As we wrap up the academic year and inch closer to finals, the global city nature challenge takes place. This includes public participation in identifying biodiversity in different areas. Part of this is also a friendly competition. Our class participated as a group, yet split into lab groups as we race for a spot professor Walt Poleman’s mammoth trophy.
Due to being busy with many classes and events, I only recorded species found in the vicinity of campus, however I still observed six species. Using iNaturalist was streamlined and smooth as usual; the app is clearly designed and functions well.
My most exciting encounter was late at night. I was outside talking with a friend when she pointed over my shoulder and said “hey look, a cat!” I turned around and we both has a moment where we stopped and realized that it was not a cat, but we hadn’t gotten a clear look. We got up and went over to the dumpsters it was heading toward and looked around. I peeked my head into the dumpster and there was a raccoon staring back at me (below left)!
The other species I observed were all birds: ring-billed gull, Northern cardinal, American crow, red-winged blackbird (above right), black-capped chickadee, and chipping sparrow.
It’s always fun to see what species are reported in other cities and how different the biodiversity composition is.