NTRES 2300

NTRES 2300

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2015-2016.

Students will gain experience with techniques employed to safely capture, handle, mark, and track wild birds for scientific research. The course focuses on small songbirds and all students will handle birds and learn specialized techniques for identifying and ageing birds in the hand. The course also includes a classroom component where we explore the legal and ethical implications of handling wildlife. Students will become versed in the life history strategies employed by focal species and will present findings of peer-reviewed scientific papers to their peers.

When Offered Fall.

Outcomes
  • To learn and practice a variety of field techniques used for safely capturing, banding, and studying wild birds.
  • To accurately identify local birds, understand methods for determining the age, sex, and condition of captured birds, and maintain detailed records.
  • To understand and appreciate the diversity of life-history strategies pursued by these birds.
  • To understand the conservation challenges facing bird populations and learn approaches used to study free-living populations.
  • To keep an appropriate and detailed field journal.
  • To critically analyze scientific research that utilizes our focal research techniques and orally present summaries of this research.
  • To explore the legal and ethical implications of handling wildlife, and be able to explain the motivations, methods, and benefits of handling wildlife to your peers and the public.

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none
  •   Regular Academic Session.  Choose one lecture and one laboratory.

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  4951 NTRES 2300   LEC 001

  • Permission of instructor required; contact Dr. Bonter at dnb23@cornell.edu. This course is held at the Lab of Ornithology with shuttle service provided from Corson-Mudd. Students spend significant time outdoors so warm clothing is required.

  •  4952 NTRES 2300   LAB 401

    • W
    • Bonter, D