Wednesday, July 5, 8:36 AM – Charles River, Waltham, Massachusetts
Weather- This morning it is in the high 70s with a very slight breeze that I can feel on my skin but is not making any noise or causing movement on the river. The sky is bright blue with a haze at the horizon but no clouds are present in the sky. The air is heavy with humidity this morning as well.
Wonder- As I sat this morning two Canadian Geese came up right next to where I was and ate the greenery growing from the cracks in the pavement. They both had bands on their right legs, I am wondering what organization bands them and what research purpose these bands have. Aside from the two geese that walked by me, there are 5 more in the water in two separate groups. Three swimming in line with one another and two swimming across the river from them also in one line. Another thing I notice that has changed since the last time I was here is the growth in the plants along the bank of the river. As I have talked about in previous journals there is pavement that leads to a concrete barrier separating the pavement from the water. Now that growth has occurred it is clear that the plants on either side of the barrier are two very distinct species. The one on the riverside looks as though it is in the fern family, very large ferns that wave in the breeze, and has a deep green color to it. The plant growing on the concrete/pavement side is also green but has a lighter hue. This plant is a mix of grassy with large and long leaves and stands less upright than the species growing on the other side of the barrier. I wonder why and how each of these species began to grow here?
Natural History Mystery-My mystery today is why geese tend to walk in line one behind the other and swim in the same manner, and if this trend is recreated in other places and environments. I of course have always known the infamous V-shape that Canadian Geese can be seen flying in and understand scientifically why that occurs but here have noticed another pattern of movement in a straight line. In my research, I found a few scientific articles and first-hand blog accounts about this formation of geese and other birds. I found that the causes of their V formation apply to their line formation while walking and swimming. This formation can prevent wind resistance, preserve energy, protect young geese, and keeps everyone in the group safe.
Photos-
Reflection and Conclusion- I found that taking photos did not ask for the same focus and attention to detail of me as sketching did. I did enjoy the process and found it to be easier to capture what I was trying to than while sketching. However, when sketching I was more able to focus on articulate details in the scene. Something I am excited to look for at my next visit is the continued growth of the two different species of plant growing on either side of the cement barrier on the bank of the river. I will also work to identify these species on my next trip.