Bird Study

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{{Merit Badge header|Basketry|Bugling||charts, diagrams, and great links to birdcalls and lesson videos as well as<br>}}
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{{Infobox_MeritBadge_Green
{{Infobox_MeritBadge_Green
|name= Bird Study
|name= Bird Study
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|discontinued= N/A
|discontinued= N/A
|requirements revision= 2006
|requirements revision= 2006
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|pamphlet revision= 2005
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|pamphlet revision= 2008
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|field= Natural Science
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|id= 029
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|quote=Birds are among the most fascinating creatures on Earth. Many are beautifully colored. Others are accomplished singers. Many of the most important discoveries about birds and how they live have been made by amateur birders. In pursuing this hobby, a Scout might someday make a valuable contribution to our understanding of the natural world.
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<br>
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{{Merit Badge introduction}}
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{{Hornaday Merit Badge}}
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== Merit badge requirements ==
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{{reqs||merit badge }}
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<br>
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:1. Explain the need for bird study and why birds are useful indicators of the quality of the environment.
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== Notes ==
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:2. Show that you are familiar with the terms used to describe birds by sketching or tracing a perched bird and then labeling 15 different parts of the bird. Sketch or trace an extended wing and label types of wing feathers.
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:3. Demonstrate that you know how to properly use and care for binoculars.
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::a. Explain what the specification numbers on the binoculars mean.
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::b. Show how to adjust the eyepiece and how to focus for proper viewing.
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{{Merit Badge Notes}}
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::c. Show how to properly care for and clean the lenses.
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# This is a great badge to do in February, in conjunction with the [http://www.birdcount.org Great Backyard Bird Count].
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:4. Demonstrate that you know how to use a bird field guide. Show your counselor that you are able to understand a range map by locating in the book and pointing out the wintering range, the breeding range, and/or the year-round range of one species of each of the following types of birds:
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<br>
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::a. Seabird
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::b. Plover
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::c. Falcon or hawk
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::d. Warbler or vireo
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::e. Heron or egret
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::f. Sparrow
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::g. Nonnative bird (introduced to North America from a foreign country since 1800)
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:5. Observe and be able to identify at least 20 species of wild birds. Prepare a field notebook, making a separate entry for each species, and record the following information from your field observations and other references.
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::a. Note the date and time.
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::b. Note the location and habitat.
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::c. Describe the bird's main feeding habitat and list two types of food that the bird is likely to eat.
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::d. Note whether the bird is a migrant or a summer, winter, or year-round resident of your area.
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:6. Explain the function of a bird's song. Be able to identify five of the 20 species in your field notebook by song or call alone. For each of these five species enter a description of the song or call, and note the behavior of the bird making the sound. Note why you think the bird was making the call or song that you heard.
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:7. Do ONE of the following:
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::a. Go on a field trip with a local club or with others who are knowledgeable about birds in your area.
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:::1. Keep a list or fill out a checklist of all the birds your group observed during the field trip.
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:::2. Tell your counselor which birds your group saw and why some species were common and some were present in small numbers.
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:::3. Tell your counselor what makes the area you visited good for finding birds.
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::b. By using a public library or contacting the National Audubon Society, find the name and location of the Christmas Bird Count nearest your home and obtain the results of a recent count.
