Designing the study seemed straightforward initially. I planned to observe squirrel numbers in three specific areas: the picnic area, the Trail of Hope, and the pond area during both morning and afternoon sessions, recording squirrel abundance and human traffic levels. I wanted to see if areas with higher human activity would influence squirrel distribution.However, once in the field, I encountered challenges I hadn’t anticipated. First, the varying landscape features in each area meant that counting squirrels consistently was more difficult than expected. Squirrels were not always visible due to trees and bushes, which led me to adjust my counting method. I also realised that different light and weather conditions could affect visibility and squirrel activity, which I hadn’t fully accounted for in my original design. To address these issues, I shifted my data collection strategy to include fixed points along each observation route where visibility was optimal. I also refined my timing, aiming to be in the field during consistent weather conditions.
Reflecting on this project, my study in Central Park gave me a glimpse into the complex interplay between human activity/foot traffic, wildlife, and the practice of ecology. It made me appreciate journal articles more than before. I conducted my study over one month, whereas some studies span a year or more. I also enjoyed doing the fieldwork; the more I explored, the more unexpected things I learned, especially about squirrel behaviour. I tend to imagine different scenarios and possible outcomes before I start something, and while that mindset is helpful in field studies, I learned that results are often surprising and beyond my control.