Data Collection Reflections

So far on my project, I have completed five counts for each of the three ponds. This has allowed me to gather a baseline idea of the species richness before I return to do another set of counts. I plan on returning this week to do another five counts at each of the ponds. The only issue is being able to exactly replicate where I was standing for each of the point counts, as four of the five counts for each pond were not taken from a clearing/path although I did drop a pin on a map on my phone so I should be able to be approximately in the same location. The data from these point counts are fairly consistent with my hypothesis (species richness declines as proximity to the shooting range increased), with the farthest lake having the most species present. Still, by counting bird calls for each location as well, the species richness between the two closest ponds seems to be comparable. These bird calls have been difficult for me. Most notably, distinguishing between individuals and, at times, discerning which species made the call as the Hooded Mergansers and Mallards have similar calls and vocalizations.

This lack of clear difference in species richness between ponds two and three has made me reconsider where the 50m between ponds is enough to allow for a large enough gradient to enable different species to find their own distinct niche within the area. It makes sense that the species within this area stay relatively consistent as it is all within the same community. Perhaps it would have been better to try and measure total avian individual density as proximity to the shooting range increased. However, now that I have started with the experiment and have started collecting data, I will have to remain with my hypothesis that species richness will increase with distance from the shooting range. However, it is beginning to look like I may reject this correlation and hypothesis with this project.