Blog Post 1: Observations
Time of Visit and Weather Conditions
I visited my backyard on September 22 around 4pm. The weather was warm and sunny, with few clouds in the sky and a light breeze. The temperature was around 22°C, and the sunlight was bright, casting long shadows across the lawn. The season is early fall, so the trees and plants still appear green and vibrant, though some signs of seasonal transition might be starting to appear in the vegetation.
Description of the Study Area
My backyard is located in a rural or semi-rural setting, measuring approximately half an acre in size. It is largely open with a flat topography. The area is well-maintained, with cut grass covering most of the space. There is a small shed on the north side surrounded by a few trees, and a garden where a variety of plants are growing. Beyond the backyard, farmland stretches out all around it.
Topography and Vegetation
The terrain is flat, with no significant changes in elevation. The backyard is dominated by a grassy lawn, bordered by poplar and patches of spruce trees. The trees are positioned around the perimeter, providing some shade and a windbreak. The garden area is well maintained, and the vegetation includes various shrubs and plants, like vegetables and flowers.
Potential Research Questions
- What factors affect the growth/ health of the trees planted around the backyard, particularly their resistance to wind and exposure to sunlight?
- How do different types of soil and moisture levels in the garden area influence plant growth compared to the grass/ lawn?
- What types of wildlife, such as birds or insects, are attracted to the backyard, and how do they interact with the garden and trees?
Field Journal Images
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Hi, welcome to the field portion of the course! Backyards can certainly work and as you go through the next few modules you will think about refining questions and what you can ask for this course. Remember to focus on what gradients you have to observe and right now we have a seasonal gradient as we move through fall to winter. Birds and insects can be good sources of study for wildlife in backyards, though for this time of year you have to remember you are focusing on year-round resident birds only and it is a tricky time of year for insects.