Peter Nye
Eagle Home Page
Challenge Questions
.
A/CPB
FINAL Bald Eagle Migration Update: May 18, 1998
Todays Report Includes:
- Special Thanks to Biologists Peter Nye & Jim Watson!
- Migration Year to Year, Season to Season
- Scientist Says: How Scientist Communicate Research Results
Special Thanks to Biologists Peter Nye & Jim Watson!
 |
 |
|
Jim Watson |
Peter Nye |
As the migration seasons draws to a close, we'd like to turn your attention behind the scenes. In addition to their busy jobs, over the past 8 months Pete Nye & Jim Watson found extra time to share their research and knowledge about eagles with us all. Journey North would not be possible without the dedication of biologists like Pete & Jim who contribute their expertise voluntarily. Motivated by concern about the long-term survival of bald eagles, this gift to students is given freely in hope that the same interest & concern will become part of students' own lives. Thank you for a fantastic season Peter & Jim!
|
|
 |
|
Western Eagles |
Eastern Eagles |
Migration Year to Year, Season to Season
Two of Jim Watson's satellite-tracked eagles (#05 & #16) have now traveled for 3 seasons under his watchful eyes. Both birds were captured before the Spring, 1997 migration. He tracked them last fall back to Washington, and back north again this spring.
|
|
 |
|
Eagle #05 |
Eagle #16 |
You have received the Spring, 1998 data and corresponding data for Spring, 1997. In today's report you'll find data from the Fall, 1997 migrations of both eagles. In addition, the maps above show all 3 migrations for each eagle. Based on all of these findings, what conclusions can you draw about bald eagle migration in the West? How does each eagle's route compare from year to year? From season to season? Describe the similarities and differences you see for each eagle. The following questions might help you organize your thoughts:
- On what date did the eagle's migration begin: In spring, 1997? In spring, 1998?
- On what date did the migration end each spring?
- How many days did the migration take in 1997? In 1998?
- When did the eagle's fall migration begin and end? How many days did the fall trips take?
- Did the eagle take the same route: In Spring '97 & Spring '98? In Fall '97 & Spring '98?
- Spring migration is typically said to be more hurried than fall migration. This is because in the spring, eagles are rushing to the breeding grounds to set up territories and begin the nesting season. Did this appear to be true for eagle #05? For eagle # 16? Why or why not?
- Note the age and sex of each eagle. Do you think this makes a difference in the timing and destinations of their migrations? Why or why not?
- Perhaps most importantly, what conclusions CANNOT be drawn from the data? What factors need further research? Do you see conflicting information that could be resolved with a larger sample size?
Links to Migration Data for Analysis
- Eagle #05: Spring, 1998 & Spring 1997
- Eagle #05: Fall, 1997
- Eagle #16: Spring, 1998 & Spring 1997
- Eagle #16: Fall, 1997
Scientist Says: How Scientists Communicate Research Results
One of the most important steps in a scientist's work is sharing research results with other scientists. This is how the body of scientific knowledge is built--and how it constantly changes as new research findings replace the old.
As a way to synthesize your learning this spring, write your own scientific paper based on the Bald Eagle research you have witnessed----just as our featured scientists are preparing to do!
- Link to Lesson: Scientist Says: How Scientists Communicate Research Results
|
|
Journey North |
This is the FINAL Bald Eagle Migration Update See you next year!
Copyright 1998 Journey North. All Rights Reserved.