I tried to focus mainly on the water, noticing small movements. I ended up seeing the turtle again, and he was very active during the time I was there. I saw many different birds fly overhead, more than usual. I saw 4 blue jays, a woodpecker, and a few Carolina chickadees. The chickadees stayed mostly in the lower part of the small tree across the pond, while the larger birds perched higher.

I did research on chickadees and found out that they spend time mostly in deciduous-evergreen forests, especially near forest edges. They are also found near willows and cottonwoods, and like to make their nests in the snags of alder and birch trees. This makes sense because the trees surrounding the pond are mostly alders, including the one they stay in, I suspect.

The tree where I observed the birds.

 

 

The bush to my left

 

Identifying the plants in the meter area was very interesting, and I never noticed the variety in front of me. I noticed a lot of tall fescue initially, and other shorter types of grass. I also saw curly dock, which I found out was edible. I also noticed many leaf hoppers, part of the Cicadellidae family.  These bugs were very cute and I enjoyed their company on my journal pages.

Curly Dock

 

As I was looking around the area before leaving, I noticed a strange plant that almost looked like a tomato. It turned out to be apart of the nightshade family. They are toxic, and I noted their unfriendly thorns. I didn’t touch them thankfully. Solanaceae are a family of flowering plants that that include herbs to vines, lianas, epiphytes, shrubs, and trees, and some agricultural crops, medicinal plants, spices, weeds, and ornamentals.

 

Overall, I enjoyed this sit spot, and I liked focusing on the smaller aspects of the area. I’d like to go through identifying more surrounding plants. The more I familiarize myself with the area, the easier it is to observe changes. I enjoyed the break from the heat as the day was overcast. I’m excited to go back again soon because things seem to be changing at a quicker rate.