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Ornithology, or the study of birds, is a class at The University of Olivet taught by Professor Leah Knapp DVM and every other fall she takes her students to Kino Bay, Mexico. Nov. 3, 2024, the class left the U.S and despite the long flight, all the students and Knapp herself were excited.
Blue Footed Boobies circling a school of fish before diving down into the water below them. Photo takjen by Bridgette Shroll.
After coming home, Asia Sherman, junior, said that she found the whole experience “epic” and Bridgette Shroll, ECHO editor-in-chief said that the trip was meaningful to her.
Even after years of taking her class to Mexico, Knapp also loves the experience. Knapp said that she receives “vicarious pleasure from seeing the students experience everything.”
Knapp said that watching her students reminds her of “how I felt seeing the area for the first time.”
Shroll said that she learned a lot as well as had fun. One fact that stuck in her mind was that there is a family of fin whales who live in the Gulf of California, and they are the only resident whale family in the Gulf, while others come and go depending on migrating routes.
A picture of a Fin Whale as it swam to the surface of the water to get air before diving back down. Photo taken by Birdgette Shroll.
Many students over the years, according to Knapp, find the trip to be life-changing and it appears that this year, the results are no different.
If you are interested in learning more about birds, Knapp would love to have you in her class.
Picture of Asia Sherman hugging a Cactus from the forest of Cardon Casti. Photo taken by Bridgette Shroll.
Written by Mia Williams.
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