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, and a variety of other 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 observe behaviors 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. A couple full day field trips will be taken to surrounding areas. 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), bird identification quizzes, a short field research project, and class participation. Graduate students will have more in-depth requirements.
Grading Policy: Letter grades will be assigned. Midterm and final exams are each worth 25% of the final grade, bird identification quizzes are worth 25% of the final grade, the field project is worth 15% of the final grade, and 10% is based on class participation.
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. Bring a field journal that is a notebook appropriate for carrying in the field (i.e., not too large). Field clothing should be appropriate for woodlands and open sunny areas (i.e., hat, long pants, sturdy shoes, light cotton shirts etc). Sunscreen, tick and mosquito repellant, and field guide are needed.
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: $11 to $14 plus tax (used/new).
Reasonable Accommodation: Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from demonstrating his or her abilities should contact me, as well as Janet Isaac (UOBS) at 1-405-325-7431, and the Office of Disability Services, Goddard health Center, Rm. 166, 1-405-325-3852, as soon as possible so that accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate your educational opportunities.
Doug Wood
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Campus Mail: PMB 4068
Durant, OK 74701-0609
Phone: (580) 745-2272
E-Mail:  |
