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1.  One of the most important features of birds is their feathers. List the reasons why it is good for a bird to have feathers.

Feathers are light and rigid, and therefore make it easier to fly.  Feathers are water proof so that waterfowl do not become cold when they are in the water.  In winter, down feathers help to trap the bird’s heat and combat cold temperatures. Feathers can be molted so that new replacements keep the bird in peak form.  Feathers also are used to give characteristic colors which may help attract mates or identify individuals.

2.  As you see birds in the park, note the kind of beak they have. By noting the shape of the beak of a bird, one can gain an idea of the type of food it eats.  Propose the type of food that birds with the following beaks might eat:

• Thick shorter beak like that in a Northern Cardinal (seeds, big seeds)
• Short slim beak like that in an Eastern Bluebird (good for catching insects)
• Long thin beak like that in a Hummingbird (used to obtain nectar deep in flowers)
• Long spear-like beak as in a Great Blue Heron (good for spearing fish, crabs or eels)
• Large hooked beaks as in an Bald Eagle (used to tear flesh, pull off feathers and fur)

3.  What are the basic necessities that the park environment provides for the birds that live here?

Nesting sites, access to food sources, protection from predators, ample room for their required range freeing them from stress, shelter from the extremes of heat and cold.

4.  Name some of the birds that you have seen in the park that could be described as human tolerant.

Northern Cardinal, Eastern bluebird, Carolina Wren, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Carolina Chickadee

5.  WCP has a varied landscape – marshes, creeks, wooded areas, and open fields. Which of these areas would you propose could support the greatest variety of birds and why?

The areas with the greatest variety and amount of resources like food types, shelter from the elements, hiding places – so the wooded and marsh areas support the greatest variety of birds. 

6.  Why might one expect to see more birds in the forest during the winter than in the open fields?

The warmth is greater here and protection from the winds and other elements would be better here. Also, the forest offers more food and nest areas than the open areas.

7.  Which of the areas in the park might pose the greatest risk to birds being preyed upon?

Open areas like the fields and the exposed creek bank.

8.  In what way do the marshes along the park creeks serve the needs of the White Egrets and Great Blue Herons which come here?

The marshes provide places for them to find food both on the banks and in the shallow waters.

9.  Red-winged Blackbirds are commonly seen in the marsh.  They nest there and establish their territories. What do they eat?

Red-winged Blackbirds eat insects and seeds.  As they become adults, they feed more on seeds.  

10.  Many birds which migrate along the eastern coastline find marshes a place of refuge and rest along the way. How does a marsh like that at WCP provide a refuge for migrating birds?

• Provide hiding places in the tall reeds
• Have quiet waters and less wind to contend with
• Provide shelter for them away from the presence of people who can cause stress
• Provide food sources