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:::1. Explain what kinds of information are collected during the annual event.
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:::2. Tell your counselor which species are most common, and explain why these birds are abundant.
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:::3. Tell your counselor which species are uncommon, and explain why these were present in small numbers. If the number of birds of these species is decreasing, explain why, and what, if anything, could be done to reverse their decline.
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:8. Do ONE of the following. For the option you choose, describe what birds you hope to attract, and why.
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::a. Build a bird feeder and put it in an appropriate place in your yard or another location.
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::b. Build a birdbath and put it in an appropriate place.
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::c. Build a backyard sanctuary for birds by planting trees and shrubs for food and cover.
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''Source: 2007 Boy Scout Requirements (33215)''
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== Requirement resources ==
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{{Merit Badge Requirement resources}}
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'''1'''. [http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761552516_6/Bird.html#s46 Birds as indicators of the quality of the environment]<br>
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'''2'''. [http://www.wildbirds.com/dnn/IdentifyBirds/BirdIdentification/tabid/119/Default.aspx Bird diagrams] - [http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Birds/MMMN/English/glossary_data.html More] - [http://www.birdsource.org BirdSource]<br>
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'''3. Lesson Videos''': [http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/6769_bird-watching-binoculars-field-guides.htm Bird Watching Binoculars & Field Guides] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video/115475_about-bird-watching-binoculars.htm About Bird Watching Binoculars]<br> [http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761556559/Binoculars.html#461533544 Binoculars] - [http://www.outdooreyes.com/takecarebinoculars.php3 How to Care for Binoculars] - [http://www.outdoorlife.com/outdoor/gear/article/0,19912,706732,00.html How to Adjust Binoculars]<br>
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'''4. & 5. Lesson Videos''': [http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/1201_birdwatching.htm Birdwatching for Beginners] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/1216_birding-equipment.htm Get Started with Bird Watching] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/1227_birding-by-sight.htm Bird Identification]<br>
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'''4. & 5'''. [http://www.enature.com/FIELDGUIDES/intermediate.asp?curGroupID=1 Online bird field guide] - [http://www.birdfieldguide.com/ Another] - [http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/youngbirders/field_guide.aspx How to Use a Field Guide] - [http://www.backyardbird.com/rangemaps1.html 72 Range Maps] - [http://www.birds.cornell.edu Cornell Ornithology] - [http://www.abcbirds.org American Bird Conservancy]<br>
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'''5.''' The Field Notebook you will need is included in the [[Media:{{PAGENAMEE}}.pdf|{{PAGENAME}} Workbook]].<br>
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'''6'''. ''Note that you are not required to identify the bird songs in the field, just identify bird songs. But the bird songs you identify MUST be for species that you have included in your field notebook. So if you didn't identify these species by ear in the field, you must have personally observed them in the field.'' <br>
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:'''Lesson Videos''': [http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/1226_birding-by-ear.htm Bird Songs] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video/18544_birding-by-ear-auditory-ability.htm How to Identify Birds by Ear] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video/18547_birding-by-ear-song-one.htm How Birds Use Songs & Sounds for Communication] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video/18552_birding-by-ear-names-one.htm Birds That Say Their Names] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video/18555_birding-by-ear-phonetic-one.htm Birds That Make Phonetic Sounds & Phrases]
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:'''Audio''': [http://www.learnbirdsongs.com/ Learn Bird Songs] - [http://www.naturesongs.com/birds.html More] - [http://www.enature.com/birding/audio.asp Another site]<br>
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: '''Other links''': [http://www.americanbirding.org American Birding Assn] - [http://magazine.audubon.org Audubon Magazine online]
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'''7a'''. [http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/ Local Clubs] - [http://www.audubon.org Audubon Society]<br>
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'''7b'''. [http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/ Christmas Bird Count] From the National Audubon Society<br>
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'''8'''. [http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/howto/howto.html How to Build a Birdbath, Birdhouse, Garden Bench, or Rockwall for Your Garden]<br>
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== Notes ==
 
