For this four-day urban BioBlitz adventure, I explored many different parks of the Greater Burlington area. Currently as I write this, I am outside at Kieslich Park, the park I did my service project last semester at for NR lab. Just this place alone was so cool to go back to and see the progress made to restore the area. I am able to enjoy my time out in nature here listening to all sorts of interesting birds, some rare ones like the Northern Parula or Nashville Warbler. I also ventured to the Intervale for Spectacular Nature day! I volunteered at the INautralist table, getting a chance to share this amazing app and the BioBlitz Challenge with those who were unaware of it. I also took a trip to Redstone quarry with some people in my lab group (Shout out to Bec, our amazing TA for taking us outside of lab!!!). I also went down to the Burlington waterfront, walked around campus, and went to Oak Ledge! At Oak Ledge, I saw the two harlequin ducks that have been spotted around! It was such an amazing experience I will never forget. Below is a map from my adventures.
I really enjoyed using INautralist for this BioBlitz Challenge! I will definitely be participating in the BioBlitz Challenge again next year! The app is so easy to use and really helps you identify plant and animal species you may not be confident on. I love how there is a community aspect to it where other people can suggest ID’s for your photos. As of right now, my lab group is in the lead and projected to win! It’s been such a fun experience doing this challenge with friends in my lab group.
I encountered a total of 134 species. Currently I am ranked #1 in the amount of species in my lab group. Throughout the weekend I have been going back and forth between first and second ranking for observations and species for the Greater Burlington area.
As of right now, San Antonio Metro Area in Texas is in the lead! This is really interesting as I remember in class, Chris and Walt talked about how the City of Cape Town typically wins every year. However, the City of Cape Town is in 15th place right now for observations. Cochababma, Bolivia has the most species!
Included below are some photos from my adventures out to participate in the BioBlitz Challenge! This includes the amazing Harlequin ducks spotted at Oak Ledge!
Loon Keel Bone!!!