Instructor: Peter Armstrong, Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences
Description:This course will develop the skill of identification of wild birds in the field as to species, sex, age, etc. The course will feature field trips on the Davis campus (walking), to locations close to campus in the City of Davis (by bicycle), and to locations within a 20-mile radius of Davis (by car). We will search for a variety of species of wild birds during these field trips and will learn the field marks by which the birds can be identified. On days of inclement weather, we will meet indoors and will hone our skills of identification of wild birds. The larger lesson at issue is developing an esthetic appreciation of the natural world, through the exercise of birding. This University offers a wealth of courses whose mission is the development of an esthetic appreciation of the natural sciences, literature and the fine arts. The present course intends to develop an esthetic appreciation for the natural world through a skill that can provide a life-time of enjoyment and pleasure.
Format:The course has 2 units of credit because, in addition to the class field trips, I will require the students to take several field trips on their own, outside of regular class time, to search for and identify species of birds commonly found in Davis. I will require the students to maintain a log of the different bird species that they identify during class field trips and during their out-of-class trips. These requirements are intended to reinforce lessons learned during the regular class meeting and to develop the habits of attention to the birds found during everyday activities in the out-of-doors. Grading: Grades will be assessed on the basis of regular class attendance and participation in class activities, in keeping a record of birds identified during class field trips, and in the execution of 3 independent out-of-class short field trips with the goal of perfecting the ability to identify common wintering birds to be found in the vicinity of the Davis campus. Each of these activities: (1) attendance and class participation, (2) keeping a record of species observed, and (3) execution of the required three independent out-of-class field trips will be counted equally for the purposes of grade assignment.
Course Text: National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Fifth Edition by Jon L. Dunn and Jonathan Alderfer
Special requirements: All students of the course will be required to have a pair of binoculars to be used on the field trips.
About the Instructor: Professor Armstrong has been an active birdwatcher since the age of 10, has been an active member of the Yolo Audubon Society since its founding, and rates his skill level in field identification of birds as “advanced.” He has extensive experience in leading graduate seminar courses.