tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64448719758793628922024-03-14T02:15:30.053-07:00Methow ConservancyMethow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-12553190402838017622018-03-19T22:36:00.001-07:002018-03-20T08:45:10.560-07:00Herpetology Course - Class #4 Rattlesnakes<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Our 4-part 2018 "Conservation Course" started February 12th. Below are notes taken by Kristen Kirkby. See notes and videos from the previous classes here:</i><br /><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2018/02/herpetology-course-class-1-what-are.html">Class #1 - Herpetology Overview</a><br /><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2018/03/herpetology-course-class-2-methow.html">Class #2 - Methow Reptiles</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2018/03/herpetology-course-class-3-methow.html" target="_blank">Class #3 - Methow Amphibians</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2018.html">Learn more about the Herp Course here</a><br />
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<b>Class #4 -Rattlesnakes & the Methow's Northern Pacific Rattlesnake with John Rohrer, March 12, 2018</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Watch and listen to the 1.75 hour lecture portion of the class on this video</span><br />
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<br /><br /><b>Cool Terms </b>~ Ecdysis: Process of skin shedding<br />~ Ectothermic: only get heat from environment, don’t generate their own<br /> Thigmothermic: heat from contact with a warmer object<br /> Heliothermic: heat from the sun<br />~ Solenoglyphs: snakes with hinged front fangs<br />~ Viviparous: give birth to live young<br />~ Oviparous: young hatched from eggs<br /><br /><br />Class: Reptilia – Snakes, lizards, turtles<br /> Order: Squamata – Snakes and Lizards<br /> Suborder: Serpentes – Snakes<br /> Family: Viperidae – Pit vipers<br /> Genera: Crotalus and Sistrurus – Rattlesnakes<br /><br />There are 32 species of rattlesnakes in the world - of those 16 are in US (and territories). There are also 32 subspecies among the species. <br /><br />In WA: only the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus), which is a subspecies of the Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus).<br /><br />Federally listed (Endangered Species Act) rattlers: <br />~ New Mexican Ridge-Nosed (threatened) (AZ, NM)<br />~ Aruba Island Rattlesnake (threatened) (Aruba)<br />~ Eastern Massasauga (threatened) (Midwest US)<br /><br />State Listed (species of concern): <br />~ Timber Rattlesnake (East of the Mississippi)<br />~ Eastern Diamondback (Southeast US)<br /><br /><b>The Rattle:</b>The rattle is thought to have evolved as a warning to large animals, like deer and elk, so that the snakes wouldn't get stepped on. They still use the rattle as a warning today. A muscle at the end of the tail vibrates at 50x/second, shaking the "buttons" (made of keratin similar to our fingernails). The buttons are loosely connected so they shake against each other and make noise. A new segment or button is revealed each time the snake sheds it's skin. Shedding depends on growth (multiple times/year in warm, productive areas versus only 1x/year further north like in the Methow).<br /><br /><b>Food Acquisition: </b><br />~ Pit vipers have paired heat sensing organs and can detect tiny temperature differences (0.002 degrees F) at close range<br />~ Short-sighted, see varying shades of heat<br />~ Use venom to subdue prey; venom glands behind eyes give triangular shaped head<br />~ Venom is a mix of hemotoxin (destroys blood cells) and neurotoxin (affects nerves)<br />~ Sit and wait to ambush predators, then reach out, strike, and inject venom, then sit back and wait for the venom to take affect (less opportunity for injury from fighting prey). Then they use their tongue to smell/track prey down, and eat it whole.<br />~ Primarily eat rodents (baby rattlers eat lizards)<br /><br />There are approx. 