Tracing the Fate of Blue Wing Teals inFaux Marsh

An exercise in collecting Quantitative data

Background:

Today we are going to follow up our qualitative analysis of Anus discors by collecting and analyzing quantitative data from the Faux Marsh. This marsh was once a thriving area for Blue Wing teals. However, due to the destruction of the marsh area by the construction of a large shopping mall (habitat degradation), the Teal population began to decline rapidly. Conservationists quickly identified the problem and limited duck hunting in the area as well as recovered a portion of eggs to incubate as part of anemergency release program. Thanks to the efforts of conservationists, we are hoping to see a positive change in the Blue Wing Teal population.

Your job today is to add to the ongoing data collection at Faux Marsh by counting the number of Blue-Wing Teal nests, plotting their location on a map,identifying and counting the current number of Teals, and recording the clutch size for each nest. By graphing this information, we will be able to forecast the population increase or decrease.

Take the Field:

  1. Make a tableto record your data for number of nests and clutch sizes, and number of ducks sighted, in your field notes. You will need to record the number of eggs found in each nest.
  2. Draw a map of the pond area and plot the nest locations.
  3. After collecting data, return to the lab and graph your information. Follow the instructions for graphing below.
  1. How to identifyBlue-Wing Teal Eggs and Nests

Blue Wing Teal nests (for our purposes) are made of vine, leaves, and some down.

Eggs: 6cm. in length

15cm. diameter

Solid creamy white color

*NOTE: Other nests may be in the marsh with different characteristics. Take care to identify and record information ONLY for Anus discors.

  1. Below is a Table showing data collected from previous years.

Faux March Blue Wing Teal Study

Year / 2002 / 2003 / 2004 / 2005 / 2006 / 2007 / 2008 / 2009
# nests / 12 / 11 / 5 / 4 / 2 / 1 / 3 / 4
Avg. Clutch size / 9 / 10 / 10 / 9 / 8 / 8 / 9 / 9
# of ducks sighted / 27 / 23 / 9 / 11 / 3 / 2 / 7 / 7

Work the Data:

After you collect your data, please complete the following:

  1. Make a line graph showing the number of nests from 2002 to present.
  1. On the same graph paper, make a line graph showing the number of Blue-Wing Teals sighted from 2002 to present.
  1. Make a bar graph (use back of line graph) showing the clutch size for each nest in 2010.
  1. Write a brief statement summarizing your data (use back of line graph). What is happening to the duck population? Is their future bright or not? Why? At the current rate, what do you expect the population to be in 2011, 2012, and 2013?

Field Notes

Date:

Weather conditions:

Temp:

Time:

Location:

Graph Title: ______