Weekly Journal 9: Final Observations

Location: South Trail, Carkeek Park

Date: June 7, 2014

Weather: Cloudy, warm

Time: 5:00 pm

                This week when I visited my site I observed many changes. Many of the flowering plant have now started to produced berries. The Salmonberry plants no longer have their characteristic pink flowers, but now have deep red or orange berries. The berries on the Dull Oregon Grape have started to mature. A few weeks ago I spotted white and red berries on these plants and now the berries are a dull reddish blue.  The Indian Plum has blooming white clusters of flowers and young, green berries are starting to form. Many of the species that were once green, thriving and lush have started to die. The white flowers of the False Solomon’s Seal are withered and brown. Trees and small shrubs that once had green leaves are now turning yellow and brown. The Western Sword Ferns that populated a tall Big-Leaf Maple tree at my site have started to turn brown and dye. A few weeks ago these ferns were tall and green and sprouting new leaves. Looking at the picture of my site over time, it is clear that the vegetation density and species type has changed significantly. At the beginning, many of the plants at my site were just starting to mature in their early stages and signs of spring were all around. Later the forest appeared to be much fuller and pollinator insects and birds could be found everywhere. Now much of the previously green vegetation is starting to dye as the forest changes with the seasons.

                Twisting and curling in, the dry, decaying fingers ball up into a fist. The back stoops over with age and the texture is aging and brown, yet weeks ago his back was straight, complexion bright and green.

                She stops on the pathway with dinner in his mouth, standing still and quietly chirping, a wiggling worm found for the family. She flies to a tall tree then back to the ground and scurries into the bushes, alerted of my presence.

                Dancing and coating his fuzzy back with pollen, the buzzing pollinator moves from bright bud to bud stopping at each one for just a moment, then carrying on to the next and bringing new life wherever he goes.

                My perception of my observation site has changed tremendously throughout the quarter. At first I felt like my site was dominated by many of the same species, but now that I can identify many more species with various identification techniques, I feel that I can see the biodiversity at my site much more clearly. I also am much more aware of the smaller species at my site like fungi and insects. Previously, the insects and lichens found on the forest trees did not stand out to me, but now I am more likely to sit and observe an insect for a few minutes or look closely at a tree and observe the different lichen and moss species that cling to the trees.

                My sense of the Puget Sound Region as changed as well. The two field trips I attended the Olympic National Forest and East Cascade trips, shows the extreme variety in landscape types around the Puget Sound. The history and geomorphology in the region has had a profound impact on the features of the landscapes as evidenced by the deep canyons cutting through the landscape and various water features. The region to the west where the Olympic Mountains and National Forest are found is one of the rainiest regions in the world and has a unique coniferous rainforest environment. In contrast, east of the Cascade Mountains is a dry, desert –like environment different vegetation suited for the dry climate.

                Through my close observations with my site at Carkeek Park, I have found that knowing a place intimately involves many things. It involves using all of your senses to observe the place and engage with it

closely. Experience the weather, plants, and animal species is important to take in the full experience. Listening to the wind, hearing the sounds of the birds and shifting leaves can help you know a place. Similarly, touching the surface of trees, the soil, and the water in the creek can help you understand a site intimately. The eyes are an important tool, but should not be relied on entirely. Viewing the world at different scales, as a forest ecosystem or a community living on a rotting log can deepen your understanding through sight. To know a place intimately is to spend a lot of time in a place and be open to experience and learn as much as you can from being in a place.

Weekly Journal 8: Exploration of the East Cascades

 

Exploration of the East Cascades

Location: Yakama Canyon, Umtanum Ridge, waterfall trail

Time: 10 am-5 pm 

Weather: sunny, warm, breezy  

I attended the Saturday field trip last weekend to the East Cascades. We traveled to the Yakama Canyon, Umtanum Ridge, and a waterfall trail. At the Yakama Canyon, I observed several interesting species and geomorphology that is very distinct from the communities I’ve observed this quarter west of the Cascade mountains. At the Yakama valley, much of the vegetation was small and shrubby though I did observe some familiar tree species. I found alder species that were different from the alder found in Western Washington and Cottonwood that was similar to the trees I’ve found at the Union Bay Natural Area this quarter. There were also several differences in the vegetation. The large conifer species that dominated the region was the Ponderosa Pine, which was easily spotted by the long, clustered, protruding needles. The canyon trail was filled with tall grasses and varieties of sage brush. The Tall Sage Brush, a common plant seen in the landscape was well adapted to the dry desert climate conditions. The sage brush has shallow, widespread root systems that allow the vegetation to thrive for long periods of time despite the harsh conditions. Short, shrubby vegetation in this area is well suited to the dry soil because the shallow roots can efficiently capture water when it reaches the soil during the periodic times of rainfall and conserve the water during dry periods in the canyon. Another species observed that was well adapted to the dry conditions,

