Field Observations:
August 12, 2013
It was a cool evening as I headed out to the prairie this week. Other obligations had made it impossible to visit my ecosystem at my normal time so I decided to make the best out of the situation and try to look on the bright side. With the temperatures dropping as dusk settled in, I put on my rain boots ready for the dew that might be accumulating on the plants. Over the past several weeks I had visited my prairie in the early hours of the morning, in the mid-morning coolness, during the hot hours of the afternoon, and even towards the evening, but tonight would be the first time I would stay in my prairie as darkness settled in.
I began exploring as I waited for the sun to slowly set. It didn't surprise me that in these last minutes before dark that the birds were incredibly active. It was almost like visiting my old friends as I heard the Common Yellowthroat chatter away and watched the Tree Swallows as they filled their bellies with their last meal of insects for the day. I happened to hear the soft "mew" of a Gray Catbird hanging out in the trees that separate the prairie from the swamp. It was in this direction that the "jug-a-rum" of a Bullfrog could also be heard. Although the birds were quite lively, it surprised me that the insects seemed to have already settled in for the night. The all too familiar buzz of life was not present. Instead I noticed that quite a few bees were hanging out on the underside of flowers or leaves.
It was at this time that I started to recognize the rumbling of thunder in the distance. Perhaps my insect friends would normally still be active, but on this night they were just preparing for the storm that was rolling in. I was slightly worried that the ensuing storm was going to rain on my plans, but with a bit of persistence I realized luck would be on my side. Darkness had wrapped itself around the prairie and a whole new rhythm of life began to unfold. The Tree Swallows were replaced by their nocturnal counterparts, a different set of insects flashed their presence throughout the flowers, and a call from the other side of the prairie signaled to me that night was finally here. Enthralled with the masked family I had just met, and slightly spooked by the eerie calls of the Coyotes in the distance I decided that it was time to pack it up for the night. By this time the lightning was dancing across the sky, and I made it home just in time for the gust of winds to come sweeping in, bringing with them the glory of a true summer storm.
Species Identification:
Firefly (Lampyridae)
This flying beetle is a nocturnal member of the Lampyridae family. The fact that they are winged distinguishes from their other family members which are commonly referred to as glowworms. This insect is a familiar sight on summer evenings as they make themselves quite noticeable with their bioluminescence. The warmth of the summer days is necessary for their survival as well as a moisture, which explains why they so love our humid region. As a larvae this insect feeds on worms and slugs, but in its adult form it will feed on the nectar and pollen of the many flowering plants that can be found in the prairies. The flashing of this insect which is the reason for its name has a very good purpose. Its flashing patterns can allow it to attract mates, and can also serve as a defense mechanism, warning predators that they are not very appetizing. The firefly is able to produce light because of a specific organ within their abdomen. When the insect takes in oxygen it is combined with luciferin to produce light with almost no heat.
Fireflies (Lightning Bugs), Firefly (Lightning Bug) Pictures, Firefly (Lightning Bug) Facts - National Geographic. (n.d.).Animals - Animal Pictures - Wild Animal Facts - Nat Geo Wild - National Geographic. Retrieved August 13, 2013, from http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/bugs/firefly/
Raccoon (Procyon Lotor)
This nocturnal mammal is easily recognized by the black mask covering its face and its ringed tail. It can weigh anywhere form 4 to 23 pounds and its length ranges from 24 to 38 inches. A more well-known mammal because of its ability to adapt to a variety of habitats including well-populated areas this animal can also be found in a variety of habitats such as prairie, marshes and forrests. Being an omnivore this animal will eat almost anything they can get their hands on. Although their quick reflexes may mean they can glean some tasty treats from the water such as crayfish and frogs, they will also eat mice, insects, fruits and vegetables. Their long fingers and quite dexterous paws definitely aid them in catching their food.
Raccoon's denning sites can vary from a house's attic to a fallen log or tree hole. The female gives birth to up to seven cubs who stay in this protected area for the first two months of their lives before they begin exploring. The small family of three raccoons I discovered are probably just now beginning to investigate their surroundings on their own. The average life span for this mammal is only 2-3 years.
Raccoons, Raccoon Pictures, Raccoon Facts - National Geographic. (n.d.).Animals - Animal Pictures - Wild Animal Facts - Nat Geo Wild - National Geographic. Retrieved August 13, 2013, from http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals
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| Photo Credit:Kentucky Bat Working Group |
The Big Brown Bat is the largest nat found in this area reaching lengths of 5 inches and having a wingspan of 13 inches. Their body is covered with a brown fur that is paler below, but their is no hair on their wings. Since this mammal is able to fly it must be lightweight. This particular species weighs around half an ounce. This more common bat is found all over probably due to its ability to live in a variety of areas such as forests, cities, parks and farms. A critical need for this animal is a place to roost, but a plethora of sites have been utilized. With the nearby barn or the forested areas there would be plenty of places for this species to roost.
