Aidan Foutz
Journal #6
March 7, 2025
Today was quite the eventful day. As I waited outside for the day to start, I heard a handful of different birds calling, including the Carolina Chickadee, Northern Cardinal, Golden-Crowned Kinglet, Yellow-Rumped Warbler, and a type of Woodpecker (heard them drilling into the wood of a tree but wasn’t able to ID the species). It made me happy to hear all these different species of birds thriving on the farm since their presence shows nice biodiversity, or different species living in the same place. This afternoon was chillier than the last on-site visit, with the temperature being 55℉, overcast, and a slight breeze piercing my shirt with a significant wind chill. My group was yet again getting into Thompson Creek, this time to survey macroinvertebrates (visible backboneless organisms) and analyze the species present. This was exciting news for me as I did something quite similar to this back in high school, so this peaked my feeling of nostalgia in a way. To do this, we used a large net and kicked up sediment from the benthic zone (bottom level) of the creek, used handheld nets to capture macroinvertebrates from the stream bank, and then used forceps to pick out what was caught from the nets and identify them. After our briefing, we headed out to complete this objective, but we did a couple of other tasks first.
When I stepped outside, I was surprised to find a smell of something burning. My first reaction was to be anxious as I thought maybe one part of the wooded areas on-site was on fire, but there was no burning taking place here and was most likely came from smoke at a distant prescribed burn or possibly a wildfire that was trapped in the air by the overcast clouds. Moving on, we first drove to Fireworks Prairie to see the aftermath of a recent prescribed burn, and a Fox Squirrel and Mourning Dove could be seen during our travels. Upon arriving at Fireworks, the land was making great progress as it was already healing after two weeks of being initially burned. It also exposed how many Red Imported Fire Ant colonies sought shelter within the brush, as numerous ant hills could be seen and unaffected by the flames, even with some hills being huge. I was concerned and shocked to see these ants as they are an invasive species that came from South and Central America in the 1960s. They negatively impact the environment by displacing native ant species, feeding on crops, and biting animals, causing pain and potentially severe allergic reactions. Something else that equally had me scratching my head was that the burn didn’t affect some of the plants in the area, as some Loblolly Pine seedlings and lots of young Sweetgum trees weren’t charred by the fire. A few other things observed in the Fireworks area were Red Maple blossoms starting to come out as the spring season creeps near, Blue Jays could be heard in the distance, American Robins and Black Vultures were spotted, a flock of Common Grackles flying back and forth in the air, and seeing a Muskrat dead in the compost area. This is the first muskrat that has been documented on the farm, which made me wonder how or when the little fella even made it here. After wrapping up at Fireworks, we headed to Kayak Put-In to start our main mission.
We arrived at Kayak Put-In to sample benthic macroinvertebrates, or organisms without backbones that can be seen by the naked eye at the ground level of the water. I was amazed to see Purple Violets and Trout Lilies leafing out on the Thompson Creek Flood Plains. Getting to the water, it was up approximately one or two feet, with a stronger flow than last week, and with turbidity appearing about the same. The higher water velocity made it a bit more challenging to travel within the creek, but I was still able to walk to the bank and shake the tree roots that were poking into the water into my D-Net to get macroinvertebrates to fall into it. We also used the bigger Kick Net and Morgan and I kicked sediment into it while Danielle held it to get more samples. It was an incredible feeling that kicking up dirt and rocks contributed to field biology sampling. After collecting our samples of macroinvertebrates, we sorted through them on the larger net by pouring water on them to remove mud so we could better see the organisms caught. We sorted through the debris with tweezers and placed the organisms we found into petri dishes. The main find of the day was a large Dobsonfly larvae, or the juvenile stage of a large-winged insect that is similar to a dragonfly, which is a good indicator of water quality since they are pollution intolerant. I know they are called ‘macroinvertebrates, but it was crazy to see this guy being so much bigger than the rest of the relatively smaller species. We also found several different species of worms, larvae, and other macroinvertebrates that we could not identify in our time on-site, so further identification of these specimens with microscopes and collecting more samples will be needed to help determine water health more accurately in Thompson Creek. I wish we had more time to identify these species as it was a great time finding out what is in the creek.
