Diario del proyecto Wildlife Management @ PLE - BIOSC 1420

This is an example of a blog-style post you may write about your observations. To reach the 250-350 word target, you may discuss topics including, but not limited to:

• anything you directly observed about the organism—where did you see it? when did you see it? did it interact with any other organisms? what does it look like?
• anything you learned about the organism's biology—what species are its close relatives? what are its identifying features?
• anything you learned about the organism's ecology—what other species does it typically interact with or rely on? what sort of environment does it prefer? is it actively managed or does it have impacts on management? do humans use it as medicine, materials, or food? is it treated as a pest?

I was in Sproul State Forest setting up one of my bioacoustics field sites when I snapped this observation of a flowering mountain laurel, Kalmia latifolia, a heath shrub and the state flower of Pennsylvania.

Mountain laurel is so named because it covers much of the shady forest understory of the Appalachian Mountains, the sandstone bedrock of which weathers into acidic soils. Plants in the heath family, Ericaceae, grow particularly well in acidic environments. Like its cousin Rhododendron maximum, K. latifolia has clusters of bell-shaped bright white to pink flowers and glossy dark green leaves. I find it easiest to tell them apart by their flowers; while R. maximum has flowers with rounded petals, K. latifolia's petals have pointed tips. Other heath family cousins include blueberries, huckleberries, and cranberries.

K. latifolia is highly toxic to humans and livestock. Consumption of any part of the plant can lead to neurotoxic and gastrointestinal poisoning side effects, up to and including death. Even consuming game who have eaten it or honey made from its pollen can be deadly.

Because K. latifolia is so toxic to mammals, it is rarely eaten by Pennsylvania's keystone browser, the white-tailed deer. Deer prefer to browse on tastier understory plants like tree saplings, removing K. latifolia's competition and enabling it and other heath plants to grow in dense thickets, which can lead to "legacy effects" of deer overbrowsing. That is to say, effects of an overabundant deer population can be seen many years after the population is brought under control. For example, a study by the US Forest Service showed that the appearance of dense thickets of K. latifolia may inhibit oak tree regeneration by shading out saplings. Even if deer are currently well-managed, their legacy lives on in the plant communities whose compositions they have drastically altered for decades to come.

Box turtles are a common species of terrestrial turtle that are prevalent throughout North America with six subspecies. One of the six subspecies, the Eastern box turtle, has a range that spans the entirety of the east coast: from Maine to Florida and as far west as the Great Lakes in Michigan, (source: Eastern box turtle). As depicted in the photo, Eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) have a recognizable dome-shaped shell that is patterned with yellow and brown splotches. In addition to a patterned shell, Eastern box turtles have orange scales on their legs and neck that are beneficial in camouflaging among detritus in the forest. Eastern box turtles also have a noticeable hooked upper jaw with a significant overbite. Eastern box turtles are opportunistic omnivores. Generally, they are carnivorous at a young age and feed on Earthworms and other invertebrates, but switch to a more herbivorous diet by the time they reach maturity, (source: Eastern box turtle). Female Eastern box turtles are generally distinguished from males by their orange irises (as seen in the photo) and flat or slight conex under-shells (plastons) (source: Box Turtle) The conservation status of these turtles is marked at ‘vulnerable’ as a result of loss of their habitat due to suburban development and their popularity in foriegn markets, (source: Eastern box turtle).
This particular turtle specimen (a female Eastern box turtle) was spotted in Aspinwall, Pennsylvania, which is a suburban neighborhood located eight miles outside of the city of Pittsburgh. Aspinwall is situated in close proximity to the Allegheny river and boosts a new riverfront park with reclaimed “greenspace.” When I captured this photo, the turtle was located in a grassy area bordering an asphalt parking lot. Due to the close proximity of the river, it is likely that the soil was a mixture of sand loam and other detritus material, (source: Soil) . Eastern box turtles typically mate between May and October and create 4 inch deep nests to lay eggs (between one and eleven eggs per nest) in sunny sites (source: Box Turtle). It is plausible that this female turtle may have been seeking a site to nest and was left undisturbed as the area was safe from any imminent danger.

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Box turtles are a common species of terrestrial turtle that are prevalent throughout North America with six subspecies. One of the six subspecies, the Eastern box turtle, has a range that spans the entirety of the east coast: from Maine to Florida and as far west as the Great Lakes in Michigan, (source: Eastern box turtle). As depicted in the photo, Eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) have a recognizable dome-shaped shell that is patterned with yellow and brown splotches. In addition to a patterned shell, Eastern box turtles have orange scales on their legs and neck that are beneficial in camouflaging among detritus in the forest. Eastern box turtles also have a noticeable hooked upper jaw with a significant overbite. Eastern box turtles are opportunistic omnivores. Generally, they are carnivorous at a young age and feed on Earthworms and other invertebrates, but switch to a more herbivorous diet by the time they reach maturity, (source: Eastern box turtle). Female Eastern box turtles are generally distinguished from males by their orange irises (as seen in the photo) and flat or slight conex under-shells (plastons) (source: Box Turtle) The conservation status of these turtles is marked at ‘vulnerable’ as a result of loss of their habitat due to suburban development and their popularity in foriegn markets, (source: Eastern box turtle).
This particular turtle specimen (a female Eastern box turtle) was spotted in Aspinwall, Pennsylvania, which is a suburban neighborhood located eight miles outside of the city of Pittsburgh. Aspinwall is situated in close proximity to the Allegheny river and boosts a new riverfront park with reclaimed “greenspace.” When I captured this photo, the turtle was located in a grassy area bordering an asphalt parking lot. Due to the close proximity of the river, it is likely that the soil was a mixture of sand loam and other detritus material, (source: Soil) . Eastern box turtles typically mate between May and October and create 4 inch deep nests to lay eggs (between one and eleven eggs per nest) in sunny sites (source: Box Turtle). It is plausible that this female turtle may have been seeking a site to nest and was left undisturbed as the area was safe from any imminent danger.

