I have decided to focus my study on the fish population of Fullerton Creek. The area I am focusing my population samples is a thriving habitat of many aquatic and terrestrial animals, however the creek as a whole serves as a canal so it gets overwhelmed with water when there is a significant rain event. I want to see if large rain events affects the local fish populations. These fish, varying in size from 1.5cm to 6cm, were abundant throughout the creek. A majority of these small fish were concentrated in the pools below a sycamore and a pepper tree. This observation suggested that these areas were significant habitats for the fish population, likely due to the presence of vegetation or other factors supporting their growth.
In addition to the small fish, I also encountered crawdads during my surveys. These crustaceans, ranging from 1.5cm to 5cm in size, were primarily found under rocks in the ripples of the creek. I counted a total of 6 crawdads.
I observed a coyote further upstream in a more protected area of the creek. This sighting highlighted the interaction between the creek’s habitat and larger wildlife species, such as coyotes, which utilize the area for hunting and shelter.
Continuing my observations, I also came across 2 freshwater clams, each around 5cm in size. These clams were found under or near rocks within the ripples of the creek, indicating their preference for these specific habitats.
Overall, my field observations, which occurred on September 13th, 2023, provided me with a glimpse into the rich biodiversity present in Fullerton Creek; I encountered a diverse array of species utilizing the creek’s habitat.