May 29, 2008
Site: The Cottenwood Park Pond
Time: 5:12 PM
Temperature: 45 Degrees F
Weather: It was pouring rain and it was cloudy and windy and cold!
Soil: Soaked
Today when I went to the pond, it was so cold and wet. It was also windy and just horrible weather to be outside in. I saw robins and starlings and a new specias of bird, a crow. The crow was big and black and towered above the other smaller birds. The robins and the starlings were showing some comption with each other, they were fighting over the worms. The crow got to eat all the worms he wanted because he was so much bigger and he could probley eat the smaller birds. A worns niche in it's enviroment is to create dirt. Because the birds eat the worms, it is a parasitism form of symbiotic relationship. I also heard above the pounding sound of the rain, a frog croaking. I went to go find him, but I could not find him. He was too camoflagued and blended in way too well. I hope that he doesn't get eaten, because I liked him and he had adapted well to his enviroment. Well, this is the last observation and I have seen so much biodiversity happen in this month. I noticed things that I would never have before and I learned so much. I saw many new organsims fill an enviroment and I witnesed food chanins and experienced food webs. It was a great learning experience!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Observation # 7
May 28, 2008
Site: The Cottenwood Park Pond
Time: 2:58PM
Temperature: Warmish at times and coldish at times
Weather: It was really dark is the sky at times and then a light blue at other times and patchy cloudes and wind every now and then
Soil: Very moist from the recent rains
Things look very similar to the way they did the last time I did an observation. The only difference is the weather, though it is still raining. And, there are lots of dandilions that have poped up along the shore of the pond. The water is still flowing, but there is not as much of it as there was previously, but it is still flowing strong, and the water level in the pond is the same. Also, I observed A LOT of robins. They were standing along the edges of the shore looking like they were eating. Next, one robin started to clean it's feathers by going a little into the water and shaking and cleaning itself. I guess the other robins thought that it was a good idea, so they began to clean themselves, too. Pretty soon there was three birds cleaning themselves in the pond. Them, there were robins in the aspen trees! I thought they were maybe looking for a nest but they could not have been. I also heard a weird whistling bird that I have heard before, but I am not sure what organism it is. I also heard frogs and the other birds that I have heard before.
Site: The Cottenwood Park Pond
Time: 2:58PM
Temperature: Warmish at times and coldish at times
Weather: It was really dark is the sky at times and then a light blue at other times and patchy cloudes and wind every now and then
Soil: Very moist from the recent rains
Things look very similar to the way they did the last time I did an observation. The only difference is the weather, though it is still raining. And, there are lots of dandilions that have poped up along the shore of the pond. The water is still flowing, but there is not as much of it as there was previously, but it is still flowing strong, and the water level in the pond is the same. Also, I observed A LOT of robins. They were standing along the edges of the shore looking like they were eating. Next, one robin started to clean it's feathers by going a little into the water and shaking and cleaning itself. I guess the other robins thought that it was a good idea, so they began to clean themselves, too. Pretty soon there was three birds cleaning themselves in the pond. Them, there were robins in the aspen trees! I thought they were maybe looking for a nest but they could not have been. I also heard a weird whistling bird that I have heard before, but I am not sure what organism it is. I also heard frogs and the other birds that I have heard before.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Flora Report
Danika Comey
Ms. Overly
Science Pd. 2
May 22, 2008
Flora
The Populus tremuloides is a sturdy tree that is the most widely distributed tree in North America, including Jackson Hole. Another name for this strong tree is the Aspen tree, or the Quaking aspen. Aspen trees are the most common trees in North America because they are very well adapted to heat and cold. They can withstand temperatures varied from negative 70 degrees Fahrenheit to positive 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Aspen Trees tower a mighty 66 to 82 feet high or 20 to 25 meters high. They have beautiful heart shaped leaves with rounded, pointy edges and whitish greenish bark. Aspen trees reproduce with catkins, the small buds that grow on the trees before the leaves grow, or with their fervent root system. Inside the catkins there are fruit with cotton, which helps it move through the wind, and one capsule. Inside the capsule are the ten mini seeds for the reproduction. There are both male and female catkins and they both grow on separate trees and are different colored. The other way of reproduction of the Populus tremuloides is through their root system, a process called root suckers. New aspen trees shoot up through the growing roots of another. This is a great way of reproduction because if a fire happens, or anther form of secondary succession, the roots can create more trees where they have plenty of room to grow again. Fires are a key to the success of aspen trees. Because of the suppression of wildfires throughout the country, the aspen trees cannot develop as thoroughly as they want. This is not the only threat to aspens. In 1996, scientists noticed a dieback in trees as entire groves began to disappear. They thought it was because of the grazing of wildlife and domestic animals. Elk take a huge part in this, especially in Yellowstone. Organisms that can help keep aspen tree numbers up are bears and wolves because they the natural predators to elk. Others thought because there were no natural fires. People also effect the groves by using the bark of the aspen trees for lumber and matches. The bark is turned into pulp and then flaked and made into boards used for building. A conference was held in Utah in 2006 to discuss the options of the trees and to discuss tactics to save this organism. Without it, a whole ecosystem would crumble. There are many different types of caterpillars that eat the leaves and if there was no food for them, they would die. So would the predators of the caterpillars, like many types of birds. Also, the trees take in carbon dioxide and create oxygen for us to breath! When autumn comes around, the stunning fall colors provide 200 species of birds and mammals shelter, food and other resources needed for survival. We need aspen trees in our ecosystems not only for our survival, but for the survival of many other organisms.
