Ongoing Field Observations

Date: [Oct10th, 2023]

Location: Riverside Park, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.

Organism: Bird Diversity and Migration Patterns

Field Journal Observations:

I’ve selected “bird diversity and migration patterns” as the focal point of my ongoing field observations in Riverside Park. This study aims to shed light on the intriguing patterns of avian life within this urban green space. My observations are meticulously documented in my field journal, which includes information about bird species, behaviours, and temporal changes along an environmental gradient.

Locations Along the Gradient:

• Riverside Park Entry Area: This location provides a convenient starting point for my observations. It represents the park’s entrance and the interface between urban development and natural greenery.
• Thompson Riverbank: The second location is positioned along the Thompson River, a vital feature in Riverside Park. Birds often utilize this riverside habitat during migration. This location allows me to observe potential shifts in bird diversity and behaviours near the water.
• Grassland and Flowerbed Area: The third location is nestled within the park’s well-kept grassland and flowerbed areas. These areas offer an intriguing contrast to the riverbank, and I’m interested in comparing how vegetation diversity may influence bird diversity and behaviours.

Observations and Data Collection:

In my field journal, I’ve recorded bird species, their abundance, behaviours, and interactions with the environment. I’ve documented the time of observation, weather conditions, and other contextual information. The careful collection of data at each location ensures comprehensive and accurate observations.

Hypothesis and Prediction:

To make sense of the patterns I observe, I’ve developed a hypothesis and corresponding prediction. My hypothesis posits that environmental factors, such as proximity to the Thompson River and vegetation diversity, influence bird diversity and migration behaviours within Riverside Park.

Based on this hypothesis, my prediction is that as the proximity to the Thompson River increases, the diversity of bird species and their migratory behaviours will also increase.

Response and Explanatory Variables:

To test my hypothesis, I’ve identified two key variables:

• Response Variable: Bird Diversity – I will measure the diversity of bird species through methods such as bird counts and identification. This variable will be categorical, as I’ll classify birds into species. (How to measure? Using “eBird” or “iNaturalist” application)
• Explanatory Variable: Proximity to the Thompson River – I will measure the distance of observation points from the river. This variable is continuous, as it can be expressed in meters. (How to measure? Using online mapping tools such as Google Maps.)

This experimental design allows me to systematically gather and analyze data to evaluate whether my hypothesis holds true and to provide valuable insights into the intricate world of bird diversity and migration patterns in Riverside Park.