In the middle of April, I was having a walk at Schenley Park around the lake when I saw Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) at the first time in my life. Several weeks later, I saw Canada Geese again in West Virginia around the big pond at my cousin’s home.
At the first glance, Canada Goose consists of three colors: black, grey and white. Its head and neck are black but with a white strap on its chin (which is called “chinstrap”, which distinguishes it from all other geese species), its main body and feet are grey but its bottom is white. The adult geese heights averages around 1 meter tall, and there’s no significant difference between male and female geese. Canada Goose is also largest living species among all the true geese" , which includes the genera Anser, Branta or Chen. They are migrating birds that are native to North America, but their natural habitat has experienced some degree of damage of loss which caused them to share habitat with human beings. They are generalist which diet can range from aquatic plants to urban lawngrass. During breeding season, their nests are built near water, and they require aquatic ecosystems to breed; while in other seasons they are much less picky. Their huge population which shares human living area also have some hazards to public health because they are susceptible to avian bird flus, which are zoonotic. Cullings of Canada geese in densely populated areas has been engaged to control their population and to prevent aircraft strikes on geese. On the other hand, they are also protected from hunting and capture outside of designated hunting seasons both in the US, Canada and UK.

Before I saw Canada Geese in the wild, I’ve heard of its name lots of times because of the expensive winter clothing brand. Is Canada Goose made of Canada Goose? I looked up online. Actually, the clothing brand does use goose down for the filling of the coats, but they use snow geese instead, not the same species.

I was in Tyron Weber Woods when I took this picture of American Cancer Root. Tryon Weber woods is located in Pennsylvania near Conneaut Lake. I was helping one of my friends with her research on this species, and I found it interesting that cancer root was found really close to the species that I was studying which was Virginia Creeper. I took this picture in between the sign and the stream at Tryon Weber, which is pretty well shaded. In order to get to this spot of the woods, you will have to enter through the main entrance and then walk all the way down the hill and across the stream.

American Cancer Root also known as Conopholis americana (L.) Wallr. is a fully parasitic plant which can grow attached to the roots of some specific oaks. This species usually has a creamy/brown color to it. It is not green because it does not contain any chlorophyll. These plants are usually cream in color when they first emerge and then darken to a brown as they dry out. If you look at the picture of my observation, it looks like the plants are a darker brown shade, so I would say they have been around for a while. These plants usually tend to be found in dense clumps and grow in shady areas. This is also evident in my picture as you can see there are multiple stems in one area and it is pretty well shaded. When I was walking around Tryon Weber, I realized that when I spotted cancer root it was always in dense clumps.

Cancer root is usually present in relatively rich deep soils and a thickened canopy, where at least some oak trees are present. These stems can grow from 2 to 8 inches in height and about 1/2 to 1 inch in width. This plant is part of the broom-rape plant family which also has other parasitic plants. Lastly, despite the common name, cancer root has no known scientific evidence to support preventing or causing cancer.

Source: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/conopholis_americana.shtml

While on a nature hike/walk at Woodcock Creek Lake Dam I took one of many field tails and happened upon many of these Viceroy butterflies, L. archippus, landing on various wildflowers. I personally love butterflies and when I saw them, I had to take a million pictures! Some information about this species of butterfly is they are native to North America. It can travel to parts of Canada, across America and to some areas in Mexico. The conservation status of this species is secure. Viceroy’s black and orange appearance is similar to that of a monarch butterfly, and is also distasteful to predators, though they are distantly related. The Larva will feed on trees in the willow family. When they emerge into adults, they nectar on milkweed, thistle, and other common flowers. Viceroy are strictly active in the late morning and early afternoon. Something I thought was really interesting was when the caterpillars are in their chrysalis stage, their protective cover resembles bird poop!

Source: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/viceroy.htm

This picture of the Small Milkweed Bug was taken in a field near my house in Pittsburgh PA! The field sits right alongside a small forest that sits between some housing developments. None the less this didn't seem to bother this bug who was happy as could be clinging to some wildflowers!

The small milkweed bug (Lygaeus kalmii) is a type of seed bug who's larvae feeds on the milkweed plant/seed. In doing such, the bug is able to ingest compounds from the plant that would otherwise be toxic to other species/animals. This acts as a great defense mechanism to predation, as the bug has now become toxic itself! This is also a reason for the bright contrasting red and black coloration on the bug; a good way to say stay away.

