Observation #8

At 8:30 on May 29, 2008, I did my final recorded observation. The weather was perfect with blue skies, no wind, and a heat of 49 degrees F. Walking through the grass i noticed the soil was still wet from previous rain. As the sun set deep into the mountains, just one of the many biotic factors, frogs, started to sound from all directions. The peaceful environment was disturbed when two male Red-winged Blackbirds started to compete. They were probably both after the same female. The symbiotic relationship between the frogs and the cattails is probably one of the most major additions to the pond. The cattails give the frogs/tadpoles shelter. When birds like eagles, osprey, and hawks are looking for food, one anti-predator adaptation of the frog comes in handy. Its earthy green, gray, brown, and tan colors make camouflaging into its surrounding very easy. The food web of the pond goes from vegetation like willows, cattails, and grass then it moves to small organisms like mice and smaller birds. After that, it moves to larger birds like hawks, eagles, and osprey. Because this pond is not far from my house I will probably continue to see it. But next time I do, i will look at it in a different way trying to see the growth it has gone through.

Observation #7

Date-5/28/08

Temperature-59 degrees F

Weather-Sunny and clear sky

Wind-low

Soil conditions-moist

Time-4:35

My observation environment was filled with movement as a community today. Not only were the population of blackbirds out, but also ducks, and a few geese. The reason for their high activity, was probably because they were looking for food. The activity at this time, must have been due to the break from the abiotic factor, rain.The birds don't have to venture far from the pond because all its survival needs are in the environment including food, water, shelter, space, and a suitable climate. As i looked closer into the cattails, I could see new leaves sprouting. I predict in not too long they will start to grow flowers.

Works Cited

Works Cited
Dick, Gary Owen. “Red-winged Blackbird.” Field Guide to Birds of North America. 2007. 21 May 2008 http://identify.whatbird.com/.

Hilty, John. “Common Cattail.” Illinoise Wildflowers. 2006. 27 May 2008 http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/.

“Red-winged Blackbird.” All About Birds. 2003. The American Ornithologists’ Union. 21 May 2008 http://www.birds.cornell.edu/.

Rook, Earl J.S. “Typha latifolia Common Cattail.” USDA Plants Database. 2002. Valley Internet Company. 27 May 2008 http://www.rook.org/.

Mitch Waite Group. Red-winged Blackbird. May 22, 2008.
<http://identify.whatbird.com/img/4/521/image.aspx>.

Twin Groves Virtual Wetlands. Cattails. May 26, 2008.

Flora Report on Cattails

Cattails

Typha latifolia also known as the cattail, is an edible plant native to the Northern Hemisphere. This perennial plant can be found near swamps, ponds, seeps, borders of rivers, and ditches. Its ability to live in both disturbed and natural habitats and to tolerate drought, makes this organism a dominant aquatic plant in North America.

The cattail is a tall plant with a height that averages between three and ten feet. The base, or shoot, of the cattail is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. Also rising from the bottom are the leaves. One plant can have up to sixteen leaves. They can be described as grayish-green, thick, and spongy in the center. Their growth is limited to below the flower. The stem is topped at around five to ten feet up by the flower, which is also called the tip or spike. Unlike most flowers, this doesn’t have pretty petals but instead a thick, cigar-like, almost furry appearance that can be broken into two parts; male and female. Separated by about two inches, the two sections are relatively the same length. The lower portion of the flower is the female and is colored green then turns to a dark brown depending on the maturity level. The male is a light brown and disappears after its job of pollinating is done.

The cattail fills a niche that is very important for organisms. The leaves, stalk, and flowers provide food for insects and organisms like moths, caterpillars, and muskrats. The formation of dense areas of cattails creates shelter for wetland animals, including fish that can hide from predators among the underwater leaves and stems. Birds use cattails as a place to make shelter and can also use the leaves for their nests.

Cattail can be found throughout North America. Although they can be aggressive, their presence indicates that animals several types of organisms can be found in the area. This creates more diversity.

Observation #6

Date- May 26, 2008
Time-7:42 P.M.
Temperature-42 degrees F
Weather-rain
Wind-breezy
Soil conditions-the soil was still moist from rain earlier and the current down fall
Sorry about the late blog entries, but as I headed off on my camping trip across Idaho and Wyoming i realized I completely spaced them. Anyway back to the main focus. My Area is not very interesting and nothing seems to be changing to dramatically so i feel like i am repeating myself. The birds were out more than when i did an observation earlier today. I think this was because the rain had settled a bit. Insects were also coming out to feed on the organisms living in the pond water. There were a couple of ducks swimming around the pond and creating a fuss between the birds and them. The frogs as usual were loud until they heard the rustle of my foot steps getting nearer.