Ms. Overly
Science Pd. 2
May 22, 2008
Flora
The Populus tremuloides is a sturdy tree that is the most widely distributed tree in North America, including Jackson Hole. Another name for this strong tree is the Aspen tree, or the Quaking aspen. Aspen trees are the most common trees in North America because they are very well adapted to heat and cold. They can withstand temperatures varied from negative 70 degrees Fahrenheit to positive 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Aspen Trees tower a mighty 66 to 82 feet high or 20 to 25 meters high. They have beautiful heart shaped leaves with rounded, pointy edges and whitish greenish bark. Aspen trees reproduce with catkins, the small buds that grow on the trees before the leaves grow, or with their fervent root system. Inside the catkins there are fruit with cotton, which helps it move through the wind, and one capsule. Inside the capsule are the ten mini seeds for the reproduction. There are both male and female catkins and they both grow on separate trees and are different colored. The other way of reproduction of the Populus tremuloides is through their root system, a process called root suckers. New aspen trees shoot up through the growing roots of another. This is a great way of reproduction because if a fire happens, or anther form of secondary succession, the roots can create more trees where they have plenty of room to grow again. Fires are a key to the success of aspen trees. Because of the suppression of wildfires throughout the country, the aspen trees cannot develop as thoroughly as they want. This is not the only threat to aspens. In 1996, scientists noticed a dieback in trees as entire groves began to disappear. They thought it was because of the grazing of wildlife and domestic animals. Elk take a huge part in this, especially in Yellowstone. Organisms that can help keep aspen tree numbers up are bears and wolves because they the natural predators to elk. Others thought because there were no natural fires. People also effect the groves by using the bark of the aspen trees for lumber and matches. The bark is turned into pulp and then flaked and made into boards used for building. A conference was held in Utah in 2006 to discuss the options of the trees and to discuss tactics to save this organism. Without it, a whole ecosystem would crumble. There are many different types of caterpillars that eat the leaves and if there was no food for them, they would die. So would the predators of the caterpillars, like many types of birds. Also, the trees take in carbon dioxide and create oxygen for us to breath! When autumn comes around, the stunning fall colors provide 200 species of birds and mammals shelter, food and other resources needed for survival. We need aspen trees in our ecosystems not only for our survival, but for the survival of many other organisms.
Works Cited
Works Cited
Mathews, Daniel. Rocky Mountain Natural History. Portland Oregon: Raven Editions, 2003
Wikipedia. May 21, 2008. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. May 19, 2008. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Blue_Heron]
Wikipedia. May 17, 2008. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. May 26, 2008. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Populus_tremuloides]
Populus tremuloides Michx. Unavalible. USDA Forest Services. May 26, 2008. [http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/populus/tremuloides.htm]
Steven Pinker. Great Blue Heron. May 19, 2008. http://pinker.wjh.harvard.edu/photos/Florida/images/great%20blue%20heron.jpg
Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides). May 28, 2008. http://www.birdandhike.com/Veg/Species/Trees/Populu_tre/DSCN4208a.jpg
Mathews, Daniel. Rocky Mountain Natural History. Portland Oregon: Raven Editions, 2003
Wikipedia. May 21, 2008. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. May 19, 2008. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Blue_Heron]
Wikipedia. May 17, 2008. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. May 26, 2008. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Populus_tremuloides]
Populus tremuloides Michx. Unavalible. USDA Forest Services. May 26, 2008. [http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/populus/tremuloides.htm]
Steven Pinker. Great Blue Heron. May 19, 2008. http://pinker.wjh.harvard.edu/photos/Florida/images/great%20blue%20heron.jpg
Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides). May 28, 2008. http://www.birdandhike.com/Veg/Species/Trees/Populu_tre/DSCN4208a.jpg
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Observation #6
May 21, 2008
Site: The Cottenwood Park Filled Pond
Time: 9:01PM
Temp: Basically the coldest I have been in a longish time, colder than any other observation day
Weather: Raining and very cold. There was small chunks of snowish slush and full on snow in the mountains. It was foggy with snow clouds and very dark outside.