were the Fragile Prickly Pear cactus. The cactus structure can easily conserve water during the dry periods as well. I also noticed several bird species in the Yakama Canyon. A species that is only seen in a few regions, one being the East Cascades. The Yellow-Breasted Chat, was seen flying between the taller trees in the canyon. It had a bright yellow belly and greenish head and rode the wind between trees. Another unique species, the Lazuli Bunting, a bright blue and orange bird, was seen flying around this area. I saw many Barn Swallows occupying a unique habitat under the bridge. Huge flocks of swallows were seen flying to and from perches under the bridge. They could have been using the bridge for as a space for nests and gather food for their young.These beetles could be pollinator species for the small flowering plants in region including the cactus I found throughout the canyon. I also saw a number of butterflies, the Boisduval’s Blue butterfly by the river’s edge. I was surprised by their behavior because a

large cluster of butterflies were flying and stopping on a particular point along the rocky river edge. I found it curious that all of the butterflies flocked to this particular location along the river and wondering what environmental factors or food sources could draw them all to this region.

Another environment we visited was the Umtanum Ridge. This natural area has a unique, dry soil type which is well suited for a variety of wildflowers, reptiles, and small shrub species. The Tall Sage Brush and Bitterbush were seen in the region as well as several other interesting plant types. The Bitterroot wildflower, Northern Mule’s Ear, and Silky Lupin, colored the area. Most plants were short, with wide root systems much like the species at the Yakama

canyon, as this area does not receive much rainfall either. I heard the call of a Western Meadowlark  at this site, though I could not spot the bird flying around. Many of the species in this area were well concealed by the short, brush vegetation. My classmates spotted Horned Lizard which camouflaged into the rocks and soil in the area, making it hard to find. Turning over rocks, I found a small Northern
Scorpion who also appeared to be a master of staying

hidden. These adaptations to the landscape help these species avoid predation and harsh climatic conditions while there is not much tree cover in the region.
After visiting the Umtanum Ridge, we hiked to different elevation and vegetation conditions near the waterfall trail. Given the slope aspect and elevation conditions near the waterfall, this region received much more moisture than the previous two sites and thus has different species cover. While species of alder and Ponderosa Pine were still plentiful in this area, in contrast to the Yakama Canyon, other tree species like Quaking Aspen and Douglas Fir. The Quaking Aspen bordered the river system and Douglas Fir was seen at higher elevations on the slopes, opposite of the dry rocky cliffs with similar conditions to the Umtanum Ridge.I also noticed a variety of plants that were similar species to ones seen at the Union Bay Natural Area. Small trees like the Red

Osier Dogwood were seen along the trail while a species similar to the Yellow Pond Iris, the Rocky Mountain Iris was spotted in the moist trail environment. One of the most exciting parts of the waterfall trail was when me and my classmates spotted a bird in the Aspen trees with brown, black, and white coloring. At first we thought it was a Spotted Towhee, but the call was different and it did not have red eyes. After consulting our field guides, we determined that the bird was actually a Black-headed Grosbeak.   

Journal 6: Bird Observations

Location: Carkeek Park, South Trail Bluff

Weather: sunny, warm, clear skies

Time: 2:30-3:30 pm

                Since visiting my site last week I noticed how large the shrubs and small trees in my space have become. Some species like the Sword Ferns and Thimbleberry has leaves that are starting to die and new starts emerging. My site was very active during this time of day, pollinators and flying insects could be seen and heard moving from shrub to shrub. The clear paths I would take through the forest have become overgrown with small plant species and logs that were once sparsely covered by moss are now overed.

                The first bird species I closely observed was the Golden-Crowned Kinglet (right picture, upper right corner). This bird was small, with a greenish yellow back, wings, and face. It was slim and had darker coloring on its wings and face. The bird’s song a short “click” sound and reacted to my attempt at bird calls by moving between the large shrubs in the forest. The bird was mostly seen perching on the small forest trees and large shrubs, staying hidden in the light green leaves. Occasionally the bird would take flight and move from the larger trees or hover above the shrubs, but at most points in my observations, the bird remained fairly visible, perched in the outer branches of the shrubs. When he flew his wings fluttered quickly, exposing the large yellow bellow and dark wings. The bird was seen alone and appears to be territorial towards predators.

                The second bird species I closely observed was the American Robin (left picture, right corner). Two robins were seen together, taking flight occasionally, but mostly remaining deep in the large shrubs and trees. They would sometimes walk on the forest floor and would hop from branch to branch in the large shrubs. The robin I saw most frequently had the characteristic white circle around the eyes, red belly, large beak, and brown body. They were fairly large, but still smaller than a foot high. They did not seem to be alarmed by my “bird call” and would stay in the area, but they would flap their wings soon after I spoke with them. The robins remained low to the ground in a shady area, apparently searching for something in the bushes, most likely food. It appears from my observations that they are social with their own species and remain together while looking for food.