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{{Worksheet|merit badge}}
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== Related awards ==
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{{Ecology Awards Links}}
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[http://www.scouting.org/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/MeritBadges.aspx Per the BSA:] ''You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject.'' Merit badge pamplets are available at your local [http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/storeloc.aspx Scout Shop] or online at [http://www.scoutstuff.org/ ScoutStuff.org].
 
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1. This badge is one of the elective merit badges of the [[William T. Hornaday Awards (Boy Scouting)|William T. Hornaday Awards for Boy Scouts]].
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== See also ==
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<!-- Note similarities with other articles here such as: -->
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<!-- * [[other article]] -->
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{{Merit Badge See also}}
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2. This is a great badge to do in February, in conjunction with the [http://www.birdcount.org Great Backyard Bird Count].
 
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== Help with these requirements ==
 
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* [[Media:{{PAGENAME}}.pdf|{{PAGENAME}} Worksheet]] &nbsp; → &nbsp; [[Merit Badge Worksheets|Other Merit Badge Worksheets]]
 
== External links ==
== External links ==
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*[http://k2gw.tripod.com/onlinebirdstudy/ Online Bird Study Merit Badge site for Boy Scouts]
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*'''2''': [http://www.wildbirds.com/dnn/IdentifyBirds/BirdIdentification/tabid/119/Default.aspx Bird Identification] Parts of a bird diagrams
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<!-- Add general information links here (no advertisements) -->
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*'''3''': [http://www.outdooreyes.com/takecarebinoculars.php3 How to Care for Binoculars]
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<!-- use this format: * [http://somelink.com description] -->
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*'''3b''': [http://www.outdoorlife.com/outdoor/gear/article/0,19912,706732,00.html How to Adjust Binoculars]
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*'''4''': [http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/youngbirders/field_guide.aspx How to Use a Field Guide] This is from Young Birders, an excellent overall site for the budding birdwatcher.
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*[http://www.abcbirds.org Amer. Bird Conservancy]
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*'''6''': [http://www.learnbirdsongs.com/ Learn Bird Songs]
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*[http://www.americanbirding.org Amer. Birding Association]
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*'''6''': [http://www.naturesongs.com/birds.html North American Bird Sounds]
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*[http://www.birdsource.org BirdSource]
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*'''7a''': [http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/ Surfbirds] Find your local birdwatchers and birdwatching clubs.
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*[http://k2gw.tripod.com/birdstudy/ Bird Study Merit Badge site for Scouts & Counselors]
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*'''7b''': [http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/ Christmas Bird Count] From the National Audubon Society
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*[http://www.birds.cornell.edu Cornell Ornithology]
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*'''8''': [http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/howto/howto.html How to Build a Birdbath, Birdhouse, Garden Bench, or Rockwall for Your Garden] Illustrated and easy to follow instructions.
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*[http://www.audubon.org National Audubon Society]
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*[http://www.fws.gov U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]
*[http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/ Patuxent Wildlife Research Center]
*[http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/ Patuxent Wildlife Research Center]
*[http://www.birder.com/birding/ Birding on the Web]
*[http://www.birder.com/birding/ Birding on the Web]
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*[http://www.geocities.com/birdstudymb/main/birdstudyfinal.pdf Sample Bird Study MB Flyer]
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*[http://www.birdstudymb.com/ How To Organize A Bird Study Merit Badge Day]
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*[http://www.geocities.com/birdstudymb/main/20birds-notebook.pdf Sample Bird Study Field Notebook]
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[[Category:Boy Scouts]] [[Category:Merit Badges]]
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{{Merit Badge footer}}

Revision as of 22:45, October 22, 2012

Resources include the Bird Study merit badge worksheet Adobe Acrobat PDF, links, and cross-references to related badges and awards.  ◀Prev  -  Next ▶ 

Bird Study merit badge
Status: Elective
Created: 1914
Discontinued: no
BSA Advancement ID: 029
Requirements revision: 2006
Latest pamphlet revision: 2008

Contents

“ Birds are among the most fascinating creatures on Earth. Many are beautifully colored. Others are accomplished singers. Many of the most important discoveries about birds and how they live have been made by amateur birders. In pursuing this hobby, a Scout might someday make a valuable contribution to our understanding of the natural world. ”


Bird Study is one of the elective merit badges for the William T. Hornaday awards for Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts.


