Kiosk Helps Crane Festival Visitors Brush Up on Birds of Bosque del Apache

Date: Nov. 13, 1997
Editor: D'Lyn Ford,  (505) 646-6528, dlford@nmsu.edu

LAS CRUCES -- Visitors to this weekend's Festival of the Cranes at Bosque del Apache wildlife refuge can not only see live birds but also do some high-tech bird-watching at a touch-screen kiosk in the visitor center. (Note: See actual screen shots from the kiosk below.)

The kiosk, designed by New Mexico State University's agricultural communications department, features a panoramic view of 15 birds in their habitats and a Jep-BIRD-y quiz hosted by "Sandy" the sandhill crane.

"The kiosk is designed to help visitors learn to identify birds and answer frequently asked questions," said Barbara Chamberlin, NMSU media specialist and project manager. "The touch-screen technology allows people to learn at their own pace."

The "birds in the field" section offers fun facts and motion video of each bird. By scanning a panoramic view of the Bosque and clicking on their favorite bird, visitors can learn to tell the difference between a northern pintail and a mallard duck. "The pintail is pointy at both ends," Chamberlin explained.

Visitors also can learn more about the sandhill crane history at the Bosque. When the refuge was built in 1941, only 17 cranes wintered there. During peak migrations this fall, 20,000 cranes are expected at the refuge.

If they can correctly answer three Jep-BIRD-y questions, visitors are rewarded with a "good job" message and an animated dance from three musical cranes. Quiz questions cover plant species, mammals and geography.

Festival of the Cranes from Nov. 13-17 features a number of special events, tours and keynote speakers. For more information, call the Socorro Chamber of Commerce at (505) 835-0424.

The kiosk is free and open for public use at the visitor center year-round. The project was funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 2, which runs the refuge.

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Bosque del Apache kiosk

Main Screen From the main screen, viewers can take a look at 15 birds in a computer created panorama, or play Jep-BIRD-y. Click on photo to view large image.

Birds panorama Users can scroll left or right in this panorama to view birds, clicking on the birds to learn more. The panorama is actually a digitally created composition made from approximately 80 photos taken from video and slides. Click on photo to view large image.

Information Level In the field, viewers can learn many fun facts about the birds, while also viewing video and hearing the calls of some birds. Click on photo to view large image.

Jep-BIRD-y The program gives users the chance to test their knowledge, and learn about the birds. With three correct answers, the player gets an animated surprise. Click on photo to view large image.