Monthly Archives: March 2012

marianne skov jensen, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Steward

Fickle Weather!

 

 

 

 

This morning (Sun, March 18th), Steve Jones and I led a Wildflower/Photography hike on the Ringtail Trail. We wondered if the hike would take place at all because of the weather (90 percent chance rain) but we decided if any of the public showed up, we would brave it. ONE person showed up! We had a great time, of course, and learned a new plant “Liverwort”. I had photographed it before but had never known what it was. Our lone public person had a wonderful time and learned several new tidbits including a couple of photo tips. It was becoming increasingly cold which we weren’t prepared for so we opted for an abbreviated hike. All in all, we ended up going a little less than 2 miles round trip.
The weather continued to worsen and a few hours later, we had hail!!! Click image below for video.

citizen scientists, marianne skov jensen, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Steward, surveys

Cup a Lizards


Yesterday was collection day for two ground dwelling trap locations and we were surprised to see these two guys trapped. I would have thought the lizards feet would be able to grasp the plastic but the solo cups are obviously a lot more slippery than I would have guessed! Anyway….I wondered if they snacked on whatever insects had been trapped 🙂
Because of the still very cold evenings, we haven’t collected anything really interesting yet. Mostly ants, small spiders and some teeny tiny insects that only a microscope can help identify. I’m looking forward to what shows up when the heat brings them out at night! To see more photos from our surveys, click on the CITIZEN SCIENTIST tab above.