LIVE INTERACTIVE YOUR DESKTOP November 9, 2011 NOAA: Journey of the Birds Presented by: Tom Gaskill and Dawn Grafe

Tom Gaskill Education Program Coordinator South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve Dawn Grafe Visitor Services Manager U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Journey of the Birds

Poll Question Do you use birds to teach about science in the classroom? √. Yes X. No

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

What is a brant?

Brant sub-populations Map courtesy of bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna

Brant distribution map Map courtesy of bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna

Brant rest and feed in estuaries

Eelgrass beds are a primary food source for Brant.

Eelgrass is a power packed food source

Photo from Research on brant nesting grounds

TODAY TURBIDITY DEEP EELGRASS BED SEA LEVEL Control of Eelgrass Beds by Light Attenuation LIGHT ATTENUATION

FUTURE ? SEA LEVEL RISE LOSS OF DEEP EELGRASS BED Changes in Eelgrass Beds due to Climate Change LIGHT ATTENUATION INCREASED TURBIDITY

Let’s pause for questions from the audience

PloversSandpipers Illustrations by Ram Papish

Photo by Tom Grey Whimbrel

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

Whimbrel Distribution Map Map courtesy of bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna Photo by Conifer

Habitat Photo by Gerrit Vyn BreedingNon-Breeding (wintering) Photo by Miguel Vieira

Fueling Migration Photo by Alan Vernon Photo by Changhua Coast Conservation Action

Photo by Society for Conservation Biology Research on Whimbrel

Climate Change and Shorebirds Photo by Roy W. Lowe/USFWS

Climate Change and Shorebirds Photo by Ingrid Taylar

Let’s pause for questions from the audience

Part 2: Teaching About Birds in the Classroom Shorebird Sister Schools Program International Brant Monitoring Project

Brant curriculum

Brant curriculum and log

How many different types of birds can you find in the silhouettes? A.4 B.6 C.3 D.7 E.8

1 1

How many brant can you find in the silhouettes? A.0 B.1 C.2 D.3 E.4

How many brant can you find in the silhouettes? A.0 B.1 C.2 D.3 E.4

Mock birding leads to greater success in the field

Let’s pause for questions from the audience

Shorebird Sister Schools Program

Shorebird Sister Schools Program History of the program Helps students… –feel connected to wetlands and beaches –increase their awareness and knowledge of wetlands –care about and appreciate natural places Photo 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

Part 3: Bringing it Home and Resources

Question Which of the following bird watching resources do you have access to? 1. Binoculars 2. Field Guides 3. Natural Areas

What type of migratory bird would you and your students study? A. Seabirds D. Ducks B. Shorebirds E. Songbirds C. Raptors

Bird nest boxes – A short term fix for a long term problem

Native plantings provide habitat

Let’s pause for questions from the audience

Citizen Science means getting involved!

Resources for Citizen Science Projects Brant Monitoring Project: Shorebird Sister Schools Program Project Budburst: Project Nestwatch: Project Feederwatch: birds.cornell.edu/pfw birds.cornell.edu/pfw

Resources: Bird Information International Migratory Bird Day U-Stream - Junior Duck Stamp

Thank you to the sponsor of tonight's Web Seminar: 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 Association Dr. Francis Q. Eberle, Executive Director Zipporah Miller, Associate Executive Director Conferences and Programs Al Byers, Assistant Executive Director e-Learning LIVE INTERACTIVE YOUR DESKTOP NSTA Web Seminars Paul Tingler, Director Jeff Layman, Technical Coordinator