Observation #5

Date- 5/26/08
Time- 11:08 A.M.
Temperature- 41 degrees F
Weather-heavy rain
Wind-high
Soil-wet
Due to the weather conditions my observation was cut short a a little. The ponds water level has gotten higher as the rain has fallen. Also the cattail were starting to break off from the wind. During my observation i noticed that the birds were hardly out. The few that i saw would come out of their hiding in the willow or cattail for a couple of minutes and then go strait back. The insects were not out at all and i think this was because of the intense rain.

Fauna Report on the Red-WInged Blackbird

With a length of seven to nine inches, a wingspan of twelve to sixteen inches, and a weight around one to three ounces, the Red-Winged Blackbird is one of the most abundant birds in North America. This bird is named for it most marked characteristic. Indeed, it has a patch of red on the bend of its wing. The female of this species is dark brown with streaks of lighter brown across its chest. Both genders have black feet, bills, and eyes. Their bills are long, slender, and sharp.

The Red-winged Blackbird is a medium-sized songbird and has the scientific name Agelaius phoeniceus and can be found in grassy areas like marshes, meadows, and alfalfa fields. They stake their territory by singing from perches with wings spread revealing the red patches on the wing. Their protective nature over their habitat gives them the reputation of being aggressive. This aggression is especially brought out during the mating season. Males are sometimes put to the task of defending ten females at a time. This becomes very difficult when the females start to interact with other birds. The males will become aggressive with other males and other species of birds in the area. On average, the birds raise three offspring per season. The female is given the duty of incubating the eggs for ten days, in nests made of vegetation.

The diet of the Red-winged Blackbird is primarily seeds, insects, mollusks, and other small animals like caterpillars, snails and grubs, making them omnivores. The niche the birds fill is that they are food for larger animals like foxes, bobcats, hawks, and owls.

The distinctive red patch and the sheer number of Red-winged Blackbirds in Jackson Hole make them easy to spot and watch. Their aggressive behavior makes watching them entertaining.

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Observation #4

On May 18, 2008 at 9:09 PM I did my fourth observation. The temperature was about 64 F and the sky was mostly clearly with a full, or almost, moon. The surprising heat even into the night changed my area extremely. The blackbirds, frogs, ducks, goose, insects, and even bats were very active. The trees are budding, the grass is growing, and the cat-tails now stand taller then my height. When lowering down to the level of the pond where there is crusted mud you can see small animal foot prints. The mud is creating a musty smell and it seems the insects are also enjoying whatever is getting trapped in the mud.

Observation #3

My third observation was on May 12, 2008 at 6:42 P.M. The weather conditions were clear and sunny. There was a strong wind that brought the temperature down to about 47 F. The soil seems to be drying and the cat-tails are coming up more. The cattails have to go through several stages of succession in order for them to stand again.There is not much biodiversity with organisms but the plant life seems to be very varied. The blackbirds, ducks, and frogs spend most on there time in and out of the ecosystem surrounding the pond. It appears that the water level is lowering and more moss, see weed, and algae is showing. This creates a good food source for the birds and insects. Small amounts of grass are growing around the outskirts of the pond. As the observations go on I predict more species of birds and insects will come with better weather.

Observation #2

Date- 05/07/08
Time-6:51
Temperature:55 F
Weather- Over cast
Wind- Breezy
Soil conditions-moist from previous snow melt

During my second observation it was raining so the birds were not as active and there were no ducks. The sounds were still just the chirping of Yellow Headed and Red Winged Blackbirds. the sound of an owl also occurred. The willows were no larger or different. The cat-tail were still broken and laying down from the weight of the snow, except for the ones closest to the pond. It was hard to tell, but it didn't seem like the bugs were hitting the water as much as the first day. This is probably because of the rain. I am curious to see if the cat-tail will grow back soon. I am expecting more action from birds like; swans, ducks, and blackbirds.

Observation #1

The location I am observing is a pond in central Rafter J. My first visit was on May 5, 2008. At 7:35 the skies were clear, the wind was calm, and it was about 62 degrees F. The soil surrounding the cat-tails was damp due to previous snow melt. When approaching the pond I heard the sound of mouse scurrying, the frogs stopped croaking, and the ducks flew away. Although these organisms were trying to escape or hide, the population of yellow-headed black birds started to get louder. The vegitation was limited, there were large willows, cat-tail, a little grass, and algea.