DIY Maps of Bird Migration Patterns

Over the last handful of years I’ve become more and more fascinated with birds. I think that’s due in part to my daughters’ enjoyment of watching the many interesting birds that come to the feeders around our house. We’ve even taken to naming some of the birds that visit the feeders. For example, Hans is the name my oldest daughter gave to one of the rose-breasted grosbeaks that visits our kitchen window every evening. 

It’s our fascination with birds that caused me to investigate the eBird Status and Trends map earlier this week. eBird’s Status and Trends map lets you select a bird then see where in the world it is found at different times of the year. That’s exactly what I did with our friend Hans the rose-breasted grosbeak. Using eBird’s Status and Trends map I was able to quickly see where Hans and his friends would be before and after spending the summer with us here in Maine. Watch my short video to see how to use eBird’s Status and Trends map to see where different birds are at different times of the year. 

Applications for Education
Create a bird observation chart and have students record some of the birds that they see outside their windows. Then have them use eBird’s Status and Trends map to see where those birds came from and where they will go throughout the year. 
H/T to Maps Mania for the link to eBird Status and Trends map. 
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Thank You Readers for 14 Amazing Years!