On Monday, I started off my week in the Soil class learning about various physical properties such as the texture, bulk density and porosity. During lab, we went outside and tested soil compaction with a penetrometer. This penetrometer will test the soil and determine if the area is suitable for well, fair or poor plant growth based on the colors shown on the top of the gauge. From there, my partner (Jessica) and I were able to determine that the mulched area has better ranges for plant growth compared to the grass lawn area. We took samples at 3inches and then compared that to 6 inches. All the samples showed that at 3 inches would have more plant growth than compared to the 6 inches. This is an interesting concept. I really liked getting in the field and I hope that we can continue going outside more in this class. I know I learn better seeing things happen in front of me compared to sitting in a classroom.
On Tuesday, my wildlife ecology and management class decided to go out to the Silver Bluff Audubon Center and Sanctuary. We stopped off to the side of the road and took out the spotting scope to see the painted bunting, anhinga, and cattle egrets. From there, we went over to lake in hopes of finding a sight of the bald eagles and wood stocks. Unfortunately, the birds were not out today. Throughout the day, I spotted an indigo bunting, great egret, red shoulder hawk and a grackle. I saw two grackles chasing after the red shoulder hawk. (I hope that hawk got away) Some other species, our class saw was the red winged blackbird, brown headed cowbirds, northern rough winged swallow, red eyed vireo, and fish crows. It was a great day of birding. We saw our first mammal it was a fox squirrel. Throughout the car ride we continue to think and discuss our ideas regarding conservation ethic and the types of management various places use to control the lands. I am really enjoying this class and every day I continue learning from nature.
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