The bird study merit badge has a number of requirements that scouts must complete to earn the badge. The requirements cover topics like bird identification, bird habitats, the role of birds in the ecosystem, and conservation. In the opening paragraphs below, we will provide a quick overview of some of the key requirements.
Identifying Birds
One of the main requirements for the bird study merit badge is that scouts identify at least 20 species of wild birds by sight, 10 of which must be by field observation. This requires scouts to get out in nature and observe birds in their natural habitats. Some tips for identifying birds include focusing on size, shape, behavior, field marks, color patterns, flight patterns, habitat, and sound.
Bird Field Guide
Scouts are required to obtain a checklist of birds in their local area and use it to identify the birds they observe. Having a field guide with pictures and detailed descriptions of birds is essential for completing this requirement.
Bird Habitats
To earn the bird study merit badge, scouts must identify the habitat requirements of at least 20 species of wild birds. This helps scouts understand the types of food, water, shelter, space, and nesting environments different birds need to survive.
Feeding Birds
Scouts must construct, erect, and maintain at least two different bird feeders and keep them filled for at least 30 days. This requirement gives scouts hands-on experience with attracting birds and observing their feeding behaviors.
Bird Conservation
An important part of the merit badge is learning about bird conservation. Scouts are required to describe the causes of bird endangerment and ways that people have helped with threatened and endangered avian species. Understanding man’s impact on bird ecology and efforts to reverse the effects is key.
Bird Life History
Scouts must choose a species of wild bird that interests them and make a report about its life history. The report should include details about the bird’s habitat, nesting habits, food preferences, and any interesting behaviors or adaptations.
Bird Study in the Field
A core requirement for bird study merit badge is spending at least 20 hours observing wild birds in the field. This gives scouts crucial experience studying birds in their natural environment and behaviors.
Birding Ethics
Scouts learn rules for responsible birdwatching, including how to avoid disturbing the birds or exposing them to danger. Ethics like staying on trails, keeping voices down, and avoiding nests are covered.
Benefits of Birds
To earn the badge, scouts must be able to explain the functions of birds within an ecosystem. This includes their roles in pollination, seed dispersal, insect and rodent control, scavenging, and more.
Recording Observations
Scouts must keep a list of the bird species they identify during their field study. Details like date, time, location, habitat, identifying characteristics, behaviors, and more should be recorded.
Drawing Birds
Scouts are required to make an accurate scaled drawing of a bird, including key features like the top and side views of the bird, shapes of the beak, feet, and tail.
Presenting Findings
Finally, scouts must give a presentation about a bird observation study completed while working on the badge. This helps teach public speaking skills.
Conclusion
In summary, earning the bird study merit badge entails bird identification, understanding bird habitats and conservation, responsible birdwatching, recording detailed observations, and presenting findings. Completing these requirements gives scouts a well-rounded expertise in ornithology.
Bird Study Merit Badge Requirements
Here is the complete official list of requirements to earn the bird study merit badge from the Boy Scouts of America:
| 1. | Explain the need for bird study and why birds are useful indicators of the quality of the environment. |
| 2. | Show that you are familiar with the terms used to describe birds by sketching or tracing a perched bird and then labeling 15 different parts of the bird. Sketch or trace an extended wing and label six types of wing feathers. |
| 3. | Demonstrate that you know how to properly use and care for binoculars. |
| 4. | Explain what the specification numbers on the binoculars mean. |
| 5. | Show how to adjust the eyepiece and how to focus for proper viewing. |
| 6. | Show how to properly care for and clean the lenses. |
| 7. | Demonstrate that you know how to use a bird field guide. Show your counselor that you are able to understand a range map by locating in the book and pointing out the wintering range, the breeding range, and/or the year-round range of one species of each of the following types of birds: a. Seabird b. Plover c. Falcon or hawk d. Warbler or vireo e. Heron or egret f. Sparrow g. Nonnative bird (introduced to North America from a foreign country since 1800) |
| 8. | Observe and be able to identify at least 20 species of wild birds. Prepare a field notebook, making a separate entry for each species, and record the following information from your field observations and other references. For each entry, include:* Date * Time * Location and habitat * Call or song * Plumage and color pattern * Behavior * Identification tips * Reference (book and page) |
