2. Overview
The main goal of this position for the summer was to conduct biological
surveys for the nature center. Data other than mammal inventory was
minimal so the main focus of the surveys were insects, soil
invertebrates, and various aquatic surveys. Camera trapping was done
to keep track of the mammals on the property.
Along with the surveys, my partner and I created our own project to
last the duration of the summer and future summers at the nature
center.
3. Biological Survey Methods
Insects
• Correct insect netting technique
• Capture, Identify, Release
• Photograph then identify
• Field Guide Identification
• Know how to properly handle
insects
Examples of was caught/
observed:
• Dragonflies
• Damsel Flies
• Butterflies
• Moths
• Grasshoppers
• Beetles
• Bees
• Flies
4. Biological Survey Methods
Mammals
• Visual Observation
• Camera Trapping
• Located in 5 locations
throughout the property
• 4 photo cameras and 2
video cameras
• Scent lures
• Switch memory cards out
biweekly
• Record data on excel
5. Biological Survey Methods
Aquatic
• Bi-Weekly Sampling
• Dip Netting in the two ponds
• Plankton Sampling
• Plankton Net
• Preserved Samples
• Microscope identification
• Crayfish Trapping
• Amphibian observation
• Fish Trapping
• Minnow Trap
• Field guide identification
6. Biological Survey Methods
Soil
• Berlese funnel
• Two samples from each of the nine
permanent plots
• Microscope identification
• Kwik-Key to Soil-Dwelling Invertebrates
(Meyer)
• Excel data recording
• Diversity
• Species richness (Shannon-Wiener index)
7. Bird Banding
• Observed birds being taken out of mist nets
• Experienced the process of how to properly band
bird
• Proper set up and take down of the mist nets
• Learned how to handle the birds
• Bander’s grip
• Photographer’s grip
• Learned how to utilize Pyle (1997) and Sibley (2000)
• Recorded bird data following MAPS protocol
• Species
• Age
• Sex
• Brood Patch/ Cloacal Protuberance & Size
• Wing Cord
• Mass
• Health Status
8. Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center Electric
Transmission Right-of-Way Bird Banding Project
The primary research
question assess if the
bird population and
species density will
increase as the
vegetation the electric
transmission right-of-
way begins to grow over
the upcoming years.
Objectives:
The objectives of this project are to
gather data, which will:
• Identify migratory and resident
bird species found at the Nature
Center
• Document observations of birds
that are seen and heard but not
caught, as well as observations of
the surrounding flora (flowering,
seeding, density).
• Determine how vegetation
growth correlates with bird
species population and density
9. Community Outreach
Throughout the course of the
summer we assisted in some
community outreach programs
including:
• Retirement home nature hike
• Hike and point out different
species of trees, insects, etc.
• Active birding
• Kids educational programs
• Educational Nature hikes
• Tree Identification
• Learning about the nature
center
• Campfire Cooking Program
• Kids learn how to make a
variety of food over a campfire
10. Conclusion
• Enhanced and more efficient use of field guides
• Bird identification (by song and visually)
• Able to pay closer attention to detail
• Proper techniques on how to sample
• Proper insect netting techniques
• Tree identification
• Insect identification
• Improved Microsoft Excel skillset
• More organized data entry and reporting
• Stronger communication and teamwork skills
Some of our documented observations and identifications can be found at:
http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/hbnc-research
Throughout the time at my internship I have gained and improved a valuable
skillset for my future career goals. A few of these skills include:
