An Introduction to Avian Migration

The course starts off with a brief overview of bird anatomy and physiology, presenting the fantastic engineering of its body and wings. Then, delves into deep detail on bird migration. You will be introduced to the ecology and behavioral forces that drive birds to migrate. The mechanics, physiology and great feats of migration are discussed as well as the navigational methods. And finally, the impacts of humans on migration and conservation issues migrating birds face is discussed as well.

There are many animals including birds that are migratory in nature, which requires knowledge on migratory patterns and avian knowledge to properly design sites that address this migratory aspects. For example, the placement of wind turbines within migratory routes has had a tremendous bird kill of migratory birds. These aspects are discussed in order to provide a greater understanding of avian populations that may be located within a site and those which may migrate to the site on a season basis.