Jacob's Field Study

11/10/18 10:35-11:05 am. This was by far my coldest visit to my field study location. It was 33 degrees Fahrenheit, and it felt even colder with 11 mph wind coming from the northwest. The length of the day was 9 hours and 54 minutes. A big difference from my last four visits, was that it was snowing! There was a thin layer of white, fluffy snow, coving the ground. I was shivering for part of my visit. I did not see any organisms that were native to the environment there. I did see a dad, with two kids, and a dog go by enjoying the winter day. That was something that I have not seen much of previously. The water in the creek was still running, but there was a tiny bit of ice forming on some of the small pools and the edges of the water. After our current unit in biology about trees and how they function, I had a better appreciation for the solid trees that surrounded me.

10/21/18 6:25-6:55 pm. Fun fact of my fourth visit, is that it was my birthday. The temperature was 43 degrees Fahrenheit and the was wind coming from the southwest at 11 mph. The length of day was 10 hours and 45 minutes. I heard a handful of birds, but I only actually witnessed one fly overheard in the canopy of the trees. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting in my camp chair in the cool weather. I was glad to hear and see birds this time, as last time I saw no organisms. There are definitely more leaves on the ground that before. This is due to the changes in the seasons. I was there a little earlier than my previous visit, so the lighting was better, and it was not getting to dark while I was out there. I'm running out of positions to take pictures in, so I'm going to have to get more creative in this upcoming month.

10/11/18 6:45-7:15 pm. For my third visit at my field study location, it was rather chilly at 47 degrees Fahrenheit. The length of the day was 11 hours and 13 minutes. There was wind coming from the Northeast at 13 mph. For this visit I did not see or hear any organisms. This was a difference from my previous two visits; I had seen at least one bird each time up until today. I was very thankful for my warm coat as I sat and took in the nature around me. After a very busy past few days, it was wonderful to sit back and relax for a short while. Since I had no animals to watch, I took the time to draw some leaves and sticks at my feet; I found that I am no artist, but it was fun to do. One other difference I noticed from last time, was that the small creek was larger and flowing more rapidly than previously. I assume this was happening due to the amount of rain we've had the past week.

9/17/18  7:30-8:00 pm.  On my second visit, the weather was 74 degrees Fahrenheit, the length of day was 12 hours and 24 minutes. There was no significant wind during my endeavor. My second visit was fun, but not the same experience as my first was. I felt like I was going to be eaten alive by mosquitos; they made it more of a challenge to sit still and take in my surroundings. That was one major difference from my first visit, but I'm assuming it has to do with time of day. I also saw a cardinal sitting in a tree across the creek, which was dirtier and more dried up than my previous visit. While I was there, I took the time to draw a sound map, which I have an image of below. 

8/31/18 5:05-5:40 pm. For my first visit at my field study location, it was 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the length of the day was 13 hours and 12 minutes. It was gorgeous weather, sunny with a light breeze coming from the North; I was surrounded by the sounds of insects buzzing about, paired with the rustling of the leaves in the trees overhead. The crystal clear water in the small creek was silent as can be. I saw a small group of fish swimming underneath a fallen log; I saw the greens in the grass and other plants surrounding me. I felt and heard the crunch of leaves long fallen underneath my feet. Then a sharp bite; a mosquito had bit my leg. I saw a single bird fly overhead through a break in the canopy of trees. I noticed some deer tracks in the sand by the water. Overall, I felt peaceful and content to be isolated for a short timeframe. Since this is my first visit, I cannot compare any changes or differences. I will be, however, prepared to notice the changes that are to come