It's been a while since I have posted on this site.
My
first field season of research on lark sparrow breeding biology is
nearing completion. I visited Sand Prairie today and neither saw nor
heard any of the birds. I will be visiting again but I think it is safe
to say that outside of possible behavioral observation, my data for
this summer is complete.
Overall I would consider it a
successful first field season. I located 10 nests, 8 of which held eggs
at one point, and 4 of which held young. Only 1 nest successfully
fledged. I was able to observe a plethora of behavioral activity as
well as note a definite pattern of habitat preference in nest
selection. I was only able to obtain several vocalizations from two
spring males, largely because my work schedule did not permit me to
arrive at Sand Prairie for the dawn chorus. Next spring I will do my
best to adjust my hours and place a strong emphasis on recording
vocalizations. I have over 500 hours of flash card memory, so I am in
good shape! Over the course of the fall I will also gain experience
using a plant press. Due to a multitude of factors I decided to collect
and press plant samples next year.
My next task will
be to compile the data and begin to write my thesis. In the meantime I
will be conducting another research project unrelated to my thesis.
Under the guidance of Dr. Michael Taylor and with the assistance of
fellow graduate student Andrew Braun, this research will be a general
survey of the fish species found in Cape LaCroix Creek. Since I first
moved to Cape Girardeau I have been fascinated by this creek. It runs
through the center of the city and in my opinion looks both controlled
and polluted, but there is abundant fish life, and aquatic insect life
as well. As a volunteer for a nearby nature center I helped conduct a
stream survey in the creek and found both mayfly and caddisfly larvae,
evidence of a healthy creek. I have identified longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis) and shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus)
from the shore, in addition to a myriad of unknown species. I am
enrolled in ichthyology this semester as well, which is fitting.
I
will post updates of this research as it takes place. I mailed my
application for a collector's permit tonight, so I probably will not
begin until early September. Because I have not yet taken ichthyology, I
will be assisting my friend Andrew Braun in his research first to learn
the finer points of seining. He is conducting a similar survey at a
conservation area whose name escapes me.
That is all for now.
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