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Betty Snow

Introduction -

I live in Huntsville, Alabama and have recently learned that we have one of the largest selections of birds in the Southeast. Our school is Pre-k through 8th grade and all the students have been involved in my study of birds that I began last school year with a grant I earned from a local organization. I am thrilled with the opportunity to continue our study of birds, and since we begin school August 9, I will have my experiment results ready and will re-do this experiement for my middle school students. I am also the assistant principal, so I have been at school these past two weeks and I have all the materials in place to begin the study.

Materials -

Two feeders, same size and containing the same type of food Bird feed One bird bath gram scale for recording the amount of food consumed Pencil/paper for recording data

Methods - Since my study is going to compare the amount of food eaten by birds that have a feeder near a bird bath and the amount of food consumed by birds in a feeder that is not located near a bird bath, I have decided to use the two ends of our garden at school for this experiment. The area receives around eight hours of sunlight daily. The feeders will be placed at opposite ends of the garden, amidst the same type of bushes. However, the feeder at one end will have a bird bath next to it. I will measure the food and place the same amount in both bird feeders. I will observe the feeders at 7:30 a.m., 12 noon and 4 p.m. I will only observe the feeders at 7:30 and 12 noon. However at 4 p.m., I will measure the amount of food in both feeders and see if there is a difference between the two. I will also be observing the bird bath at 7:30 a.m., 12 noon and 4 p.m. and refilling it with water if needed. I will also have a companion that will be able to observe the types of birds that use the feeder. We have many cardinals in our area, so I am expecting to see mostly cardinals.