The hay-fields and grasslands are very vegetative. There are very few trees (only surrounding us). The grass is very wet, and tall. There are many fallen leaves from the surrounding trees. Many dead plants and grass are mixed in the field. This part of the ecosystem is very important for nesting birds; like the Bobolink, Savannah Sparrow, and Eastern Meadowlark. there are many chirping birds near the tree surroundings. This hay-field is harvested, and brush hogged, but off limits during nesting season (March-April). The bordering, vegetative buffer is very nice for birds. They get to nest in the trees (In which are very safe) ; and get to feed off of the insects within the field, especially the Huntington River, where they are also known to feast off of more insects. Birds will also nest on the ground ; hidden in the tall grasses. Therefore the fields are also a safe, tall, grassy area for them to nest. The hayfields and grasslands Audubon site is mainly based around birds in the spring to late summer, because it has such a perfect habitat for them, through food, nesting needs
, etc.
Our groups poems:
I walk along the grass as my boot's crunch fast. Grass up to my elbows; leaving wet streaks across my jacket. -Elena Godbout
HIAKU
Thick grass up so high.
As the rain patters my head.
Boots crunch against the grass.
-Elena Godbout
H-ome to many birds
A- great view
Y-ellow grasses
F-ull of wildlife
I-mportant habitat
E-astern meadowlark
L-ong plants
D-ew
S-ong birds
-Brynne Russom
March 28th, 2014
While in our hayfield area on the tracking trip, we went more into the woods nearby hoping for more animal signs. We saw some which we eventually determined to be coyote. They were obviously walker/trotter tracks. The pattern is alternating one in front of the other; however not directly in front of one another. They have quite larege amount of straddle. We dint record any exact measurements of straddle or stride.