Journal #5
February 28, 2025
I arrived at the Learning Center, and it was a beautiful day that made it look like spring had come early. It was warmer than most field days in the past as the temperature sat around 66℉, and it was sunny with no clouds in sight, no wind present, and the air had that clear and fresh smell that is associated with warmer weather. During today’s briefing, we were informed about our mission to track multiple qualities of Thompson Creek, including flow tracking, water surveying, and mussel surveying. To properly understand and conduct these tests, my group was told how each instrument works and the steps required to prime the equipment, like adding distilled water and 3 different buffer solutions to the water sampling meter to calibrate the probes for pH and conductivity that would be measured. The conditions of the water were more ideal than the previous weeks, as the water warmed up and the water level dropped low enough for us to take our measurements and samples. With all the information given to my group, we headed for the region of Thompson Creek where we would conduct these tests.
Upon leaving, the conditions stayed mostly the same, and only noticed the wind picking up to a slight breeze, which was nice to feel with the warmer temperatures. We made it to Kayak Put-in and began to set up for our stream sampling using a flow rate meter and turbidity meter to look at standard water quality parameters like temperature and water velocity. The water was looking really clear at this area, the clearest I have ever seen it during my time here so far, and we saw many crayfish holes along the bank of the creek, both signs being good indicators of stream health. The bank was also lined with spring ephemeral plants poking out of the ground to take advantage of the sunlight passing through the mostly leafless trees from the surrounding area. We looked for Eastern Elliptio Mussels to help us determine the water quality, as their presence indicates good water quality since they are filter feeders and more sensitive to water pollution. We measured out the width of the creek with a measuring tape to get an average of all flow rate readings across each foot of water, then started to get those readings.
From our findings, we measured that Thompson Creek had a DO level of 98%, temperature of 56.3℉, pH of 7.4, and 8.82 fnu. All of these measurements are great signs for the health of the creek’s water, as there’s plenty of oxygen content in the water for the aquatic organisms to breathe in their gills, the pH is not harmfully acidic or basic, the temperature was more suitable for thermoregulation, and had low turbidity levels so they are most likely not being exposed to many polluting sediments at this time. The velocity of the stream was calm from a lack of rainfall and storm weather over the past week. We also found an Eastern Elliptio Mussel during our mussel survey, further indicating the good health of the water. As a result of these findings, it is highly indicated that Thompson Creek is in great overall health for the parameters we measured.
Other notable mentions from today included finding White-Tailed Deer, Wood Duck, and Raccoon tracks, and seeing a few variations of Shiners, Trout, and other species of fish in the creek. This is a good observation of biodiversity as many different species of animals were recently close to the local ecosystem. Along with the presence of these animals, the habitat characteristics around the creek as an ecotone could be seen. An ecotone is a transitional area between two biological communities, and we experienced the forest ecosystem meeting with the wetland ecosystem as trees were rooted right next to the creek and trees were slanted sideways to provide habitat for terrestrial wildlife and control the flow of the water.
Journal #4
February 21, 2025
Upon arriving at the Learning Center to start the day, our group got straight to business. We soon traveled to Thompson Creek near Inspiration Rock to observe a professor and a few students from Winthrop conducting a fish survey. On our way there, I noticed that this day was colder than previous days I had been on-site, with the temperature teetering in the low 40-degree F range and the light breeze feeling shockingly piercing on my skin. Besides the colder temperature, the day was nice, as a Northern Flicker flew by, the air was fresh, and my surroundings were calm and still. The water in Thompson Creek was shallower and clearer than last week. Lots of rock sediment could be seen at the benthic level of the creek, which can be explained by the fast currents pushing runoff into the water. The water hasn’t been as shallow for very long either, as the surrounding banks near where my group stood were covered in mud, suggesting recent submersion. As for Inspiration Rock looking over Thompson Creek, it was a beautiful display of geological history dating back some 250 million years. The extensive covering of algae and weathering shows evidence of rising water levels and harsh conditions that the area has seen from storm and hurricane weather. With so much going on around the fish surveyor team, it was quite compelling to observe their methodology and results from their survey.
