Hello everyone,
In this post, I want to share with you the exciting journey of my initial data collection for my research project, which was focused on the study of pollinators in my front yard. This journey was filled with surprises, challenges, and required some adaptations along the way.
The initial data collection began with Module 3 of my research project. The methodology employed a standardized approach, diligent species identification, and systematic data recording to obtain reliable and scientifically valuable insights into the ecological dynamics associated with the blooming plant species in the front yard
However, the journey was not without its challenges. The identification of species was sometimes challenging, especially when it came to insects. In such cases, I made detailed descriptions and collected photographs to aid in later analysis or consultation with experts.
The data collected brought some surprises. For instance, the observation tables for Paeonia Lactiflora and Rose bushes showed an interesting pattern of bee activity. It increased with the onset of bloom, peaked at full bloom, and then significantly reduced post-bloom. This pattern was consistent across both plant species, which was a fascinating discovery.
Despite these challenges and surprises, the data collection process was a rewarding experience. It provided valuable insights into the behavior and diversity of pollinators and other animal species associated with the blooming plants.
Moving forward, I have decided to make a significant modification to my data collection technique. I will no longer be including counts of avian species (birds) in my data collection, and going forward they will be excluded from observations. This decision is rooted in the fact that distinguishing birds as pollinators can be a very difficult task and that a direct correlation between counts of birds can be hard to prove against the blooming stages. Additionally, it is not really possible to conclude a correlation between bird presence with a specific flower’s blooming either because of overlap in blooming times of different species, and this problem of proximity and localization persists.
In conclusion, the initial data collection process was a journey filled with learning and discovery. It was challenging at times, but the surprises and insights gained made it worthwhile. As I continue with my research, I look forward to uncovering more about the fascinating world of pollinators, with a refined focus on insects.
Stay tuned for more updates on my research project!
I think it makes a lot of sense to focus in on insects / bees and that birds would be a challenging one to document as pollinators.