Date: Monday May 13, 2013
Weather: Sunny, windy
Temperature: 70 degrees F
Time: All day
Location: Nisqually Wildlife Refuge & Mount Rainier
This week I did not visit UBNA, but took another field trip outside of Seattle and will be talking about the experience and observations made in these incredible locations. This is the first time that I have visited both the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge and Mount Rainier.
It was a pleasure to see both of these places near the Puget Sound, each of significant beauty yet the defining the details very distinct from one another. In the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge the trails wound alongside the habitats for many species. First we played the song of the Yellow Warbler (Setophaga, petechia) in hopes of catching a glimpse of one, and though he was at a distance, we were able to identify him and listen to his response to the recording. There was also a Sharp Shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) circling the sky around a large tree, most likely trying to catch the updraft in order to find a new location to catch small birds. It seemed the birds at his current location were aware of his presence and too cautious of themselves for him to successfully hunt. Next on the trail we encountered Cowbirds (Molothrus ater), there were two males confronting each other over a nearby female who seemed unperturbed by the rivalry. The Cowbirds lifted their heads up as they aggressively circled each other, they then dipped their heads and spread out their wings directly in each other's space. A third male then came and joined the group before all three took off, followed after some seconds by the female. I did not see the end of the confrontation here, but as they flew away, they did not immediately disperse. As we walked across the water there were Dragonflies (Order Odonata) which skimmed the top of the surface and reflected bluish tints in the sun. There were also Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia), Cinnamon Teals (Anas cyanoptera), and Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) around the water. Along the grassy dry patch there was a dead Garter Snake who had been left in perfect condition but had shed its moulting, leaving us to wonder what kind of death it met, and why it was not eaten by another species. Standing in the dry area I could also observe a Bald Eagle (Haliaaetus leucocephalus) perched at the top of a tree scanning the area with very malicious-looking eyes. Almost frightening through binoculars, I found myself hoping I did not catch his gaze. Before the snake, before I forget, were the Cliff Swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) who make thousands of trips to the water and back to collect mud in order to make nests on the sides of the barns. Up-close the nests were very detailed and sturdy looking, they were grouped together often, and resembled small clusters of caves, and the birds were flying around in great numbers passing each other in the air. Later, though I did not see it, I heard the call of the Coot (Genus fulica) which is a parasitic bird who places her eggs in the nests of other Coots. The Coots however, have become very good at counting eggs and will often drown or peck to death the unfamiliar chick. If this is the case, in general, would the population of Coots ultimately decline? I wonder. After venturing down into the wetlands we were able to spot more birds, the most fun of the bunch being the Long-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus) which hopped around the wetland sticking its long bill into the water looking for food. The Dowitchers are currently migrating north for the Winter. They are feeding incessantly at each stop along the way in order to keep healthy and energized for the next few hundred miles they will be travelling. Most likely stopping around Vancouver, BC next, and then towards Alaska.
After leaving the refuge we made the journey to the base of Mount Rainier where we drove the incline towards Paradise and compared an image of the Paradise-Stevens Glacier from the early 20th Century with our current view of the glacier. The difference was astonishing. The glacier has receded so far that it is now located behind cliffs that have had trees fill in the space once occupied by the ice. We also learned that the melting of these glaciers can cause major changes to rivers and streams flowing down the mountain, removing them by great lengths and clearing out vast areas causing disturbance to wildlife. Up on Paradise, the snow was many feet deep, and the wildlife seemed dormant. There was however, the deep beating sound of Grouse deflating their air-sacs a sound which carries over the ground very well.
I found the mountain extremely beautiful, could not help but just stand for a while, gazing up at the peak from down below.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Invertebrates at UBNA
Date: Monday May 6, 2013
Weather: Sunny
Temperature: 65-70 degrees F
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Union Bay Natural Area
In the last few weeks Union Bay Natural Area has become much more colorful than previous visits. Many of the flowers are blooming and more birds have come and are actually visible. Due to the trip to the Olympic Peninsula I missed a week here, and have returned to a habitat with healthy Spring growth. Today, however, is specifically for invertebrates. We learned in lecture that Earth, viewed from an outsider, could be recognized as a planet of the insects. Many different species of insect exist on the planet, creating a very diverse population. The Class Insecta includes 30 orders, 10 million species, and counts for 50-60% of biodiversity. Generally, the term insect excludes many 'bugs' that we group into the term. To be more inclusive, there are also Crustaceans, Arachnids, Myriapods, and more.
