Professor Todd Fredericksen’s environmental science classes caught birds by Adam’s Lake last Friday.

The experiential learning activity began with the setup of aviary bird netting between trees. Birds cannot see the loosely threaded netting, fly into it, and are gently trapped in the web for observers to catch, observe, and release.

“There are actually two classes involved in this,” explained Fredericksen. “One is environmental monitoring, and they’re dealing with biodiversity monitoring right now, so the birds are a part of that. The other class is vertebrate zoology.”

Fredericksen intended the experience to be both enjoyable and educational for the students involved as he took the traditional classroom setting outside.

”Through this activity, they can get a live bird up close and learn how to handle it and look more at its color,” Fredericksen said. “It is important to not just see birds in the classroom and in a photo or as just a specimen. This is something that you cannot just find in a library, and it demonstrates a way to monitor bird populations that might be applicable in future careers.”

Sophomore Madison Cox intends to work as a park ranger after graduation and appreciated the bird-catching endeavor.

“I really enjoyed the hands-on experience,” offered Cox. “As an environmental science major, experiential learning is so applicable to my future career. The weather is perfect for it, too!”

Junior Josuha Townsend agreed.

“We just started studying birds this week,” Townsend said.  “It is a lot more interesting to catch and observe them than to just be in a classroom.”

Throughout the morning, the group caught five birds–all local species.

Each bird was released after brief observation.

Fredericksen often works incorporates hands-on learning activities such as these into his environmental science curriculum, with the intentions of a memorable and meaningful educational experience.