Here's a good idea for young scientists from wildlife biologist, SaraJean Peters, of the Ohio Department of Wildlife (retired):
"The FalconCam "hour review" of images provides an interesting way for kids to practice "sampling" techniques used by wildlife researchers. One would assume that, as the pair extends its courtship, the birds would be seen more and more frequently at the nest tray. By counting the number of frames that contain a view of a peregrine and dividing by 60, the students can calculate the percentage of time spent at the site during the sample period. They could choose several sample periods during the day and see if visitation varies by time of day... How does it change when the chicks are 12 days old...."
To see the "hour review" each day, go to the live FalconCam at
www.falconcam.apk.net Click on one of the 3 pictures on the front page and that will take you to the archives. The live FalconCam takes a picture each minute of every hour. There are 60 pictures for each hour each day. Looking at the archives will give you a quick review of all the day's activities. As you observe the nest each day, why not take Ms. Peterson's suggestion and record how much of the time the falcons are at the nest in one hour and what their activities are? Sampling the nest every day will give you some interesting information about falcon behavior.
Stay tuned for falcon eggs ......
