Studies on ecology and behavior of birds for species protection - field methods WF-OB-BEBP

The field practices introduce different field methods to understand the ecology and behavior of wild species on the example of colonial bird species. It presents methods of field research of the breeding biology and ecology, habitat selection, utilization of food resources, mating systems, breeding behaviour, migration, etc. It allows to learn techniques that can be useful to carry out conservation actions for the species. Acquainted with the ethical and legal aspects of working with animals in the field; Acquainted with the risks associated with field work and the safety principles of the field work
At the turn of May and June (depending on the advancement of the breeding season, and the water level) a week-long trip in the area to the University Field Station in Kobylnica near Maciejowice (the island on the MiddleVistula River). There are 1-2 organizational meetings before the trip

1. The schedule of the course. What is the breeding ecology. Basic concepts of ecology and behavior of birds
2. Methods of field work – ethical and legal issues
3. Methods of field work – safety in the field
4. Monitoring – why we count breeding birds?
5. Biology and ecology of breeding birds - the methods of field research
6. Habitat selection and nest-site selection – the methods of field research
7. Foraging – the methods of feeding ecology research
8. How we examine the pressure of predators?
9. Why do we banding birds - metal rings and coloured bands
10. Why and how do we catch birds - what data we get after catching of an individual?
11. Why do we take the blood - the methods of collection and preservation?
12. Life in the colony - what does behavioral research give us?
13. Methods in behavioural research - what can we observed in the field?
14. How to study biology, ecology and behavior of birds help in effective protection of the species and its nesting habitat?
15. Summary of the course

(in Polish) Kontakt z prowadzącym Liczba godzin bezpośredni - udział w zajęciach - 30 godz. Praca własna - przygotowanie do zajęć (tłumaczenie i czytanie publikacji) - 10 godz. - przygotowanie do zaliczenia (prezentacja na podstawie wylosowanego artykułu w języku angielskim) - 20 godz. Razem liczba godzin / ECTS 60 / 2

Student activity hours of student work Participation in lecture (auditory part) 5 Preparation for field work 10 Participation in the field work 30 Studying literature for the lecture 15 Studying literature for the field part 10 Preparation of a presentation 30 Preparation of a report 20 Total of 120 hours [120/30 = 4] Number of ECTS 4

1. Krebs Ch. J., Davies N.B. 1997. Behavioural Ecology: An Evolutionary Approach, Blackwell Scientific Publ.
2. Danchin E., Giraldeau L-A., Cezilly F. 2008. Behavioural Ecology: An Evolutionary Perspective on Behaviour. OUP Oxford.
3. W. J. Sutherland, I. Newton, R. Green. 2004. Bird Ecology and Conservation: A Handbook of Techniques. Oxford UP
4. Krebs Ch.J. Davies N.B. 2014. Wprowadzenie do ekologii behawioralnej. PWN

Additional literature:
Articles in English concerning the methods of breeding ecology research or animal behaviour studies.