The phylum, Hymenoptera of Homometabolis means 'membrane-wings' and includes two of the species I saw at UBNA. Unable to tell distinctly which species they are, the greater terms are ant, and bee! Both of these are 'thread-waisted' and are considered parasites of biocontrol. The ants I observed were crawling all over the small mound of earth that I usually rest on when observing my site, and seem to spread outward in all directs in dense populations. The ants seem to be of a very dark brown and black color and are swift, feel around with their antennae, and are particularly curious about my notebook. The bees here are not large Bumble Bees, but may be Solitary or Honey Bees. I did not notice any beehives but cannot help but notice the bees buzzing about the air around me, though they generally leave me alone and do not seem threatened by my presence. The bees were yellow and black, and probably on the search for flowers, or just coming back from a pollination outing.
Aside from the Hymenoptera I also saw a Dragonfly. This Dragonfly whizzed by the water in front of me, it seemed to be a metallic green-blue. We learned that the Green Darner Dragonfly is our state insect in Washington, but I cannot be sure if that is what I saw. However, I do know that Dragonflies are predaceous, and that they cannot fold their wings back, however, if I remember correctly, Damselflies do have the ability to fold their wings.
I am positive that there are countless species here to observe, insects are everywhere! I do hope that I see some more, weeks and weeks ago I remember seeing some very pale, small Butterflies, and if I see them again soon, I will be sure to include them in my list.
Insects' reputation does not reflect how useful they are. The biodiversity that they provide for this habitat is vital to the success of UBNA. However, I can understand the fear of insects in general, as they easily pass unseen, and are not entirely welcome in households because they may infest walls, furniture, food, etc. Out here though, they are not considered pests nearly as often, and many species are revered.
Weather: Sunny
Temperature: 65-70 degrees F
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Union Bay Natural Area
In the last few weeks Union Bay Natural Area has become much more colorful than previous visits. Many of the flowers are blooming and more birds have come and are actually visible. Due to the trip to the Olympic Peninsula I missed a week here, and have returned to a habitat with healthy Spring growth. Today, however, is specifically for invertebrates. We learned in lecture that Earth, viewed from an outsider, could be recognized as a planet of the insects. Many different species of insect exist on the planet, creating a very diverse population. The Class Insecta includes 30 orders, 10 million species, and counts for 50-60% of biodiversity. Generally, the term insect excludes many 'bugs' that we group into the term. To be more inclusive, there are also Crustaceans, Arachnids, Myriapods, and more.
The phylum, Hymenoptera of Homometabolis means 'membrane-wings' and includes two of the species I saw at UBNA. Unable to tell distinctly which species they are, the greater terms are ant, and bee! Both of these are 'thread-waisted' and are considered parasites of biocontrol. The ants I observed were crawling all over the small mound of earth that I usually rest on when observing my site, and seem to spread outward in all directs in dense populations. The ants seem to be of a very dark brown and black color and are swift, feel around with their antennae, and are particularly curious about my notebook. The bees here are not large Bumble Bees, but may be Solitary or Honey Bees. I did not notice any beehives but cannot help but notice the bees buzzing about the air around me, though they generally leave me alone and do not seem threatened by my presence. The bees were yellow and black, and probably on the search for flowers, or just coming back from a pollination outing.
Aside from the Hymenoptera I also saw a Dragonfly. This Dragonfly whizzed by the water in front of me, it seemed to be a metallic green-blue. We learned that the Green Darner Dragonfly is our state insect in Washington, but I cannot be sure if that is what I saw. However, I do know that Dragonflies are predaceous, and that they cannot fold their wings back, however, if I remember correctly, Damselflies do have the ability to fold their wings.
