Birding Colors: Do birds really care about what colors you wear?
Animal Science
Kieran York
- Grade:
- 7
- Teacher:
- Georgina Matzkin
I was interested in whether it makes sense to wear more neutral clothing, as is traditional in birding, or if birds just don't care and it's okay to wear brighter colored clothes. I wore two different outfits on alternating days while birding at the same place, and recorded the birds I saw. I found that there was no real difference in the number of birds I observed while wearing one outfit or the other. My hypothesis is supported, but my data is limited to one location and only two months of birding. Further research might yield different results.
What a fun and thoughtful project! You took a piece of common advice, “don’t wear bright colors birding”, and decided to test it for yourself. That is exactly what scientists do: question assumptions and gather evidence. Your experimental design was excellent: alternating clothing colors, using the same location and route, and bringing an experienced birder along for help. Collecting data over seven separate days shows real dedication. I was especially impressed by your honest interpretation, noticing that one low day affected your averages and wondering if birds at a busy wetland are simply used to people. That kind of self-reflection is the mark of a mature scientist. Wonderful work!
Great project