I really enjoyed getting to do some work in the real world and test out a hypothesis while consulting relevant course materials and articles. This process really helps to connect theory and readings into something practical tangible. That is not to say that this was without its hurdles though.
The initial obstacle was to become clear with the direction of the experimental design while becoming familiar with course content. Through blog post responses and feedback from Professor Elliot along the way I was able to incorporate some other information I had not thought of as well as recalibrating experimental design (observation length was previously mentioned).
Certainly, my appreciation for this sort of work has grown since I have come to see how much of the picture is helpful and necessary even when studying one small aspect of that picture. Also, the rigorous and well-thought-out way in which much of this work is carried out requires a great deal of patience, honesty, commitment, and discipline, which I have more of an appreciation for now.
Many thanks to the other students in the class and both Professor Elliot and Reudink for their feedback and support.
All the best,
Joel
birds are a fav so this was fun to read ~Nancy