Devil's Den State Park

Sometimes, we just need to get away. Sarah, Sarah and I went camping this past weekend at Devil's Den State Park, just south of Fayetteville, AR. We talked, ate s'mores, hiked, and explored a cave in search of bats. The weather was wonderful: cool at night and slightly warmer than "just right" during the day. Also, it was nice to be surrounded by the Ozark Mountains because it is such a different ecoregion from the Mississippi Delta, where Jonesboro is nestled. Although we only stayed two nights, the trip was the perfect amount of "change" that we all needed to recharge in order to tackle another week of grad school!

Results from the best birthday gift!

For my birthday this year, Paul presented me with a Nikon D40X camera, complete with two lenses, two DVDs on photography, and a bag in which to carry everything! Below are some of the results of my first shots with my new camera - thank you, dearest Paul.

P.S. I had no theme in mind when I took these (and several other) photos, but it is obvious that our cats were sleeping in proximity at the time.

Old vs. New Equipment

My field boots needed to be replaced. After the first week of my research season, I discovered that my right boot was no longer waterproof. The morning dew of three tower searches was more than enough to make my foot look like a big pink raisin, so it was time for new equipment. I loved these boots so much that I ordered another pair. LOOK AT THE DIFFERENCE!

Research surprises

At the beginning of my research seasons, there is always stress due to the fact that I have NO IDEA how the survey areas will look when I arrive. The hope is that the vegetation is such that walking transects and looking for birds is "do-able." Sometimes, this is not the case, and then that site is lost for the season of data. Here are two pictures representing what I hope for (bottom) and, sometimes, what I get (top).

Ah, to be a cat.