The prairie with all of its insect life makes for a great feeding ground for the bat. They tend to catch their prey while flying which explains why they eat beetles, moths, wasps, flies, stick bugs, dragonflies and many other insects. Being a nocturnal animal it is no surprise that it does not rely on sight to find its food. Instead the bat uses echolocation, or a series of high-pitch sounds that bounce of objects and return to the bat allowing them to determine where things are. Once a bat has located an insect it will catch it within its wings similar to the idea of using a net.
The prairie with all of its insect life makes for a great feeding ground for the bat. They tend to catch their prey while flying which explains why they eat beetles, moths, wasps, flies, stick bugs, dragonflies and many other insects. Being a nocturnal animal it is no surprise that it does not rely on sight to find its food. Instead the bat uses echolocation, or a series of high-pitch sounds that bounce of objects and return to the bat allowing them to determine where things are. Once a bat has located an insect it will catch it within its wings similar to the idea of using a net.
Big Brown Bat . (n.d.). Kentucky Bat Working Group . Retrieved August 12, 2013, from biology.eku.edu/bats/bigbrownbat.html
Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio)
The stand of trees near the prairie makes it possible for this species to call this area their home since they must have a tree cavity to nest in. This small owl's diet includes a variety of invertebrates, small mammals, and birds which can all be found within the prairie. Being a nocturnal animal they are most active at night, but they often hunt during the dawn and dusk hours. When hunting these birds will place themselves on a perch around ten feet off the ground that they can then dive off of when their prey is detected.
Pairs of these owls are usually monogamous although occasionally there will be two females and one male. Like most birds of prey the female is often larger than the male. This short stocky bird appears to have no neck, but atop its hear are two pointed ear tufts. There are two color patterns in the bird, one being the gray phase and the other the rufous. Each color has a complex pattern of bands and spots that provide the bird with excellent camouflage. Although it is very difficult to spot these birds their presence is often known from their distinct trilling or whinnying song.
Eastern Screech-Owl, Identification, All About Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology . (n.d.). Your online guide to birds and bird watching . Retrieved August 13, 2013, from http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/eastern_screech-owl/id
A Second to Consider Invasive and Non-native Species:
When studying an ecosystem it is important to know what is expected to be found there. A common concern when talking about an area is what invasive or non-native species to look for. These species are ones that in the past are not known to have been there. Usually they have come to be present in an area by the intervention of humans, whether this was accidental or on purpose. The difference between an invasive and a non-native species is determined by the affect that species presence has on the surrounding life. If by being there a species is outcompeting a native species and making their survival difficult then it is considered to be invasive. There can be varying opinions among experts as to what species qualify as invasive versus non-native.
With regards to the prairie that I am studying several of the species I have previously identified fall into these two categories. An example of a non-native species would be the Queen Anne's Lace. This species can be found scattered along the edges of the prairie. In these disturbed areas it is able to make a good living, but it is not able to out-compete the other plants. Within the prairie where much taller plants are present this species that needs more direct sunlight is not found. Two examples of species that would be considered invasive within this prairie are the Yellow Sweet Clover and Bull Thistle. Because of the use of prescribed burns these species are not able to get a good foothold and overtake portions of the prairie.
INPAWS : Threat of Invasive Plants. (n.d.). INPAWS : Indiana Native Plant & Wildflower Society. Retrieved August 14, 2013, from http://www.inpaws.org/biodiversity/threat-of-invasive-plants/
Creative Contribution:
When studying an ecosystem it is important to know what is expected to be found there. A common concern when talking about an area is what invasive or non-native species to look for. These species are ones that in the past are not known to have been there. Usually they have come to be present in an area by the intervention of humans, whether this was accidental or on purpose. The difference between an invasive and a non-native species is determined by the affect that species presence has on the surrounding life. If by being there a species is outcompeting a native species and making their survival difficult then it is considered to be invasive. There can be varying opinions among experts as to what species qualify as invasive versus non-native.
With regards to the prairie that I am studying several of the species I have previously identified fall into these two categories. An example of a non-native species would be the Queen Anne's Lace. This species can be found scattered along the edges of the prairie. In these disturbed areas it is able to make a good living, but it is not able to out-compete the other plants. Within the prairie where much taller plants are present this species that needs more direct sunlight is not found. Two examples of species that would be considered invasive within this prairie are the Yellow Sweet Clover and Bull Thistle. Because of the use of prescribed burns these species are not able to get a good foothold and overtake portions of the prairie.
INPAWS : Threat of Invasive Plants. (n.d.). INPAWS : Indiana Native Plant & Wildflower Society. Retrieved August 14, 2013, from http://www.inpaws.org/biodiversity/threat-of-invasive-plants/
Creative Contribution:
By: Allison Broomhall
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