Bird watching was an exciting task. I had difficulty engaging with the birds from a close distance and figuring out what their behavior was from their place in the trees, but I enjoyed spotting hidden birds and trying to speak with them. I also tried to snap a few photos, which I included though they have been zoomed and do not clearly show the full birds’ bodies. 

Weekly Journal 5: Insect Identification

Weekly Journal 5: Insect Identification

Location: South Trail Bluff, Carkeek Park

Weather: Sunny, breezy, during sunset

Time: 7:30-8:30 pm

                Since visiting my site a couple weeks ago, many of the flowering shrubs and trees have grown more leaves and appear to be much fuller. The trees have a similar amount of leaf cover as I’ve observed previously. This week I visited the site while the sun was setting and observed several differences in the animal species at my site. While I did not see many species, I noticed that there were fewer birds than I had observed when visiting my site earlier in the day. I also heard shuffling near the forest floor in the small shrubs at my site, indicating that small nocturnal animals were just becoming active for the nighttime at my site.  

                I had some difficulty finding insects at my site, which was surprising because in the weeks previous it seemed like they were crawling and flying everywhere. The time of day for my visit could have affected the number of insect species I was able to spot at my sight. Still, after some searching I observed several small species in my area. The first was a Rufous Garden Slug from the gastropod class. This slug was slowly moving across the path, leaving shiny, slimy trail behind it. The slug was about an inch and a half long with a slimy, soft body and reddish brown coloring. It was narrowest at the ends and on the head the slug as two long antennae.

Another species a found moved much more rapidly than this slug. I was unable to

identify the type, but the insect was a sort of beetle from the Coleoptera order. The beetle had a hard body about one inch long with a line running down the middle of its back. It was a dark brown and reddish color with black legs, pinchers, and a spiny extension from the back. I found this beetle in the shrubs at my site moving quickly and pausing occasionally, staying very still.

A species which I was able to identify was the Common Pillbug from crustacean class. I've seen this species several times and found this particular Pillbug motionless inside of a hollowed

tree. The body had grey plates or layers and was about a centimeter long. It had two short black antennae and appeared to have legs that extended from the back.

I also found what appears to be some sort of termite, though the insect did not have clearly visible wings. The species is most likely from the Blaltodea order. It was about one centimeter long with an oval body and shiny, hard body. The color was a reddish brown. I also found this insect next to a small white and green larva. Both were found in a piece of rotting wood with several holes carved throughout.

The last of the insects that I found was very small, about a quarter of a centimeter long. It was a light yellowish brown, had a large body and smaller head. As it was so small it was difficult to identify, but I believe that it is part of the Hemiptera order and looked much like the aphids I am used to seeing in my garden. I found this species on the moss of a tree, sitting on a piece of white fungi within the moss. In the upcoming weeks I will continue to observe the insects at my site and will hopefully be able to make more identifications, especially for flying insects species which I did not observe at my site this week.

Weekly Journal 4: Changes to the Trail

Weather: Sunny, breezy, warm
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm
Location: Carkeek Park South Trail Bluff
        It's been about two weeks since I've visited my site and during my absence many changes have occured at the site. The tree coverage and leaf cover is similar to the previous weeks and birds continue to flutter about the tall trees. However, the shrubs and small trees at my site have expanding in size dramatically. Areas where i could previously navigate though easily are now cluttered with large shrubery. Signs of spring are everywhere, there are new buds on some flowers and some trees and shrubs have lost their blooms. The Madrone tree at my site has lost most of the small white flowers while small wildflowers like the Western Bleedingheart now have small pink blooms. A new species I identified, the False Solomon's Seal also appears to have small fragrant white flowers which are in full bloom. There are no new blooms on the plentiful Salmonberry, although it appears that many of the shrubs have expanded their size. A cluster of Swordfern fronds which were fresh shoots a few weeks ago are now full, green leaves. The Dull Oregon Grape is starting to produce berries, they are still shades of white and red, but appear to be growing plumper and darker as the weeks progress. The progresssion of these species show how varied the environment at my site can be as seasons change, especially during the springtime where new life is apparent all around.

Weekly Journal 3: Old Growth Forests in the Olympic National Forest

In the old growth forest ecosystem, competition can be seen everywhere between species. Trees in the forest must compete for adequate sunlight to thrive based on their tolerance for different light conditions. Western Hemlocks are shade tolerant and so require less sunlight to survive whereas Douglas Fir trees require more sun. Therefore, trees and plants have mechanisms to compete for light in many ways. Some like the Douglas Fir grow tall to achieve exposure to more sun while smaller species that need sun can grow on fallen snags to gain more sun exposure. These plants are called epiphytes. For example, the Red Huckleberry often grows on other trees.

