Songbirds at the Crossroads of Migration
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Photos by Kevin T. Karlson
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Songbirds at the Crossroads of Migration is a comprehensive curriculum guide that provides educators with information, hands-on lessons, and opportunities to involve students in learning about the importance of New Jersey’s habitats and ecosystems as they relate to the needs of migratory songbirds.
The study of nocturnal songbird migration using radar data, coupled with a Geographic Information System (GIS), and used to identify critical stopover habitats for these birds, is cutting-edge science. Using these technologies, researchers are able to scientifically support conservation decisions. Using the lessons and activities in Songbirds at the Crossroads of Migration gives teachers and students an opportunity to learn about the importance of New Jersey’s habitats and ecosystems to migrating songbirds, as well as gives them opportunities to discuss relevant environmental issues, individual behaviors, and possible careers. It provides a means for students to strengthen their language, reading, mathematical and social studies skills. Comments and suggestions from classroom teachers, non-formal educators, and professionals in the field of songbird migration, ecology, and conservation helped structure the learning experiences in the guide so that they follow the accepted environmental education model that takes the learner from awareness to action. All lessons are correlated to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards set forth by the New Jersey Department of Education.
For more information about bird migration in New Jersey click here.