Bird Study merit badge requirements

  1. Explain the need for bird study and why birds are useful indicators of the quality of the environment.
  2. Show that you are familiar with the terms used to describe birds by sketching or tracing a perched bird and then labeling 15 different parts of the bird. Sketch or trace an extended wing and label six types of wing feathers.
  3. Demonstrate that you know how to properly use and care for binoculars.
    a. Explain what the specification numbers on the binoculars mean.
    b. Show how to adjust the eyepiece and how to focus for proper viewing.
    c. Show how to properly care for and clean the lenses.
  4. Demonstrate that you know how to use a bird field guide. Show your counselor that you are able to understand a range map by locating in the book and pointing out the wintering range, the breeding range, and/or the year-round range of one species of each of the following types of birds:
    a. Seabird
    b. Plover
    c. Falcon or hawk
    d. Warbler or vireo
    e. Heron or egret
    f. Sparrow
    g. Nonnative bird (introduced to North America from a foreign country since 1800)
  5. Observe and be able to identify at least 20 species of wild birds. Prepare a field notebook, making a separate entry for each species, and record the following information from your field observations and other references.
    a. Note the date and time.
    b. Note the location and habitat.
    c. Describe the bird's main feeding habitat and list two types of food that the bird is likely to eat.
    d. Note whether the bird is a migrant or a summer, winter, or year-round resident of your area.
  6. Explain the function of a bird's song. Be able to identify five of the 20 species in your field notebook by song or call alone. For each of these five species enter a description of the song or call, and note the behavior of the bird making the sound. Note why you think the bird was making the call or song that you heard.
  7. Do ONE of the following:
    a. Go on a field trip with a local club or with others who are knowledgeable about birds in your area.
    1. Keep a list or fill out a checklist of all the birds your group observed during the field trip.
    2. Tell your counselor which birds your group saw and why some species were common and some were present in small numbers.
    3. Tell your counselor what makes the area you visited good for finding birds.
    b. By using a public library, the Internet, or contacting the National Audubon Society, find the name and location of the Christmas Bird Count nearest your home and obtain the results of a recent count.
    1. Explain what kinds of information are collected during the annual event.
    2. Tell your counselor which species are most common, and explain why these birds are abundant.
    3. Tell your counselor which species are uncommon, and explain why these were present in small numbers. If the number of birds of these species is decreasing, explain why, and what, if anything, could be done to reverse their decline.
  8. Do ONE of the following. For the option you choose, describe what birds you hope to attract, and why.
    a. Build a bird feeder and put it in an appropriate place in your yard or another location.
    b. Build a birdbath and put it in an appropriate place.
    c. Build a backyard sanctuary for birds by planting trees and shrubs for food and cover.


The official source for the information shown in this article or section is:
Boy Scout Requirements, 2012 Edition (BSA Supply No. 34765)

The text of these requirements is locked and can only be edited by an administrator.
Please note any errors found in the above requirements on this article's Talk Page.


Notes

Worksheet A FREE workbook for Bird Study is available here! Adobe Acrobat PDF
with the maps, charts, links, diagrams, and checklists you need!
Or click here to print just the Bird Study requirements. 		meritbadge.org has PDF and DOC versions of
Boy Scout merit badge workbooks,
Webelos workbooks, and Cub Scout workbooks.
  1. Per the BSA: "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." Pamphlets (books) are at local Scout Shops and online at ScoutStuff.org.
  2. "Get a signed Merit Badge application from your Scoutmaster." An online, printable Word doc file version is available.
  3. This is a great badge to do in February, in conjunction with the Great Backyard Bird Count.


Requirement resources

1. Birds as indicators of the quality of the environment
2. Bird diagrams - More - BirdSource
3. Lesson Videos: Bird Watching Binoculars & Field Guides - About Bird Watching Binoculars
Binoculars - How to Care for Binoculars - How to Adjust Binoculars
4. & 5. Lesson Videos: Birdwatching for Beginners - Get Started with Bird Watching - Bird Identification
4. & 5. Online bird field guide - Another - How to Use a Field Guide - 72 Range Maps - Cornell Ornithology - American Bird Conservancy
5. The Field Notebook you will need is included in the Bird Study Workbook.
6. Note that you are not required to identify the bird songs in the field, just identify bird songs. But the bird songs you identify MUST be for species that you have included in your field notebook. So if you didn't identify these species by ear in the field, you must have personally observed them in the field.

Lesson Videos: Bird Songs - How to Identify Birds by Ear - How Birds Use Songs & Sounds for Communication - Birds That Say Their Names - Birds That Make Phonetic Sounds & Phrases
Audio: Learn Bird Songs - More - Another site
Other links: American Birding Assn - Audubon Magazine online

7a. Local Clubs - Audubon Society
7b. Christmas Bird Count From the National Audubon Society
8. How to Build a Birdbath, Birdhouse, Garden Bench, or Rockwall for Your Garden


Related awards

Ecology-related awards


See also

Boy Scout portal
Varsity Scout portal
Venturing portal

Merit Badge information


External links



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