I know I'm startling you with this post, seeing as it's only Wednesday and all, but after even more filing and compiling of old records, my on-site mentor and I finally think we agree on a species for me to study. But wait! Before I actually tell you, I need to say first that because I am indecisive (as we all know), I think I am going to choose two animals (what?! plot twist) and then compare the behaviors between the two. Anyway, ENOUGH SUSPENSE, TIME TO KNOW:
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| Drum roll please! |
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| American Kestrel |
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| Great Horned Owl |
Because I felt really conflicted choosing between the two, I decided to not choose. Both animal's behaviors are very different (for starters, the kestrel is diurnal and the owl is nocturnal and the kestrel is more "urbanized"), so Ms. Suits and I thought it would be more exciting to analyze the behaviors of each species and then compare. I'll go into more detail about this in my upcoming post.
So, what now? Since I've finally chosen my two subjects of study, I need to go through the files of the rest of the year and find any patterns or distinctions as to why these species are brought in. I'm slightly terrified as this will mean going through a lot more paper, but oh well. On a brighter note, I've been delegated with more responsibility as I was the only person in the room when someone came in with an animal, so I had to learn how to do intake (which is the process of filling out forms with information about the animal and the someone who brought it) and then was able to help with primary check-up.
Well, that's it for now. I just wanted to give you guys that quick update because I know everyone has been waiting to know which animal I chose. I'll see you again guys sometime this week, so be prepared!
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| Bye... for now |
Hey Korina! Finally, you've made a decision!!!! I was eagerly checking your blog daily, wondering when the suspense would be over and we'd get to see what amazing species (or should I say two species?!?!) you'll be working with :D I'm soooooo excited for you (and for selfish reasons-myself because I get to look at cute owl pictures) :) This may be a silly question because I don't know much about owls, but do the two species you've chosen interact at all? Do they have any similar behaviors or live in nearby cities? Thank you, and I can't wait to read more!!! <3
ReplyDeleteHi, Saleena! No question is ever too silly! I'm not sure how much the two species interact. I'd have to assume not too much to not at all just because the Kestrel is diurnal and the owl is nocturnal. If they would interact, it would be that be owl would prey upon the kestrel, just because the owl is so much bigger and is known to eat other owls of its own species. However, since the kestrel doesn't come out at night when the owl hunts, I'd say that this is very unlikely. I have to study their hunting patterns more, but it seems like their nurturing behavior is very different (I'll talk about that in my next post), so I thought that was pretty interesting. Also, I think both species have been slowly increasing in population in Arizona, and, from past records, it looks like both live around Phoenix (at least, that's where they're found). But, your question really interests me, so I'll be sure to look out for that while I'm doing my research of the two species. Thanks so much for commenting, and I hope you continue to enjoy my blog!
DeleteI'm so excited to hear that you were part of the intake process! I have a feeling that you'll be a Jill of all trades before all is said and done. I am very interested in the birds you have chosen, and fully support the idea. I believe you'll get a much better understand of the issue as a whole to see it from both more rural and urban settings. I can't wait to see all the awesome comparative charts and graphs!
ReplyDeleteHi, Ms. Mandigo! Yeah, I loved that I got the opportunity to be involved in more things around here (just wait until you hear what I did this week). I have some awesome charts and graphs for the next post, so be prepared! Thanks for all your help so far, and I'll talk to you soon!
DeleteHi Korina! Good Choice! That is so cool, that you get to work with birds. Will you be looking at migration patterns too, or is it just my misconception that most birds travel south for winter? Sorry, if I am wrong about that. Can't wait to see where you go with your research!
ReplyDeleteHi, Sri! I won't specifically be studying migration patterns (though that would be a cool thing to look into), but you are right that many birds migrate south for winter. The American Kestrels in Canada and northern United States can migrate as far as the Caribbean, but those in more temperate climates are usually permanent residents. The same goes for the owls. The owls up North usually migrate, but the ones we see in Arizona would probably stay here. Thanks for commenting, and I can't wait to read more of your blog!
DeleteHi Korina, I'm happy you decided to go with two bird species rather than one! I was wondering if the American Kestrel has the same breeding season as the Great Horned Owl because there is also a large increase in the amount brought in May compared to the other months. Also, why is the platypus venomous if its diet consists of worms and larvae? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHey, Jacob! Thanks for commenting on my blog! The American Kestrel can breed at different times of the year, but most breed early spring to late summer. For Great Horned Owls, however, nesting season is usually in January and February. This is unusual as it may offer more risks because it would be harder to keep the egg warm, but it's necessary for the owls because (since they are not the best nest-builders) must take abandoned nests of other birds that migrated for winter.
DeleteTo answer your other question, the diet of the platypus wouldn't affect its ability to produce poison. The poison actually comes from the crural gland in the thigh. This production of venom is at its peak during mating season, when the male platypus has to compete for mates or territories.
I hope I was able to answer your questions, and thanks again for commenting!
Hi Korina! I like that you chose two species instead, it shows that you are flexible and willing to change your plan of action. I am curious why the Great Horned Owl is the most brought in raptor, is there a specific reason for that? Also, is there any thing we could do to reduce the amount brought in? I'm excited to see how it compares to American Kestrel. Good luck with your research!
ReplyDeleteHey Nicolas! I'm excited to see the outcome of my project too! The Great Horned Owl is the most brought in during February to May (I should've been more clear about that), which is great for me as that's the time that I'm interning at Liberty Wildlife. These owls are brought in more because the owl's nesting period is January to February, so a lot of people will spot nestlings or fledglings that fell from the nest and bring them to Liberty Wildlife (at least, I'm pretty sure that's the reason). Also, there's been some cases where the mother has been shot, so the nestlings have to come in so our owl foster parents can raise them. I hope I answered your questions well enough, and thanks for commenting!
DeleteHey Korina! It's nice to see that you chose 2 bird species as opposed to 1 and I'm also glad that you made your decision. I was just wondering whether there is any interaction or maybe even competition between these two bird species or are they somehow isolated from each other? Thanks and sorry for the late post!
ReplyDelete