Disturbance is when an event impacts a forest and changes the forest structure. An example of disturbance that can be seen in the old growth forest is wind gusts which wipe out certain trees in the landscape that are more susceptible to the winds force from many factors, wood rot, lack of maturity, or lack of root support. The resulting forest environment will be spatially complex. Not all trees are affected by the disturbance so there will be patches of fallen snags and patches of unharmed vegetation. The old growth forest we visited on the Olympic National Forest demonstrated this spatial complexity that occurs because of prior disturbances.

There was also evidence of predation in the old growth forests of the Olympic National Forest.

Insects, especially bark beetles, can produce wood rot and damage trees. This is a form of predation because the beetles consume the tree while harming the tree system. However, some species like Douglas Fir have mechanisms to protect them from the destructive effects of insect predators. These trees can produce resin, a thick liquid which rushes to the wounded tree area and heals the afflicted region of the tree, preventing further harm and the death of the tree.

Disturbance events of a forest can also have a ripple effect through the ecosystem when they occur. One example is when branches or mosses fall from taller trees, crushing smaller trees or spatially close trees and restricting their access to growth and light. The destroyed smaller trees will then serve as a habitat for new species to colonize and thrive upon for will decay and return organic nutrients to the soil for use by the whole ecosystem.

Slope aspect has a significant effect of the structure and species seen in old growth forests, as seen by the different vegetation along the Mt. Stormking and Marymere Falls trails. The Marymere trail, the east facing slope receives a lot more moisture than the west-facing Mt. Stormking. As a result moisture-indicating species like Sword Ferns, Maidenhair Ferns, and Devil’s Club are abundant in this region of the forest. Additionally, the area is contains a number of the tree species

like Western Hemlock and Douglas Fir which thrive in these moist forest conditions are prevalent in the area. On Mt. Stormking, the rocky, dryer soil is more suited for wildflowers and trees that thrive in drier conditions. On our walk up we observed small scrubs like Salal and Cascade Oregon Grape as well as a number of wildflowers like Chocolate Lilies and Western Trillium. The trees in this region are also well suited for drier conditions and higher elevations like the Madrones and Subalpine Fir.

This sketch shows an area of the old growth forest where past disturbance events have had a tremendous effect on the landscape. The fallen snags in the foreground are evidence of past disturbance events, like wind gusts or wood rot, which have caused the vegetation to fall to the forest floor. Since these species have fallen, new species like mosses and small shrubs have since colonized the fallen snags. In the center of the sketch there is a tree which has been disturbed by a wildfire, has survived the damage, and is now recovering. The tree has been hollowed at the bottom portion and charcoal coats the interior. By observing this tree I would hypothesize that this is a legacy tree which has survived a wildfire. Wildfires do not hit every tree in the forest, but can damage the vegetation unevenly. Sparse areas around this tree may be evidence that trees were burned during the prior forest fire while many trees like this legacy tree still survive and have managed to recover from the inflicted damage.

Weekly Journal 2: Field Sketching

Weekly Journal 2: Field Sketching
Location: Carkeek Park, South Trail Bluff

Time: 7:00-8:30 pm Sunday April 13

Weather: sunny, clear, breezy and warm

                Since visiting my site last week not much has changed on a large scale. The same towering trees can be seen creating a canopy of leaves with similar cover as evident by the amount sky visible through the leaves. One of these trees I am able to identify since our trip to the Ravenna Park lowland forest, it seems to be a Red Alder based on the similar leaves that I observed at my site. The shrubs and small flowering plants seem to be the same approximate higher and width in comparison to the landscape around them.  However, the closer you look subtle changes to the forest environment are more apparent. I spotted several new species this week. The most exciting was a female Pileated Woodpecker which I tried my best to capture in a memory sketch because it was too fast for me to capture with my camera. I also saw several smaller black birds which were hard to identify without a closer look. Hopefully in the upcoming weeks I’ll be able to observe this species from a closer distance. I also observed some new plant growth. It appears that there are new fern leaves which have started to uncurl as they become more mature. These ferns look like young Western Sword Ferns. The Salmonberries at my site have also changed. While their characteristic bright pink flowers are visible in other areas of the park, the flowers which were open at my site last week have since closed and the scrubs do not have many new blossoms. Other flowering shrubs have new buds, so it is likely that I will be able to see them flower in the upcoming weeks. For the majority of the time spent at my location this week, I worked on trying to capture the environment through a series of simple field sketches.