Part 1:
6/20/2024
Malen Riordan
Lake Dunmore, Salisbury Vermont
3:00pm the sky is grey with off and on heavy rain and the air is humid.
Part 2:
My site is near a medium sized lake in Vermont. It is populated with camps and a few houses on the outskirts of the lake. There are many birds, fauna, fish and lots of trees. I see birds, mosquitos, fish and rain. I can also hear the birds chirping in the distance with off and on rain either heavy or lite pitter patter. There is a very earthy smell that I assume is coming from the rains effect. After investigating a little there are many salamanders and other bugs that I have not seen before under logs and rocks.
Part 3:
It is not allowing me to add a photo. (maybe we can go over how to do that if other people are having the same problem)
Part 4:
What types of birds are commonly seen around the lake?
How do the camps and houses near the lake impact the local wildlife?
Where are the best spots to observe different species of fish in the lake?
Why do you think certain birds prefer nesting near the lake?
When is the best time to hear the birds chirping the loudest?
What impact does rain have on the lake ecosystem?
How does the earthy smell change after heavy rain versus light rain?
Why do you think salamanders and bugs thrive under logs and rocks near the lake?
Where can you find the most diverse range of flora near the lake?
What adaptations do local plants have to survive in the Vermont climate?
How do mosquitos affect the experience near the lake during different times of day?
Why might certain fish species prefer shallow waters versus deeper areas of the lake?
What role do fallen trees play in the ecosystem around the lake?
How do the local residents interact with the natural environment?
When do migratory birds typically arrive at the lake, and where do they come from?
What are the different types of fish species that inhabit the lake?
Why does the temperature of the lake water vary throughout the day?
Where do salamanders go during the winter months?
How do different weather patterns affect the behavior of birds near the lake?
What are the most common types of trees found near the lake?
How has human activity affected the diversity of insects near the lake?
When is the best time to observe spawning fish in the lake?
What role does algae play in the lake ecosystem?
How do different seasons affect the visibility of wildlife near the lake?
Why is it important to preserve the natural habitats around the lake?
Part 5:
I found that Different weather patterns significantly influence bird behavior near lakes in Vermont. During clear and calm weather, birds are often more active, engaging in foraging, mating displays, and territorial behaviors. Rainy conditions can reduce bird activity, with some species seeking shelter and reducing their vocalizations. Heavy rains may temporarily displace birds to drier areas or cause them to seek higher perches to avoid flooding. Conversely, after rain, birds may be more active, taking advantage of increased insect activity and foraging opportunities. Windy conditions can alter flight patterns and make it more challenging for birds to maintain balance, affecting their foraging and perching behaviors
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fevo.2021.777478/full
Exploring Lake Dunmore in Salisbury, during a grey, rainy afternoon revealed ecosystem with life and adaptation to changing weather. The birds varied responses to the on-and-off heavy rain and humid air intrigued me the most. The earthy scent after the rain underscored the ecosystem’s interconnectedness, prompting me to delve deeper into how these weather patterns influence not only birds but also other wildlife and plant species around the lake. I look forward to future visits to observe these interactions more closely and understand the seasonal rhythms