At first I was very indecisive about what I wanted
to do for this project, but after much deliberation, I have decided to follow
the various kinds birds on campus. I want to explore this topic for the duration of
this project because I feel that following birds on campus is much more
interesting and less embarrassing than stalking an actual person. At first I
thought that I wanted to follow sorority girls around campus to see what
exactly they do, but I also thought about how hard it would be to convince
someone to let follow them for an extended period of time. I also wanted to
follow birds around campus so that I could observe what places they are
attracted to and also what characteristics about those certain places that the birds like. I will try to evaluate my topic by visiting various places
on campus and seeing where birds like to flock. I will attempt to evaluate the
birds and see if certain types of birds like to travel together to certain
areas of campus.
I am planning
to go to ‘A’ Mountain to see if there are birds there and also if other
critters go there. I also want to visit other campus areas like the Memorial
Union patio, the Life Sciences building, the new North Campus grass area, and
the Student Recreation Center field. I usually see birds at these places so hopefully
I can evaluate these areas without much trouble. I also wanted to observe the
birds and whether or not they react with any people and evaluate the behavior of both
parties and what their interaction is like.
The scholarly journal article that I am considering
to help aid my research in this project is entitled: “Energetics, lifestyle,
and Reproduction in birds” by Richard Sibly. The source was obtained on EBSCO
Host and is approximately one page in length. This scholarly article basically documents
the behavior of birds in general with no specific focus on a type of bird. It
discusses what food they like, their reproductive habits, and how they have
adapted to urban areas.
Secondly, the book source I am using for project two is
entitled: The National Geographic Complete Birds of North America by Johnathan
Alderfer. This book is 640 pages in length. This book is a guide to various types
of birds and it teaches you how to identify birds and also offers an
explanation of why they behave the way they do.
Lastly, I chose a website dedicated to birds
called Arizonesis.org. This website offers a description of the various birds
that live in Arizona and I thought that this would be very helpful when
identifying the birds and determining the behavioral patterns of certain birds.
I learned that there are 24 common types of birds in desert-like environments
like Arizona.
Overall, I am happy about the topic I chose and I
have confidence that these sources will be very beneficial in the rest of my
research for this project.
I would suggest that you not only follow birds in general, but look for commonalities that each bird has with the others. Do they sit in flocks together? If so are they intermingled with other types of birds or is it a segregated system? As well as trying to find which bird exists in the most places. Such as does the “A” mountain bird also reside at the Memorial Union, or is its habitat elsewhere. I would also like to agree that this is a very good subject, one with many prospects for mapping and analysis, so kudos. My final thought would be to research characteristics of the birds and their habits.
ReplyDeleteThis seems like a very tough subject to be writing about in this project. I am going to lean towards what Shearman was saying. Maybe go into more depth than just following around birds and discovering where they tend to be attracted to. I would try to analyze more about the reasons that the birds are so attracted to these places and what types of birds these are. Also, maybe do the birds here stand alone? Or do they flock together? I wish you luck on your project. With the extensive amount of observation and analysis you have to complete, I do not doubt that you will have enough information to complete a well written project.
ReplyDeleteTracking birds to me, seems like a difficult thing to do in general, as well as analyzing them, you definitely have a tough subject. With your sources however, I think you have the information to do it. If you spend the time really analyzing every aspect of the birds I think you will have enough information for the project. Accurately identifying each bird may be very difficult and could be a flaw in your topic but if you spend the time researching and observing, you have the basis to do it. It will be a tough subject, but if you can do it well it will be an awesome for mapping. Best of luck on your project!
ReplyDeleteI think you have a good idea, but it might be a little bit difficult to identify the different types of birds and where exactly they are located throughout the Arizona State University campus. However, you seem to have good sources that will help you have an easier time identifying different species, so that could make your project a bit easier! I agree with what Shearman says about identifying the behaviors of the birds and if they sit in flocks. Also, while looking through student's blogs to comment on, I realized a lot of them have the same topics. You have a pretty unique topic, which is interesting! It might be a little bit difficult to actually do, but I think it is a great topic. Good luck (:
ReplyDeleteI actually think you have an original and great idea! Although it might really be hard to necessarily follow around birds and track all the places they frequently visit around ASU, if done right, I think it would result in a great project. Your sources seem great in helping you accomplish this and seem like they would make it an easier experience. I agree with what Shearman said in grouping birds together and identifying them in flocks because that seems like it would save you very much time. Looking around and seeing other topics and also looking at my brainstorming for a topic, yours is much more unique and creative! Good luck in your endeavors in this project.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on finding a great topic to map out and write about. In fact I was thinking of doing the same thing myself. The only problems I see with this subject is that I might actually be difficult to effectively track the birds location. From just walking around campus I see birds everywhere and all different types. Thus, making out exactly where they may flock together or a one particular species may flock is somewhat of a challenge. Moreover, one area that maybe you should check out when doing this project is the cafeteria or right outside the MU. The birds definitely will be flocking to food.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy you were finally able to pick something to stalk! I know that you were concerned with what to evaluate and how you would do so, but it seems like you are headed on the right path. Although, since birds are naturally everywhere, I am interested to see how you narrow this down and which locations you choose to use. I know that the trees on Mill Ave. are teaming with birds, so maybe you could check that location out. As for your sources, you may want to find one or two more that really specify why birds nest in one area instead of another. Sources with more specific facts might be easier to use in your paper. Can't wait to hear more about your project in class!
ReplyDeleteI agree that your idea is completely original, but it may be difficult to write 2000 words on birds interacting with each other. Maybe you could relate the birds in Arizona State to birds in other states, or if you want to focus on only Arizona, try doing it with this city versus others or something to that effect. It looks like your sources are leading you in the right direction, so I feel like you won't have too many issues completing the project. I like the idea that someone commented about saying to look outside a place that typically has food and compare it to an educational building. Or, go to Old Main and see if the presence of all the cats that live there affect the birds.
ReplyDeleteYour idea to follow birds is very different and unlike something i would probably choose, but i could see it being very entertaining and active which would be fun so you don't bored. The thing I would focus on would be sense you have to be out and about gathering pictures, that you really get good pictures and views on these birds and outside nature because you have a topic that should be at the very least visually appealing. Try and catch the birds in action while eating or just flying away, but make sure to not let the appealing part out shine the informational side.
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