Welcome to BIOL 130: Pacific Northwest Ornithology

In the Spring and Fall the bird populations in the Pacific Northwest change daily as birds pass through the area in route to their northern breeding grounds in the Spring or return to their southern winter locations in the Fall. Insects are an important food source for these birds.

Birds that are permanent residents in the Pacific Northwest must be able to find food throughout the year. Many seed eating birds that winter in the Northwest depend upon birdfeeders to supplement their diets during the winter months.

This week's readings focus on the origins, evolution and classification of birds.

Observing birds in your backyard provides an opportunity to practice using anatomical terminology to describe the characteristics of the birds that you observe.