I am positive that there are countless species here to observe, insects are everywhere! I do hope that I see some more, weeks and weeks ago I remember seeing some very pale, small Butterflies, and if I see them again soon, I will be sure to include them in my list.
Insects' reputation does not reflect how useful they are. The biodiversity that they provide for this habitat is vital to the success of UBNA. However, I can understand the fear of insects in general, as they easily pass unseen, and are not entirely welcome in households because they may infest walls, furniture, food, etc. Out here though, they are not considered pests nearly as often, and many species are revered.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Sketches of Plants from the Olympic Peninsula
Following my initial description and first impressions of the Olympic Nation Forest, I will share some sketches I drew of the plants there (the penciled notes are for personal recognition... they are far from scientific at times).
The (beautiful) Olympic Peninsula
Date: Wednesday April 30, 2013
Weather: Drizzling
Temperature: 60-65 degrees F
Time: All Weekend
Location: Olympic National Forest
Southern Mexico excluded, the old growth forest here has the most resplendent of greens that I have had the pleasure to lay eyes upon.
I am comfortably situated upon large stone located on the bank of Barnes Creek near Crescent River, all situated within the northern half of the Olympic Peninsula. I have just finished hiking a short trail leading to this point (and beyond), and was able to conduct some plant identification along the way. Various species that I have been able to identify or have been informed of are review from our Ravenna Park excursions in Seattle, but are of greater size and effect. Initially, identification proved a difficult task due to the high elevation of the forest canopy, however, I have since become more acquainted with the different traits and patterns of tree bark. Foremost, the deeply furrowed, gray bark of the Douglas Firs (psuedotsuga menziesii) here, which are of considerable size. The Douglas Fir is often a member of the canopy, though at the end of its lifespan it becomes a nurse log to many other species at ground level, which provides opportunity for understudy Western Hemlocks (tsuga heterophylla) to become members of the canopy. The Hemlock produces somewhat smoother bark and does not have the potential to reach the size that Douglas Firs may achieve. Birds were also abundant in the forest, I however had a difficult time spotting them. Near the Marymere Fall I was able to observe what I believe to be a Brown Creeper on a thin branch chirping animatedly, and earlier the class was visited by a Raven, most likely scavenging for crumbs. I anticipated that I would observe more wildlife outside of plant life than I actually did in the forest, but am nevertheless fortuitous to have seen these two birds.
However, the plant life here is nothing short of exquisite. Beginning our trek into the forest we were shown some Lettuce Lichen (lobaria oregana) which has 'dragon's skin,' green lobes, and white where mold has grown. It falls to the forest floor to be consumed by other species in order for them to obtain nutrients. The forest also had many Western Red Cedars (thuja plicata) which have distinctive red bark and drooped branches. Among other large trees was the Big Leaf Maple (Acer Macrophyllum), a deciduous tree with palmately 5-lobed leaves, and the Grand Fir (Abies grandis) which has flat needles in two rows and cylindrical greenish cones.
Some of the flowers found the Olympic National Forest were also very beautiful, such as the Western Trillium (trillium ovatum), a flower with three white petals, and three sepals. I also noticed an abundance of Red Huckleberry (vaccinium parvifolium), which is a shrub with tiny, elliptical, green leaves and green bark.
There was also quite a bit of the Vanilla Leaf (Achlys triphylla), which is very small and has three leaves, shaped like fans, per stem. I found the Vanilla Leaf particularly charming due to its elegant fan shape!
Next, I cannot exclude the False Soloman's Seal (smilacina racemosa), which has long, elliptical, parallel-veined leaves. It was a favorite of the weekend, or so it seemed. There were also many sightings of Elderberry (sambucus racemosa), a tall shrub with long, opposite, pinnately compound leaves, and 5 or 7 lanceolate leaflets. As well, pointed out by our professor on the first day was Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridum), which has tall, thin stems with many poisonous spines. Later, looking over the Elwha River were more Devil's Club which included large, green, blooming leaves with a palmate shape (though they were too far away to further observe). Finally, I want to mention Salal (Gaultheria shallon). It was something that I first became aware of during the hikes, it has large, ovate, fine-toothed leaves which are shiny and dark green in color.
