Avery

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/Zoo_p028.shtml?fave=no&isb=cmlkOjQyODc0ODYsc2lkOjEscDox&from=TSW Objective The goal of this project is to investigate the seed-eating preferences of local birds. Introduction If you'd like to learn more about the birds in your area, then building a bird feeder is a great way to do that. A well-placed feeder will attract birds, allowing you to get a close-up look without disturbing the birds from behind a nearby window. This project shows you how to design and build a four-part feeder that will make it easy to figure out what types of seeds your local birds like best. The project is based on an entry to the 2007 California State Science Fair (Fukumitsu, 2007). With this design, you can easily measure the rate at which different types of seeds are consumed. You can also observe which species of birds prefer which part of the feeder. This will give you insight into species-specific seed preferences for your local bird population. You should do background research on the types of birds in your area. Find out about each bird's preferred habitat and diet. With the right food, you may be able to attract some birds that you don't normally see otherwise. So spend some time in your wood shop, then get out your binoculars and start watching birds! Terms, Concepts and Questions to Start Background Research To do this project, you should do research that enables you to understand the following terms and concepts: Questions
 * Birds
 * Bird watching
 * Bird feeders
 * Bird migration
 * Ornithology

Avery Ogden What bird Seeds Do birds in My Area Prefer Question: What bird seeds do birds in my area prefer? I will set my experiment up by setting up a bird feeder first. I will then put [|Garden Treasures 16-lbs. Sunflower Harvest Bird Seed] into the bird feeder and observe how many birds visit and eat the bird seeds and what type of bird it is. In the second test I will put squirrel proof wild bird seed from Pet Valu and observe how many birds visit and eat the bird seeds and what type they are. The reason I will use these two bird seeds is that the squirrel proof bird seed has chemicals added and the normal bird seed is natural. These two factors might affect whether the birds eat the bird seeds. Factors: One factor as I said is whether the chemicals added in the squirrel proof bird seed will make the birds not want to eat it. Another factor is that this type of season is cold and bitter so birds will probably be down south so I might be limited to a small species of birds. Also the weather specifically that day might keep the birds in their nests, or the birds might be flourishing and coming to my feeder a lot that day. Importance: This experiment is important because it will tell me what species of bird stay around my area during the winter time. Also this experiment will show what type of bird seed birds in my area prefer and this will help keep bird flourishing. Hypothesis: I predict that the birds will prefer the more all natural bird seed compared to the chemically added squirrel proof bird seed. The reason the I predict this is because the chemicals will most likely alter the taste of the bird seeds while the natural bird seed will taste normal. Materials: · Metal pole · Wood · Normal bird seed · Squirrel proof bird seed · Bird watcher book(to identify the species), log book Works Sited "Squirrel Proof Wild Bird Seed - Where Can I Buy It?." //Squirrel Proof Wild Bird Seed - Keep Squirrels Away from your Bird Feeder//. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. . "bird seeds." //Lowe's Home Improvement: Buy Kitchen Cabinets, Paint, Appliances & Flooring//. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. .   //MLA formatting by BibMe.org. //
 * What bird species are native to your area?
 * What bird species pass through your area during migration, and when?
 * What are the bird species that visit your feeder?