ECOLOGY OF MARINE AND ESTUARINE BIRDS (FW 331)
Term & Location: Spring (Ecampus); Summer (HMSC)
Instructor: Rachael Orben
Course Description: Marine and estuarine birds are highly diverse and differ in many ways from more familiar terrestrial species. For example, many seabirds have life histories that are more similar to much larger animals and a number of physiological and behavioral adaptations for the marine environment, including diving capabilities in many species. Through lecture, field, and laboratory experiences, students will gain detailed knowledge of the biology and ecology of marine and estuarine birds. This course will focus on how marine birds are adapted for life at sea, their morphology, physiology, foraging ecology and biogeography as well as covering topics in introductory oceanography and conservation. The course will include lecture, class discussion, field trips and sampling, lab exercises, data interpretation, class presentations and projects.