BIRD ECOLOGY
ZOO 4970/5970, Sec. 050, 3 credit hours
Course Description: This course will introduce students to the structure, diversity, evolution, behavior, and ecology of birds. It will provide students the opportunity to learn field identification, census techniques, netting, and a variety of other field research techniques.
Topics Covered: The course will emphasize the field study of birds. This will include: (1) lectures on bird structure, origin and evolution, modern diversity, behavior and ecology and (2) field trips that provide the opportunity to find and identify birds, capture and examine birds, and to observe behaviors (particularly foraging and reproductive) discussed in lecture.
Laboratory: This course will be strongly field oriented. Typically, there will be two morning field trips, a short trip before breakfast and a longer one following breakfast. Lectures will be given in the afternoon and on occasion in the evening.
Examinations: Grades will be based on two lecture examinations (midterm and final), field quizzes on species identification and behavior and field techniques, and class participation. Graduate credit students will respond to additional more in-depth questions on examinations.
Grading Policy: Letter grades will be assigned. Exams each contribute 25% of the grade. Field quizzes as a whole count 40%, and class participation counts 10%.
Materials Required: Binoculars – If at all possible, the student should bring appropriate binoculars with them. They should be either 7X35, 8X40 or 10X40 or some similar combination. No opera glasses or miniature binoculars, as well as no large, 20 lb. binoculars, too heavy to carry around the neck all day in the field; field journal (notebook appropriate for carrying in the field, i.e. not too large); field clothing appropriate for woodlands or open, sunny areas (hat, sturdy shoes, at least one pair of long pants, light cotton shirts, etc.); sunscreen, tick and mosquito repellant, and bird guide (see below).
Available at the Biological Station:
- Birder's journal : $6.60 plus tax
- Sunscreen: $3.77-$6.37 plus tax
- Insect repellant: $3.30-$4.46 plus tax
Textbook: Sibley, David A. (2003) The Sibley Guide to Birds of Eastern Northern America. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New York., ISBN: 0-679-45120-X. Available at the Biological Station: $13.57 plus tax
Reasonable Accommodation: The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodations in this course are requested to contact the professor, Terry Maxwell, as well as Janat Issac, UOBS, (405) 325-7431, well in advance to the start of class. Students with disabilities must be registered with the Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course. The Disability Resource Center is located in Goddard Health Center, Suite 166, or by calling (405) 325-3852 or TDD only (405) 325-4173.
Terry Maxwell
Department of Biology
Angelo State University
ASU Box 10890
San Angelo,
TX
76909
Phone:
(915) 942-2189,Ext. 245
Fax:
(915) 942-2184
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