Soil: Wet
I went to the pond later at night than usual. Its was frigid out and I have to say, I was not prepare. It was so cold in a light rain jacket and PJ bottoms, so I don't suggest going out that late at night if you are not prepared! Well, when I arrived at my observation spot, I heard the frogs croaking away. I tried to go and look at them, but I could not see them in the dark. I have to say that I thought that the frogs would go to sleep at night and stop croaking, but they didn't. But that was okay. I also saw two ducks. I am pretty sure that they were mallard ducks. One was a male with a green neck and the other a more camoflagued brown female. They were cute. They almost looked like they were looking for a nest; they traveled and swam around the pond a lot and were looking on the sides. I will look carefully for a nest the next time I go. Also, they catkins are dying. They are being replaced by leaves and so they are dying. The water in the pond was way higher up than last time. The water was also muddier and I think that it is because of all the rain we've had recentaly. That is why I think the water is higher up, too. There was still a steady stream of water heading into the pond, so I think that I will have water in my pond for a while to come.
Site: The Cottenwood Park Filled Pond
Time: 9:01PM
Temp: Basically the coldest I have been in a longish time, colder than any other observation day
Weather: Raining and very cold. There was small chunks of snowish slush and full on snow in the mountains. It was foggy with snow clouds and very dark outside.
Soil: Wet
I went to the pond later at night than usual. Its was frigid out and I have to say, I was not prepare. It was so cold in a light rain jacket and PJ bottoms, so I don't suggest going out that late at night if you are not prepared! Well, when I arrived at my observation spot, I heard the frogs croaking away. I tried to go and look at them, but I could not see them in the dark. I have to say that I thought that the frogs would go to sleep at night and stop croaking, but they didn't. But that was okay. I also saw two ducks. I am pretty sure that they were mallard ducks. One was a male with a green neck and the other a more camoflagued brown female. They were cute. They almost looked like they were looking for a nest; they traveled and swam around the pond a lot and were looking on the sides. I will look carefully for a nest the next time I go. Also, they catkins are dying. They are being replaced by leaves and so they are dying. The water in the pond was way higher up than last time. The water was also muddier and I think that it is because of all the rain we've had recentaly. That is why I think the water is higher up, too. There was still a steady stream of water heading into the pond, so I think that I will have water in my pond for a while to come.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Fauna Report
Danika Comey
Ms. Overly
Science Pd 2
May 8, 2008
Great Blue Herons
One of the most rare and unique birds lives in pond areas located in the Jackson Hole area. The Great Blue Heron, also known as Ardea herodias, are found all over North America and Central America. They can also be found in the West Indies and the Galapagos Islands or places that there is water. The habitats that you can most likely spot a Great Blue Heron are in fresh and salt water marshes, swamps, flooded meadows, lake edges, and shorelines. A delicious meal for a Great Blue Heron would be tasty, small fish, mainly humans’ “expensive” fish, or the fish that they can sell for lots of money. They also enjoy shellfish, insects, rodents, amphibians, reptiles, and even smaller birds. Predators of herons are eagles, raccoons, bears, turkey vultures, and red tailed hawks. To escape from these predators, great blue herons have developed anti-predator adaptations such as camouflage. The back of this organism is darker than its belly, making it hard to spot from above and from below. It also has black feather hidden under layers of other feathers and it is has black “eyebrows” over its eyes. It also has a startling bright orange bill which becomes brighter during the mating season.
The best time to go look for a Great Blue Heron is at dawn or at dusk, although some of these birds have been noted to fish during the day and night. Great Blue Herons usually hunt alone and then go back to their populations and community at night to sleep in their nests. In their nests, the great blue herons have all their survival needs; food, water, shelter, space, and a suitable climate. They usually don’t migrate, however they may go to Central and South America if it gets too cold in North America.
The Great Blue Heron is a beautiful organism and luckily it is not endangered. This could change soon because of human development. If they keep losing their habitat due to humans and their buildings, they will become endangered. Actions like these can kill and harm the habitats of these wonderful creatures. We need to save them or else the ecosystem will begin to fail.
