Observation #4

Site: 21750 Buffalo Valley Road



Date: 5/15/08



Time: 6:00 p.m.



Temperature: 60 degrees farenheit



Weather: Sunny. Few clouds

Soil: Damp.



In the aspen community, the magpies continue building their nest in one tree, which the juncos like to hang around. The magpies seem to endure them, although when the juncos venture too close they squawk in their direction until they leave. This seems to interspecific competition for space. The crows preen themselves and don't bother any of the other fauna. The male ruffed grouse is "drumming" to attract a mate. No female grouses approach. He is unsuccessful. From the amount of noise, it seems as though there are several other males in the area engaged in a similar endeavor. This is a prime example of intraspecific competition. Some juniper bushes circle the feet of aspens. There are a few moths and spiders and one dove.



In the willow community, a moose is standing. There are frog calls, the occasional caw of a red-winged blackbird, and honking geese. A pair of mallard ducks swim around leisurely.



In the marsh community there is another pair of mallards, who get spooked and fly away. The sandhill cranes are making quite a bit of noise-it's about the time of year for their courtship. When visible, they are always preoccupied pecking at the marsh. Maybe there are some bugs or frogs to be eaten. There are a few stalks of what might be green gentian by the water.



A few scattered patches of clover and kinnikinnick have sprung up throughout the site; there are small lupin plants everywhere. More plants come up each day.