Between all of the species observed in the Olympic National Park there was a great amount of clear, observable competition and facilitation. My earlier description of the Douglas Firs and Western Hemlocks competing to be members of the canopy is one of them. The smaller Western Hemlock cannot become part of the canopy because the large Douglas Firs secure space and sunshine for themselves which allows them to grow to their full potential, leaving the Hemlocks as understudies. Facilitation is also commonplace with Douglas Firs, whose ability to provide nutrients and homes to other species in the forest when they die allows for these many different species to thrive. We were also able to locate some disturbance in the environment. It was visible by looking closely at the trees. The tops of many of the Douglas Firs at Hurricane Ridge had been broken, hanging horizontally creating right angles with the vertical trunks due to wind damage. There is also predation, which does not always have to be owls eating mice (which I did not observe), but also something as simple as the moss on a tree. Some mosses practice symbiotic relationships, however, the are also many which continuously profit from the tree without contributing to the tree's well-being. This is relationship can be deleterious to the tree if it is not receiving nutrients, water, or other necessary materials for life.
Between all of the species I listed and the interactions between them it becomes clear that the ecological patterns here involve continuity and sustainability. Clearly facilitation and symbiosis are not damaging to the ecosystem, however neither is predation nor disturbance. Predation, a natural element in the ecological pattern is not an interruption unless an invasive species is introduced and creates a relationship with unrecognizable features. The health of some of the native species is compromised when those who are invasive cannot be counteracted or 'kept in check' by other biological forces. Disturbance, not being a hazard, is natural as well. Wildfires, wind storms, and floods occur in different ecosystems and these ecosystems have evolved to withstand such disturbances. As an example, forest fires remove many species yet do not completely eradicate them, leaving room for re-population. As to windstorms, which do not leave damage that cannot be undone. The Douglas Firs on Hurricane Ridge were still thriving, undeterred by the forceful winds' disturbance to their crowns.
Largely, the experience was gratifying. The opportunity to explore an unknown region, become acquainted with the various species, and familiarize myself with their interactions has allowed for a greater appreciation of natural history. Not being an environmental science major, and embarrassingly not having taken an environmental science class previous to this one, I was overwhelmed with the abundance of enthusiasm for nature, and charmed by nature's wholehearted response.
Weather: Drizzling
Temperature: 60-65 degrees F
Time: All Weekend
Location: Olympic National Forest
Southern Mexico excluded, the old growth forest here has the most resplendent of greens that I have had the pleasure to lay eyes upon.
I am comfortably situated upon large stone located on the bank of Barnes Creek near Crescent River, all situated within the northern half of the Olympic Peninsula. I have just finished hiking a short trail leading to this point (and beyond), and was able to conduct some plant identification along the way. Various species that I have been able to identify or have been informed of are review from our Ravenna Park excursions in Seattle, but are of greater size and effect. Initially, identification proved a difficult task due to the high elevation of the forest canopy, however, I have since become more acquainted with the different traits and patterns of tree bark. Foremost, the deeply furrowed, gray bark of the Douglas Firs (psuedotsuga menziesii) here, which are of considerable size. The Douglas Fir is often a member of the canopy, though at the end of its lifespan it becomes a nurse log to many other species at ground level, which provides opportunity for understudy Western Hemlocks (tsuga heterophylla) to become members of the canopy. The Hemlock produces somewhat smoother bark and does not have the potential to reach the size that Douglas Firs may achieve. Birds were also abundant in the forest, I however had a difficult time spotting them. Near the Marymere Fall I was able to observe what I believe to be a Brown Creeper on a thin branch chirping animatedly, and earlier the class was visited by a Raven, most likely scavenging for crumbs. I anticipated that I would observe more wildlife outside of plant life than I actually did in the forest, but am nevertheless fortuitous to have seen these two birds.
