Instead of observing my phenology spot at Centennial Woods, I participated in the City Nature Challenge iNaturalist BioBlitz!
For this challenge, I visited 3 different natural areas in the Greater Burlington area. The first area I visited was my phenology spot in Centennial Woods, the second was intervale, and the third was PotAsh Brook. In total, I was able to identify/observe at least 9 different species.
In Centennial Woods, I saw a few downy woodpeckers, an American goldfinch, and a young squirrel. I also was able to hear a song sparrow and white-throated sparrow using the Merlin app. At Intervale I identified some plants such as a genus aegopodium and a genus hesperis, which I used the iNaturalist app to identify. I also saw a cardinal, a robin, and a few chickadees. At PotAsh Brook, I observed some fungal species, birch trees, and some moss which I identified as smoothcap moss.
Using iNaturalist has allowed me to identify many different species and has also made me more aware of what is in these natural areas. From this app, I have learned about new species and was able to share what I found in my lab group, as well as others using the app. Compared to other cities participating globally, I noticed the leaderboard. What was most surprising to me was seeing San Francisco on it since that is a place close to my hometown and I visit often. I didn’t know that a city from the area I’m from was involved with iNaturalist. I also noticed that there were cities that I didn’t know about on iNaturalist who are in the lead.