Ms. Overly
Science Pd 2
May 8, 2008
Great Blue Herons
One of the most rare and unique birds lives in pond areas located in the Jackson Hole area. The Great Blue Heron, also known as Ardea herodias, are found all over North America and Central America. They can also be found in the West Indies and the Galapagos Islands or places that there is water. The habitats that you can most likely spot a Great Blue Heron are in fresh and salt water marshes, swamps, flooded meadows, lake edges, and shorelines. A delicious meal for a Great Blue Heron would be tasty, small fish, mainly humans’ “expensive” fish, or the fish that they can sell for lots of money. They also enjoy shellfish, insects, rodents, amphibians, reptiles, and even smaller birds. Predators of herons are eagles, raccoons, bears, turkey vultures, and red tailed hawks. To escape from these predators, great blue herons have developed anti-predator adaptations such as camouflage. The back of this organism is darker than its belly, making it hard to spot from above and from below. It also has black feather hidden under layers of other feathers and it is has black “eyebrows” over its eyes. It also has a startling bright orange bill which becomes brighter during the mating season.
The best time to go look for a Great Blue Heron is at dawn or at dusk, although some of these birds have been noted to fish during the day and night. Great Blue Herons usually hunt alone and then go back to their populations and community at night to sleep in their nests. In their nests, the great blue herons have all their survival needs; food, water, shelter, space, and a suitable climate. They usually don’t migrate, however they may go to Central and South America if it gets too cold in North America.
The Great Blue Heron is a beautiful organism and luckily it is not endangered. This could change soon because of human development. If they keep losing their habitat due to humans and their buildings, they will become endangered. Actions like these can kill and harm the habitats of these wonderful creatures. We need to save them or else the ecosystem will begin to fail.
Observation #5
May 19, 2008
Site: The Cotenwood Pond
Time: 5:07PM
Temperature: Not sure, warmish
Weather: Warm and sunny with a slight breeze.
Soil: Really moist and wet
WOW! THE POND IS FILLED!! HOORAY! Yesterday when I rode by the pond, I had a great surprise, the pond was full of water! It looks fabouls. There were many many more organisms living in the area that before when it was empty. I hear a deep, deep croaking noise and went to investagate. It was a small little frog hiding in the gunk along the edge of the pond. It has super good antipredator adapations like camoflague, and I had a hard time finding him at first. When I did see him, he was so small and it startled me that he could make such a loud noise. I watched him make his noise and I saw his neck buldge out, filled with sound. It was pretty cool. I also saw the starlings and some red robins and a few other specias of birds that I could not identify. All these birds were eating the brownish slush gathered at the edges of the pond. One bird specias that I later looked up was the Chichadee. It was so small and cute! What a lovely bird! I believe that the edges of the pond are full of nutriants that many organisms will eat. I also saw many insects; one of them was a HUGE bumble bee. The grass was still growing and I think that many more organisms will soon show up because there is now water in the pond. I then took a little trip upstream to look and see if the green thing was still there. It was. But the water in the main stream was soo full and bloated. The small canal that lead to the pond was underwater! Everywhere else, the water was flowing smoothly and quickly, it kept flowing like this and it was flowing surpusly into the pond! I cannot wait to go back to the pond later on in the week!
Site: The Cotenwood Pond
Time: 5:07PM
Temperature: Not sure, warmish
Weather: Warm and sunny with a slight breeze.
Soil: Really moist and wet
WOW! THE POND IS FILLED!! HOORAY! Yesterday when I rode by the pond, I had a great surprise, the pond was full of water! It looks fabouls. There were many many more organisms living in the area that before when it was empty. I hear a deep, deep croaking noise and went to investagate. It was a small little frog hiding in the gunk along the edge of the pond. It has super good antipredator adapations like camoflague, and I had a hard time finding him at first. When I did see him, he was so small and it startled me that he could make such a loud noise. I watched him make his noise and I saw his neck buldge out, filled with sound. It was pretty cool. I also saw the starlings and some red robins and a few other specias of birds that I could not identify. All these birds were eating the brownish slush gathered at the edges of the pond. One bird specias that I later looked up was the Chichadee. It was so small and cute! What a lovely bird! I believe that the edges of the pond are full of nutriants that many organisms will eat. I also saw many insects; one of them was a HUGE bumble bee. The grass was still growing and I think that many more organisms will soon show up because there is now water in the pond. I then took a little trip upstream to look and see if the green thing was still there. It was. But the water in the main stream was soo full and bloated. The small canal that lead to the pond was underwater! Everywhere else, the water was flowing smoothly and quickly, it kept flowing like this and it was flowing surpusly into the pond! I cannot wait to go back to the pond later on in the week!
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