When I began compiling my report, I realized there were numerous additional aspects I could have explored. For instance, I could have tested the abiotic factors of the ponds, such as salinity, temperature, and turbidity. Analyzing these elements would have provided a deeper understanding of the differences between the ponds themselves, rather than relying on the basic assumption that they were all the same.
Identifying the ducks was challenging, particularly because some species cohabitate and look quite similar. I could have also focused on counting broods, as my research suggests that many of the ducks were likely present for brood-rearing purposes. In my neighborhood, ducks are common in many ponds, but they tend to favor the larger ones. This might be related to brood-rearing site selection and proximity to nesting sites.
The pond I studied has had ducks that remain year-round, though not in large numbers. These are personal observations, and with more time spent in the field, I could have designed a study to better understand why ducks choose this particular pond.
However, I did not make any changes to my initial study design, as the point counts, I conducted effectively reflected my research objectives. The literature I reviewed also supported my findings. Engaging in this project was a valuable learning experience, giving me insight into the field of ecology and its methodologies.