Once adults, the milkweed bug no longer strictly eats milkweed seeds but rather becomes an opportunistic feeder. This can be dangerous for other insect species such as butterflies that also feed on milkweed; the milkweed bug will eat their eggs.

Source: https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=31190

I recently moved to a plot of land that is full of wildlife. My backyard not only has a pond but a small wooded area. One afternoon, I was setting up my hammock between two trees and noticed something out of the corner of my eye. I expected it to be a bird or one of the several toads I had previously spotted, instead, it was a snake. I have a decent amount of experience in reptile identification, and I quickly identified it as a garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis). Additionally, because of where I live, I can confidently say it is an Eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis).

The most identifying feature of a garter snake is the white/yellow dorsum stripe. Additionally, the black and olive splotches were what allowed me to distinguish it as a garter snake and a ribbon snake (Thamnophis sauritus), which is a close relative.

Eastern garter snakes are known to inhabit a variety of habitats along the east coast. These habitats include different types of forests, fields, and grasslands as well as the banks of streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. This snake in particular managed to pick a spot on the border of a field and forested area that was only about 20 feet from a pond.

Eastern garter snakes are not venomous and are considered to be fairly harmless animals. They eat a variety of insects and other invertebrates, amphibians, small mammals, and even small snakes. All of these food sources (except the small snakes) are readily available near the pond. However, this snake in particular was most likely not looking for food, as it had clearly eaten within the past few days.

After a while of sitting in my hammock reading, I heard a rustling below me. The snake was slithering off into the leaf litter. It was to no surprise that the next day it had returned to the same spot, as it was a perfect spot to bask while being perfectly incognito from any of the red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) that lived in the area.

Sources: http://www.gartersnake.info/articles/2006/telling-garter-snakes-and-ribbon-snakes-apart.php
https://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/eastern-gartersnake/eastern_gartersnake.php

I first saw this Common Eastern Garter Snake Thamnopis sirtalis when I was helping my mom get water for her plants in Punxsutawney, PA. It is a common snake found in Pennsylvania that eats worms, slugs, frogs, and more. It hides in the tall grass and shrubs near the front of my house. I see it during the day when the sun is high. It sometimes comes out to lay in the sun to warm itself up. Although when it sees one of us it slithers away thinking we are predators. It is a dark greenish black color, with a offtint yellow stomach, and a dull yellow strip down its back. Close relatives are also different types of garter snakes as well as different species of the ribbon snake. To identify a common garter snake look for a blackish green colored body with a stripe all the way from its head down to its back. The underside with be a off yellow color. The sides of this snake can range from green to yellow and the stripe down its back can range from a vibrant yellow to dull yellow or even an orange color. It can have different patterns as well. Look for a dark colored body with a strip in the middle of its back for the most common identifiers. It eats mostly earthworms, slugs and frogs even the eggs of a frog. The interesting thing about a common garter snake is that it is found in many different habitats that can range from the forest to grasslands as long as some source of water is close by since they mainly relys on amphibians to eat. Most people see garter snakes as a helping hand in their garden or flower bed since they eat the insects and more that could potentially cause damange to those areas. Although if someone found it who didn't like snakes they may view it as a pest. There is no management on this species since they help manage other species. Garter snakes also release a strong smelling odor called musk to help ward off predators when they are close or in danger of being eatten. They also are said to be venoumous although it is not toxic to humans. Although their population has gone down drastically since people collect them as pet which is not allowed. They are still the most commonly found reptile in their ranges. Although one of the cousins to the common garter which is called the San Fransico Garter is listed as endangered subspecies. I got my information from (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garter_snake#Diet)

While walking around my house I spotted what appeared to be a Blue Jay through the glass of my front door. I observed it for some time as it perched itself on a tree right next to my window. I spotted the bird around 2:35 in the afternoon, capturing it on camera at 2:48 pm. Even though I do not see many Blue Jays these days, I could tell based on the look of the bird. What instantly drew me in was the beautiful blue coloration on its wings. Other identifying features were the white belly and the black crescent that wraps itself across the head, connecting with the black eyes giving it a masked appearance. The Blue Jay appeared to be searching the ground for prey during the duration of my viewing.

The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) comes from the family of Corvidae. Other bird species found within the Corvidae include crows, ravens, magpies, and nutcrackers. The Blue Jay can be found in forested habitats year round in both the eastern and central United States. They prefer forest edges with oak trees and can commonly be found in both urban and suburban areas. A favorite food of Blue Jays is acorns hence why they prefer to be around oak trees. However they have been known to consume insects and grains. Blue Jays are known to be of high intelligence with complex social systems, often choosing to mate for life. This intelligence is shown in their ability to mimic other birds including predators as the red-shouldered and red tailed hawks, using their imitation calls to warn other Blue Jays that predators are in the area.

While Blue Jays have a negative reputation around people for being aggressive towards other birds, they pose no threat. Give them a respectable distance and they can be admired in peace.

Source: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Blue_Jay/overview