The fish surveying took around 4-5 hours, as the Winthrop group got to the creek at 10 am and finished their work by around 2-2:30 pm when my group met with them. The two methods used to collect fish were electroshocking and netting. Electroshocking in particular was fascinating to me because of its effective and humane application. This involves adding a relatively small dose of electrical charge into the water, temporarily stunning the fish and causing their air bladders to inflate so they rise to the top of the water. From the survey done in Thompson Creek, a Bluehead Chub, Whitehead Shiner, three Darter species (needed further examination to determine the ID of each species), and two Crayfish (not fish, but they were caught). The Crayfish were good to see since they are good indicators for creek health because they eat dead plant matter and invertebrates, keeping water clear and fresh. Overall, Thompson Creek was found to be in good condition, with the O2 saturation being at 100% and tested pollutants peaking at low levels. After saying our goodbyes to the fish surveyors, we set off to Otter Pond to see if we could find any River Otters out and about.
While traveling on the trail by the cemetery, we saw a Fox Squirrel and several American Robins in the nearby trees. I started to shiver a bit as the wind picked up to a moderate speed, making the chilly day even chillier. We also passed by the Fireworks Paddocks where we found two Mockingbirds. When we arrived at Otter Pond, I noticed that the water was a lot murkier here than the Thompson Creek, which is a result of the clear-cutting of the land by the neighboring farm. We walked along the edges of the pond and were shocked to find around 4-5 Beaver dams with stripped wood sticks between the water and where it connects to the surrounding land. On land, we found a tree with lots of little holes that looked like BB pellets were shot into it around eye level and up the tree. These holes were made by Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (a type of Woodpecker) to get insects and sap out from inside trees, which also gives access to other animals. After about an hour of looking for Otters, we decided to give up and head back to the Learning Center for the day, but then someone from my group screamed, “Look, a Beaver!” Lo and behold, a Beaver was in the middle of the pond, slowly swimming across the water. We took photos and videos as they would dive under the water and reappear on a different side of the pond.
Journal Entry #3
February 14, 2025
I arrived at the Southern 8ths Learning Center, feeling enthusiastic and joyful as the sky was a clear light blue, the sun poured down on the earth, and a bit of coldness was mixed with the warmth as a light breeze brushed against me and the land at approximately 50℉. I was then briefed on the day ahead of me, with the main goal of my group involving the collection of fresh owl pellets to dissect them and observe what the Barn Owls on site have been eating. However, we had one task to complete beforehand.
Right before embarking to check on the Barn Owls, including the famous “Benny” who was rehabilitated and released back onto the property, we stopped at Thompson Creek right behind the Learning Center to observe the water conditions. From our analysis of the creek, compared to last week we found that the water level was elevated, with increased turbidity and flow, and murky, not clear water. This is a result of the approximate 3 inches of rainfall over the past few days, raising the water level by 4 feet and pushing runoff material like mud and other debris into the creek.
Following that inspection, we went to the Jump Sheds by the Cemetery Road to check for owl pellets and look for Barn Owls. Upon arrival, the wind started to pick up to a moderate speed and then we found a few older pellets but no owls hiding up in the rafters of the buildings. However, we did see and hear an Eastern Blue Bird fly by as we approached this location. With no other discoveries made, we traveled to the next site.
We traveled to the Firewood Paddocks and the weather conditions returned to those similar to the ones that were felt at the beginning of the work day. Here, we found lots of owl pellets, a rodent skull, and a dead robin that only had its wing feathers still on it. Satisfied with our findings here, we set out for the last location for our ‘pellet party.’
We took to the road and traveled to Red ‘Owl’ Silo, which is known to be where Benny and his family have made their home thanks to a game camera placed at the top of the silo. Our approach to the silo was not quiet enough, as one of the Barn Owls flew out into the nearby pines when we got close to the entrance. One of the owls stayed inside, fortunately, so we were able to get pictures of them and grab the ubiquitous pellet samples in there as the floor was littered with owl pellets and small animal bones that the owls have eaten over time. Before heading back to do the dissection at the Learning Center, we made one last stop.
