Mapping Nest Success in Migratory Birds

Dan Bisaccio ‘76
HabitatNet / Conservation Biology @ Souhegan High School, Amherst, NH 03031

GIS is accessible to high school students by using an authentic field-based context. Students craft artificial nests and egg of migratory birds that typically nest in our biodiversity plot and investigate the impact of forest fragmentation on nesting success. Locations of the nests are then mapped using GPS and nest disturbance analyzed using GIS. Through this hands-on field exercise students learn about global habitat connections and conservation issues for migratory birds. Students as researchers may then share their data with other students around the country using HabitatNet (A Toyota Tapestry Grant Project). This presentation will focus on how to visualize nest disturbance data using GIS technology based on an authentic field based project.