Donna+Bianco

Introduction:

Today researchers study animal behavior for many reasons using basic scientific principals. In this project the students will answer real questions about animal behavior using scientific language, the same language that allows other researchers to build upon their work. Students will the experimental design model, six essential steps covering the scientific approach to researching bird behavior at feeding sites. ====//1. My Question//: Does weather influence the bird population (on Staten Island) at my home feeder? //2. My Hypothesis//: During the wintering months, bird population will decrease due to migratory paterns in bird behavior.====

Materials and Methods
====//4. My methods//: I will place a birdcam opposite the feeder in my garden. I will keep the feeder stocked with food at all times. I will download pictures captured by the Birdcam and analyze the time of day and daily bird counts.====

//6. Variables//

 * ====My Independent Variables====
 * 1) Time of day of observation
 * 2) Temperature at time of observation
 * ====My Dependent Variables====
 * 1) Types of birds
 * 2) Number of birds
 * ====My Controls====
 * 1) Bird feeder