To end the day, we went to the Lookout over the property, giving an aerial view of the Southern 8ths land and other nearby land. The wind died down here and the temperature rose a bit to be warm. Here, the ground was scattered with leaf litter from the rain and high winds. The trees that we overlooked were a mix of leafless from the winter season and some gaining back their leaves from the warmth with the coming of spring soon. The view was breathtaking and clear, with American Crows being spotted and heard calling as we watched. With our last excursion, we headed back to the Learning Center for the main event.
My group and I sat at the wooden benches located between the Learning Center and Thompson Creek, which was quite the scenic and peaceful spot to do the dissections. We gloved up and put on masks before proceeding to pull apart the tufts of fur and feathers compacted in the pellets. The process was a bit of a challenge, as the small bones could easily be broken as we tried to pull the fur and feathers out from the bones, but it was rewarding and fascinating once we cleared a bone of the materials.
From our findings, there was a bird skull, several small rodent skulls, a pelvis bone, and an abundant amount of jaw, vertebrate, arm, and leg bones from smaller animals like moles, rats, and birds. This experience gave me lots of insight into the diet of Barn Owls. They not only eat smaller animals but smaller birds as well, and they also eat a lot more than most people would probably expect them to relative to their medium-sized stature.
Journal #2
February 7, 2025
When we first went into the meadow area near the lake, it was around 70 degrees, sunny, and a light breeze was blowing as we walked to test out the drone. The air smelt fresh but this time with a hint of wood and dampness in the air. Testing the drone was a great experience, as I got to send it close to 300 feet in the air and took several pictures of the pond, wood shelters, thick woods, tall grassland, and shortcut pastures. This can be utilized for field biology by tracking wildlife populations, conducting surveys on the animals, and mapping and monitoring plant growth. We tested the drone for about an hour before we went off and hiked around different parts of the woods to survey water quality, plant distribution, and animal behavior.
First, we went to Talton Branch, a smaller creek on the property. The water was moderately murky and pretty cold. It was important to see how the water is doing, as this tributary and several others connect to the largest creek at Southern 8ths, Thompson Creek. We all took some shots of the creek and plants. On the trail, there was a lot of leaf litter and fallen sticks. We found some dead-looking moss-like Poison Ivy and didn’t dare to test if it was still alive.
Further along the trail, I saw 3 White-tailed Deer bolt into the trees in the distance and couldn’t locate them again afterward. I was able to find some deer tracks as well on our trip. We ended up at BJ’s Pond and took some photos here. A bit further up, we found the carapace of a dead Eastern Box Turtle. Spring Peepers could be heard in the distance and there was a lot of leaf litter along the trail. One of the best parts of the day was the two frogs we were able to see, a smaller frog and a larger American Toad.
Journal #1
January 31, 2025
Creek Site
The water was somewhat clear in Thompson Creek outside of the Learning Center with some murkiness, most likely from pollution. The suspected pollutants are manure from poultry and cow manure on local farms, local wildlife, and erosion.
A bit of foam was seen, though this may be from natural sources. There were signs of past flooding as the dirt was moist up the bank, leaf litter was suspended in trees and shrubs in multiple places, and clumps of branches were found in the water. We saw a pair of two Wood Ducks flying low by the river, then they fled as they saw our group. I was amazed that I was able to see these shy animals as close as I did, as I’d never seen wood ducks flying that close to me before. They also looked very agile going over the water and through the trees since they were able to escape from the trees and into the air after spotting my group. Two herons were seen later on near Fireworks Pond. The air smelled fresh, the skies were clear, and a bit of wind could be felt.
Meadow Site
The air smelled of wet grass, the wind picked up a bit here, and different species of birds could be heard. At the Bald Eaglelog sculpture called The Guardian, the insect trap underneath it caught 2 carpenter bees. A group of Eastern Meadowlarks flew by with their human-like whistling, a Red-shouldered Hawk could be heard screeching out of view from our group, and Northern Flickers and an American Robin could be seen in the trees nearby.
Prescribed Burn Area
There was no smell of smoke, minimal burn marks, and considerable plant growth, indicating a low heat burn and good plant regeneration. The sky became cloudy as we arrived here and we saw and heard the nearby sheepdogs, which explains the lack of wildlife seen here.
