Biology Project Abstract
BLACK BELLY WHISTLING DUCKS
Presenters:
Sarah Jeong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; sjeong@imsa.edu
Beth Mendelsohn, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; abbylou@imsa.edu
Julia Novitski, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; juln85@imsa.edu
Anna Wilewska, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; awilewsk@imsa.edu
Advisors:
Ms. Nicole M. Gerlach, Lincoln Park Zoo , 2001 N. Clark, Chicago, IL, 60614
Mr. John Thompson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, Biology, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506-1000; 630-907-5944; jtt@fnal.gov
Abstract:
During Intersession 2003, a group of eighteen IMSA students and three adults visited the rain forest of Costa Rica. Black Belly Whistling Ducks were observed at a marsh in Palo Verde National Park. Flight patterns were observed to determine which direction the ducks were coming from and the preferred group size. They came from all the directions accept the south, probably because a high cliff was in their way. More came from the northeast where a river is present, perhaps serving as a water source. Group size ranged from one to twenty, but preferred size was three to eight. Further observation is needed to confirm these findings and significance of this marsh habitat.