Even though this site only deals with birds of Wisconsin, it is an excellent site for use in introductory and advanced university courses dealing with birds. It has an extensive collection of photos, distribution maps, bird calls, and much more for the state of Wisconsin as well as links to other research projects and bird atlases. It is sponsored by the Wisconsin Society for Ornithologists.
Type of Material:
Database
Recommended Uses:
This is an excellent site for those doing research on the distribution of birds in the upper Midwest. It is also very rich in information on the various bird species and can be used as a reference for various courses covering birds.
Technical Requirements:
This Web Site was designed for Windows and Mac with a screen resolution of at least 800 x 600, running Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator (version 4.7 or later). This site uses a JavaScript Navigation Menu and Cascading Style Sheets for style formatting. An MP3 player such as Microsoft Media Player, Real Player, or Winamp is required to hear the bird audio recordings.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The site does not include specific learning goals but has a good set of goals that support the main purpose on the site as follows: The purpose of the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas is to:
Provide a permanent record of the bird species breeding in the state. Provide baseline data for monitoring future changes in bird populations. Assess habitat needs of breeding species and document species diversity. Document abundance and distribution of rare and endangered species. Provide comparisons with historical studies. Complement existing or on-going avian monitoring programs in Wisconsin and in nearby states. Assist international efforts to preserve neotropical migratory birds. Help in land use planning by local and state governments. Assist industry in preparing environmental impact assessments. Bring together birders in an exciting new cooperative venture!
Target Student Population:
This site is good for university level courses and anyone who has an interest in birds of Wisconsin. This site is designed for ornithologists and is an excellent research source but is also an excellent site for university level courses and anyone who has an interest in birds of Wisconsin.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Basic knowledge of bird classification and the names of the families of birds would be helpful for a reader to fully utilize this site.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The site is very rich in species distribution data including color coded maps for specific regions, counties and the state. It also has the data in tally form, species lists, and species maps with separate taxonomic, alphabetical and A. O. U. listings. There is a separate form for submission of bird observations. The site has both an image library and an audio library of many of the birds on the site.
Concerns:
There are limited numbers of photos and audio tracks of some of the bird species. However, this is an ongoing study and the list will most likely grow with time.
Would require teachers to develop assignments to have the students analyze the data.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This site has a high potential for teaching effectiveness for ornithology courses. It also can be used to demonstrate methods of research and data organization. This site is also a valuable resource for those doing ornithological research.
Concerns:
Would require teachers to develop assignments to have the students analyze the data.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The site is easy to navigate and all links work. The speed of the site is
excellent and the photos in the image library are of good quality and have been optimized for display.
Concerns:
It would be helpful if the images would include a high resolution photo for each species. It would also help to provide a back button to return the reader to the list of audio clips after listening to the sounds.
Creative Commons:
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