Based on the availability of a healthy riparian zone in a nearby location with an abundance of bird species, I decided to observe the number of these birds from a set point with regard to ambient temperature. Over the past few days, I have visited the small riparian area at Polson Park in Vernon, BC. I identified eight bird species: black-capped chickadees, ruby-crowned kinglets, a pileated woodpecker, mallard ducks, the American robin, sparrows (unknown), and quail. There was a variance in number of birds and bird species observed, with some correlation to ambient temperature. More observations could be used for a stronger data set, as well as selecting days or times with greater temperature variance.
Day 1 (9-10 degrees) yielded 6 species for a total of 26 birds. Day 2 (6-7 degrees) yielded 6 species and 16 birds. Day 3 (6-8 degrees) yielded 8 species and 29 total birds.
Something I took note of from the beginning and may be of interest is variance in bird species sighted, as it is likely correlated to ambient temperature as well.
There may be other influences, such as time of day, which might correlate to feeding, nesting, predator risks, or other associated patterns which affect activity alongside ambient temperature. Also, the presence or absence of a flock of sparrows has a major effect on total birds sighted, which may skew results.
Hypothesis: Ambient weather influences avian activity in the riparian zone of Polson Park.
Prediction: Increases in temperature will increase the number of birds sighted during point counts.
Response Variable: The number of birds sighted from a single location in one hour.
Explanatory Variable: Variance in ambient temperature over several observations.
*Note: I am receiving a notice that simply says “Sorry, you are not allowed to upload files”
Is this because they are too large or another error? I’ve tried to keep them small. I will email the full ones to you.
This is an interesting topic to be studying and being out in nature observing birds is always amazing. I agree with your thinking that time of day will definitely be a factor on how many bird sightings you have. In my experience birds are more active in the morning and less so in the evening. Will you be sampling at the same time each day so that this does not end up being a variable as well? When you are considering temperature I am wondering if you are thinking about other things like wind or precipitation as well as this may also play a role in the number of sightings. Are you also just counting birds that are in the immediate vicinity or are you counting high flying birds that are possibly migrating past? I think your prediction is clear although it may be a bit difficult to tell if the only variable affecting the sightings are due to temperature.
Thanks for your post.
I decided to keep time of day consistent in order to remove it as a variable, as there are enough of those already =)
Wind and precipitation are also things that have come up, so I have been taking note of them to see if they positively or negatively influence the presence of birds or diversity of species.
I have only been counting birds present and visible in the area and not migratory birds.
The prediction is definitely clearly stated and falsifiable when also mentioning how feeding, nesting, predation risk may also play a role along with the ambient temperature to influence the number of birds in the riparian zone. The pattern under investigation are the temperature of the zone and the number of birds present which is being mentioned. The predictor (increase in temperature) and response variable (increase in the number of birds present) are mentioned too. Another potential variables could be less presence of predators and good amount of resources available to live, good number of mating opportunities for birds.
Thanks for the tip on predation risk – it is definitely something I have been and will be monitoring. Feeding is also big, although nesting hasn’t really been observed as most seem to be quite active without permanent residence in this particular area.
Thanks for the predator, resources, and mating opportunities tips =)
Hi! I really like the topic that you have chosen and think that it is a super interesting study! Under blog post 5 submissions we are asked to comment and give feedback on another students hypothesis and I chose to comment on yours as I think your topic is super unique and thought-provoking. My feedback would be to consider the resources available in this area and how that might change the species and quantity of the birds you will be seeing, especially now that it is spring and the birds may compete for ideal habitat for nesting. This may also contribute to your findings when it comes to avian activity.
Also if it wont let you post a photo, try logging out and logging back in again. I have had some issues with that as well but I found that works when it tells me I can’t add photos. Sometimes it wont let you post a photo if you have been logged into Weblog for too long 🙂
Hey Michaela,
Thanks for the tip on available resources. It has come up a few times now and will definitely be a part of my notes/study =)
Thanks for the tech tips too! Much appreciated.