Field Observations at Polson Park

Polson Park was chosen as an area of study for its convenient access for regular field visits, as well as its ecological diversity. This 13.5 hectare public park contains areas of open grass, woods, a riparian area, flower gardens, and a human-developed creek with ponds and locks.

Located in Vernon, British Columbia between Highways 6 and 97, the park contains bicycle paths, walkways, a road loop, bathrooms, a skateboard park, pagodas, and a playground, which will make it important to account for anthropogenic stressors in a field study. The physical terrain is mostly flat with sloped areas to the west and east near both highways.

I visited the area on February 8^th, 2022, between 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Pacific Time. The weather – partly cloudy and 9° Celsius – maintained as such throughout the visit. This primary visit followed about a week of warmer weather and snow thaw, which likely contributed to wet ground, good water flow, and relatively active animal activity.

Animals present included several bird species and mule deer, with scat and tracks to evidence movement outside of areas observed.

Questions:

1. What are the effects of human influence (feeding, noise, walking traffic) on the behaviour of ducks (social, feeding, and otherwise)?
2. How do seasonal water levels affect riparian habitat (plant growth and/or deer grazing, bedding)? How does the human influence of opening/closing locks to maintain water levels between Kalamalka and Okanagan lakes affect this?
3. What are the effects of the abundance of duck fertilizer on nearby vegetation?