| 9. | Do ONE of the following: a. Construct, erect, and check regularly at least two nest boxes (or similar structures) and report the results for one nesting season. b. Build and maintain at least three bird feeders and report the results for three months. c. Carry out a wild bird population study for three or more months by counting birds in a given area at the same time each day, and describing your results and conclusions. d. List the endangered species in your state and explain what is being done to protect these birds. e. Write and distribute a pamphlet to inform people in your community how they can help birds in ways specific to your region of the country. |
| 10. | Record 20 species of birds observed in your community during each month of the year. Organize your data by date for each month. Report the peak months and migration times for species within your state. |
| 11. | Identify an activity that threatens a wild bird population. |
| 12. | Describe the bird’s life history. Include clutch size, incubation time, fledging time, food preferences, mating habits, lifespan, etc. |
| 13. | Decide on ONE species of wild bird that interests you and find out background information on that species. |
| 14. | Make at least one trip of at least 20 hours in the field, noting the time, date(s), location(s), weather, and results of this trip in your field notebook. Include notes about and sketches of the habitats and great variety of wild birds. |
| 15. | Prepare a report of your field trip that includes a sketch for each species, time of observation, kind of habitat, and the records you listed for requirement 8. |
| 16. | Choose a bird that is listed as endangered or threatened and explain what is being done to preserve this species and to protect its habitat. |
| 17. | Tell what is meant by bird banding and how it is used in studying birds. If possible, show the equipment used in banding and share the specific contribution of your patrol/troop to bird banding and protection projects. |
| 18. | Do ONE of the following: a. Visit a wild-bird rehabilitation center OR avian veterinarian. Write a short report on the types of injuries wild birds suffer and the care they receive. b. Visit an exhibit or website that emphasizes functional anatomy and adaptations for fight and be able to describe specifically for each of the following (α’wing, feather, beak, and foot) how it allows the bird to fly or move or to feed. c. Visit an exhibit or website that emphasizes migrations and be able to point out on a world map the routes of migration of several species of birds. Explain why these routes have been chosen. d. Learn about organizations such as the National Audubon Society that protect birds and wildlife. |
| 19. | Show evidence that you are familiar with details of any banding operation, either by helping to band birds, by writing about your own experience, or by describing in detail a banding operation you have observed. |
| 20. | Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while birding, including cuts, scratches, blisters, venomous stings or bites, dehydration, and shock. Tell what items a first-aid kit should contain. |
Tips for Earning the Bird Study Merit Badge
Here are some helpful tips for scouts working to earn the bird study merit badge:
- Get a good bird field guide that covers species in your region and study it to learn bird identification.
- Invest in a decent pair of binoculars and learn how to adjust and use them properly.
- Spend as much time as possible observing birds in the field to gain experience.
- Connect with local birdwatching groups and naturalists who can teach you more about birds.
- Record detailed notes during every birding outing for your field notebook.
- Take advantage of opportunities like bird banding events to enrich your learning.
- Have your project ideas approved before starting work to ensure they meet requirements.
- Focus on species and habitats native to your area for observations.
- Use range maps, bird sounds, habitat clues and field marks to aid identification.
- Make studying for the merit badge an enriching lifelong hobby.
Importance of Bird Study
Studying wild birds provides many benefits beyond just earning a Boy Scout merit badge. Here are some of the key reasons bird study is so important:
- Environmental Indicators – The health of bird populations reflects the overall state of ecosystems.
- Conservation – Data gathered aids conservation efforts for threatened and endangered birds.
- Scientific Knowledge – Bird behavior provides insight into topics like migration, adaptations and more.
- Recreational Enjoyment – Birdwatching is an engaging hobby appreciated by millions worldwide.
- Economic Value – Birds provide insect and rodent control, pollination services and more worth billions.
- Inspiration – The amazing abilities of birds inspire people in technology, engineering, mathematics and science.
In many ways, birds are vital links between humans and nature. Getting youth involved with bird study promotes appreciation and stewardship of our shared world.
Conclusion
Earning the bird study merit badge is a challenging but rewarding process. From mastering bird identification, to understanding habitat needs, to conducting field observations, scouts gain a well-rounded education in ornithology. Along the way they develop skills like field research, data collection, conservation ethics, public speaking and more. With some dedication to studying birds and their environments in the field, scouts can achieve this merit badge while gaining a hobby that can enrich the rest of their lives.
