Observation #8

Site: Cottonwood Park
Date: May 29th
Time: 5:12 PM
Temp: 45 Degrees F
Weather: Cloudy, Windy, Rainy
Soil: Soaked

Observation #8

Standing out in the pouring rain, I noticed an influx in the bird population diversity. I saw several robins, starlings, and crows. They were displaying a fascinating show of interspecific competition. The starlings and the robins were fighting over worms that were coming out the saturated soil by the thousands. The crows tended to do their own thing because the other two species knew that the crow was much larger then them. The crow, with its larger body and black coloration, has the anti-predator adaptation of displaying intimidation. I hypothesize that the smaller species of birds had enough sense to know that taking on the crow in a battle royal for a worm would result in them coming out on the bottom. I think that they realize their place in the food chain. Speaking of the food chain, worms are decomposers and help to break down the soil and return nutrients to the earth. Between the worms and the birds, the symbiotic relationship mutualism is displayed. However, when the community of birds try to eat the worms, one could call this predator versus prey relationships. As I have seen the pond fill up in the tiny man made park near my house, I have noticed how biodiversity increases, and organisms interact differently within their environments. I have realized that nature has subtle ways of worming- no pun intended- its way into our everyday lives. We just have to take the time to notice.

Observation #7

Site: Cottonwood Park
Date: May 28th
Time: 2:58 PM
Temp: 48 Degrees F
Weather: Partly Cloudy, Windy, Rainy
Soil: Soaked

Observation #7

After several days of heavy rain, the park seems to be even greener if possible. This influx in rain has provoked hundreds if not thousands of dandelions to pop up through the green, creating a multi-colored smorgasbord of flora. These flowers add monumentally to the biodiversity of the ecosystem. The aspen trees have dropped all of their catkins and are starting to produce beautiful heart shaped leaves. I am sure that the plants and animals are very confused because of all the snow in between the rain and sunshine. With all the water in the park, there have been many different types of birds. I observed tons of peckish robins perched in the aspen trees. I also saw three robins preening themselves at the waters edge. They would get a little pond water on their bodies and shake it off. I think that this might be to make themselves cleaner, obviously, but also maybe to attract a mate. I do not know if they mate in the spring or fall, but I will look into it. Other then the exciting robins, the water level is the same, and there are still frogs 'illin like villains in and around the pond.