Introduction
Alaska Bird Observatory
At the Alaska Bird Observatory (ABO) our mission is to contribute to the conservation of Alaska's birds through research and education.
Since 1992, ABO has specialized in long-term studies of migrant and resident songbirds travelling the arctic, subarctic, and temperate regions of northwestern North America. Similar observatories are located in the United States and southern Canada; ABO is the northernmost organization of its kind in North America. ABO conducts songbird research at Creamer's Field Migration Station by capturing songbirds in mist nets, placing a numbered federal band on the bird's leg, recording data, and releasing the bird unharmed.
Recent documentation of a decline in songbird numbers has made monitoring their populations an international concern. Prior to 1992, little information existed on songbirds that breed in Alaska and winter in the tropics. These birds are essential to the forest ecosystem in their wintering areas, along their migration routes and in their breeding ranges. ABO is playing a major role in learning more about this important part of our environment.
ABO Boreal Forest Songbirds of Alaska Unit
Birds are a source of enjoyment and wonder. The Boreal Forest Songbird teaching unit has been developed by the Alaska Bird Observatory (ABO) with funding from several organizations (see front cover) to encourage children's interest in birds and their environment. This unit is part of ABO's education program and should be used in conjunction with the ABO Songbird Activity Book. Although the unit is designed for any boreal forest setting, it may be used in preparation for or as a follow-up to an ABO Creamer's Field Migration Station field trip.
The goal of this unit is to promote critical thinking and problem solving related to boreal forest songbirds in Alaska. There are six chapters. The first page of each chapter is a student page, designed so that it can be copied and given to the children to read and keep as a reference. The information included on this page will be used in the activities. There are three activities described in each chapter. These activities are primarily scientific, with a few art and writing projects. Next is the glossary, a list of the resources used to develop this project and acknowledgments. The appendices include resources needed to complete several of the activities. Finally, there is the ABO Bird Activity Book. The unit and activity book are on the Internet at http://www.ptialaska.net/~birds1/bfsunit.
This is a new unit and open for review and revision. Please feel free to comment on content or edit and add ideas for activities on the evaluation. Enjoy!
ABO Songbird Activity Book
Enclosed is a master copy of the activity guide referred to in several of the activities in this unit. Each student should have a copy, especially if they will be attending a banding demonstration at Creamer's Refuge. The purpose of this book is to reinforce the concepts that the students will be introduced to at the banding station.
Answers to the classroom activities are included in appendix a7.
Continue to Table of Contents.