User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
I have started collecting data for my research project on the effects of temperature on bird activity. So far I have collected 4 replicates. I am using a point count method to count the number of birds in my sampling location while noting the temperature during each observation. I am using a bird feeder to count the number of birds at the feeder during each 10 minute observation. Some initial difficulties I had were the competition the birds had with the bird feeder with other species, specifically with squirrels. Within 24 hours of hanging the bird feeder, the squirrels had eaten nearly the entire feeder so I had to start again and buy a squirrel proof bird feeder. Another issue I have had is that it is tricky getting temperatures within my range. (I hypothesized that bird activity is highest between 10-15 celcius). Of all the replicates I have done, they have all been above my temperature range. I’m worried I won’t have enough ranges of temperature to fully test my hypothesis and perhaps I should have hypothesized a higher temperature range. In New Jersey, where I live the average low in May is 12 celcius and 17 celcius in June. Therefore, it is unlikely that I will get temperature ranges below my hypothesis of 10-15 degrees and it may even be tricky to get temperature ranges within my hypothesis.
I have a feeling that other variables are going to affect the results of the study too. In particular, wind and cloud cover seem to also affect the abundance of birds in my observation area. At this point I don’t know what variable seems to have the most effect on bird abundance: temperature, wind, cloud cover or precipitation. My hypothesis deals specifically with temperature but I have a feeling that cloud cover plays a significant role. While I am not testing these other variables, I have been taking note of them as I believe they may have an effect on the overall results.