However, the plant life here is nothing short of exquisite. Beginning our trek into the forest we were shown some Lettuce Lichen (lobaria oregana) which has 'dragon's skin,' green lobes, and white where mold has grown. It falls to the forest floor to be consumed by other species in order for them to obtain nutrients. The forest also had many Western Red Cedars (thuja plicata) which have distinctive red bark and drooped branches. Among other large trees was the Big Leaf Maple (Acer Macrophyllum), a deciduous tree with palmately 5-lobed leaves, and the Grand Fir (Abies grandis) which has flat needles in two rows and cylindrical greenish cones.
Some of the flowers found the Olympic National Forest were also very beautiful, such as the Western Trillium (trillium ovatum), a flower with three white petals, and three sepals. I also noticed an abundance of Red Huckleberry (vaccinium parvifolium), which is a shrub with tiny, elliptical, green leaves and green bark.
There was also quite a bit of the Vanilla Leaf (Achlys triphylla), which is very small and has three leaves, shaped like fans, per stem. I found the Vanilla Leaf particularly charming due to its elegant fan shape!
Next, I cannot exclude the False Soloman's Seal (smilacina racemosa), which has long, elliptical, parallel-veined leaves. It was a favorite of the weekend, or so it seemed. There were also many sightings of Elderberry (sambucus racemosa), a tall shrub with long, opposite, pinnately compound leaves, and 5 or 7 lanceolate leaflets. As well, pointed out by our professor on the first day was Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridum), which has tall, thin stems with many poisonous spines. Later, looking over the Elwha River were more Devil's Club which included large, green, blooming leaves with a palmate shape (though they were too far away to further observe). Finally, I want to mention Salal (Gaultheria shallon). It was something that I first became aware of during the hikes, it has large, ovate, fine-toothed leaves which are shiny and dark green in color.
Between all of the species observed in the Olympic National Park there was a great amount of clear, observable competition and facilitation. My earlier description of the Douglas Firs and Western Hemlocks competing to be members of the canopy is one of them. The smaller Western Hemlock cannot become part of the canopy because the large Douglas Firs secure space and sunshine for themselves which allows them to grow to their full potential, leaving the Hemlocks as understudies. Facilitation is also commonplace with Douglas Firs, whose ability to provide nutrients and homes to other species in the forest when they die allows for these many different species to thrive. We were also able to locate some disturbance in the environment. It was visible by looking closely at the trees. The tops of many of the Douglas Firs at Hurricane Ridge had been broken, hanging horizontally creating right angles with the vertical trunks due to wind damage. There is also predation, which does not always have to be owls eating mice (which I did not observe), but also something as simple as the moss on a tree. Some mosses practice symbiotic relationships, however, the are also many which continuously profit from the tree without contributing to the tree's well-being. This is relationship can be deleterious to the tree if it is not receiving nutrients, water, or other necessary materials for life.
Between all of the species I listed and the interactions between them it becomes clear that the ecological patterns here involve continuity and sustainability. Clearly facilitation and symbiosis are not damaging to the ecosystem, however neither is predation nor disturbance. Predation, a natural element in the ecological pattern is not an interruption unless an invasive species is introduced and creates a relationship with unrecognizable features. The health of some of the native species is compromised when those who are invasive cannot be counteracted or 'kept in check' by other biological forces. Disturbance, not being a hazard, is natural as well. Wildfires, wind storms, and floods occur in different ecosystems and these ecosystems have evolved to withstand such disturbances. As an example, forest fires remove many species yet do not completely eradicate them, leaving room for re-population. As to windstorms, which do not leave damage that cannot be undone. The Douglas Firs on Hurricane Ridge were still thriving, undeterred by the forceful winds' disturbance to their crowns.
Largely, the experience was gratifying. The opportunity to explore an unknown region, become acquainted with the various species, and familiarize myself with their interactions has allowed for a greater appreciation of natural history. Not being an environmental science major, and embarrassingly not having taken an environmental science class previous to this one, I was overwhelmed with the abundance of enthusiasm for nature, and charmed by nature's wholehearted response.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)