The curious and resourceful Canada Jay is a year round resident of northern coniferous forests and makes use of frozen food caches to survive the long winter months. This short film uses this species to illustrate how a warming climate is shrinking habitats, affecting nest success and impacting food supplies of boreal bird species. Students learn that National Parks are essential in helping birds adapt to climate change and that we must all be involved in protecting these special places if we want to keep sharing our forests with remarkable birds like the Canada Jay.
This video supports Grade 4-9 Science learning about habitats, ecosystems, species adaptability and resiliency and climate change impacts on the environment. Students also learn how research scientists are monitoring bird populations in National Parks to better understand species ecology and develop conservation strategies.
The film could be the precursor to a field trip to a local National or Provincial park where students would investigate the habitats, plants and animals of the area. Pupils could also meet with park interpreters and scientists to learn about human impacts on the local environment and ongoing conservation programs.
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