species. What actions, that people have taken, have had a negative impacted on the bird?

What actions could be taken that would benefit/help this organism?

Explain how these actions would impact the bird's habitat or the whole ecosystem.

Create a report about the status of local birds. Recommend an action that can be taken to support a bird that is in decline.

Extended thinking - Nonnative species are impacting native birds in many regions.

Is there a nonnative bird species that is a problem in your community?

Describe actions that local officials are taking to control the pest species.

Evaluate: Do you support these actions?

Is there a native bird species that is identified as a pest in your community?

Describe actions that local officials are taking to control the pest species.

Evaluate: Do you support these actions?

"The study of animal behavior is the only and ultimate source of understanding ourselves." Margaret Morse Nice
Studies in the Life History of the Song Sparrow, 1937.

Observation Skills Builders: The First Step in the Scientific Method