FYI if you are working from home, I will upload clear pictures of the bushtit nest here on this blog and on TEAMS, so you may do this assignment.
Investigation: Write a report as a two page document or slide show.
1. a. Here is some info on Bushtit biology right here: an excerpt from the website:
"Bushtits need to eat 80% of their body weight each day to keep up with their speedy metabolisms when weather is warm- they eat even more when it cools down. According to a study from 1907, bushtits in California had diets that consisted of 81% insect matter through most of the year, and which increased to 100% insect matter in the spring. "
write 10 points which characterize bushtit biology
1.b. Observe the nest that was found and draw it.
Take clear pictures of sections of this nest and try to identify what was used to make the nest. What do you think was used to construct this nest?
2. NEST SAMPLE (shared microscope) : Observe the tiny sample of the nest under the microscope and report what you see. Can you see the spider silk? The moss? feathers? Take a picture with your camera if you can.
3. COLLECT YOUR OWN SAMPLE OF a similar species of MOSS and LICHEN that is NOT from the nest from outside and examine this magnified either under the microscope ( OR using your camera to take a really close shot ) and draw your sample. Answer this question: What properties of moss make it suitable for nesting material?
4. Listen for the sound of a bushtit around our school. Observe for bushtits over a few days. Draw a map of where and when you hear this sound and include it in the report.
The sound can be found in this video here
5. Optional extra observations: Some of you began looking at other interesting specimens in our class and using our microscopes. If you looked at other specimens and photographed them, include them here too. If you did not, no worries, number 5 is optional.
Evaluation
17-20 - This is a beautifully presented assignment with clear observations, photos, drawings and observations. It is insightful and excellently done. It is typed or written in ink and in colour
13-16 - This assignment is complete and very well done with great photos and observations. It is in pencil
5- 12 - This is a good start with some good observations but it is incomplete