9000 venom bites/year in US (all venomous snakes not just rattlers); most happen in the Southeast, and most people are trying to catch or kill the snake. Of these, there are only about 5 fatalities per year, and this is typically because these victims choose not to get treatment or delayed it too long. 25-50% of rattlesnake strikes are dry (no venom). Treatment is antivenin<br /><br /><b>Snake Fungal Disease</b> (Ophidiomyces ophidiicola) was identified in 2006 in Timber Rattlers in New Hampshire, found mostly in the East, and Midwest; it has not yet found in West. The disease may be linked to a warming climate, 5-15 degrees C is too cold for fungus growth, but folks have seen outbreaks in warmer dens. <br /><b><br /><span style="font-size: large;">North Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus)</span></b><br />Lives in British Columbia, WA, OR, ID, and CA. There are no protections in any state, so anyone can kill them anytime. <br /><br />Live primarily east of the Cascades; in the Methow they live valley bottom (core habitat), and somewhat up in the hills (peripheral habitat)<br /><br />Tan to green coloring, with blotches on dorsal surface; broad triangular head; typically 30-40” long and up to 60” (largest found in the Methow was 47”, 1093 grams).<br /><br />They are ectothermic, so they only get heat from their environment; they can't generate their own heat like we can. But this also means they use and need a lot less energy (food). They use 1/5 to 1/10 of the energy requirement of a similar sized "endotherm" (a creature like a mammal or bird that). Consequently, they have a much broader range of suitable body temperatures, however they do need to maintain a temp above freezing (and 85-90 degrees is the optimal body temperature, physiologically). <br /><br />So, they are challenged in northern latitudes: There's a short growing season; they need winter refuge (underground den), and they have a seasonal migration. <br /><br />They den from roughly mid-September to mid-April, and dozens to hundreds of snakes are in a communal den. Individuals generally use the same den their whole lives. Den sites are 6-8 feet underground (under frost line). They need air flow and shelter from precipitation, so they require unique conditions. Most local dens are on talus slopes with rock outcroppings (~35 dens are known in the Methow).<br /><br />Historical documents outline people killing 350-400 rattlesnakes from a den in Pateros (1930), even 1000 at one site. In 1952, someone documented killing 259 in one day at a site on Leecher Mountain. <br /><br /><b>Methow Research</b><br />John and others wanted to find dens, so they started radio-tagging rattlers with a transmitter to detect their location, and sometimes with an internal sensor to log body temperature. <br /><br /> They found that rattlers are active with temperatures of 60 degrees and sun. Individuals start coming out of their dens in April, but only a subset (15-20%) will come out of the den each day to sun nearby, and all leave their dens by mid-May. <br /><br />Females always return to the same den, but males forage until mid-July, and then search out the track of a female to follow her back to her den and to mate. <br /><br />Females give birth to 4-10 babies for the first time at 6-9 years old, and then every 1-3 years (need recovery time). Methow Valley females reproduce after 8 sheds. They give birth in late-August to early-Sept, and while it was once thought that the young were immediately on their own, research now shows that mom stays with the baby snakes for a week to 10 days, then she goes back to her communal den (if she's not already there), and the young snakes follow the mom’s smell to the den and imprint on it. <br /><br />A rookery is a group of pregnant females that hang out and stay warm together.<br /><br />N.P. Rattlers live up to 20 years (Timber Rattlers found to live up to 45 years)<br /><br />Males have longer tales (length from vent), usually 3.5 cm+<br />Females have body constriction at vent, tail less than 3.5 cm<br /></div>
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Other study findings: <br />~ Nuisance snakes that were relocated to new dens had the same recapture rate as snakes native to a den~ Dens affected by fires (e.g. Carlton Complex) showed no difference in growth rate than unaffected dens the following year, but rattlesnakes in fire areas were smaller (meaning larger snakes may have died), and showed some burn scars<br />~ Some difference in crypticism and color between females and males from Methow and Columbia, but not statistically significant findings.<br /><br />Respect and appreciate your snake neighbors! </div>
Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-5832462398020860552018-03-12T14:52:00.002-07:002018-03-12T16:42:39.260-07:00Herpetology Course - Class #3 Methow Amphibians<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br />Our 2018 "Conservation Course" started February 12th with an introductory class by Professor Dan Beck. Below are notes taken by Kristen Kirkby. See notes and videos from the previous classes here:</i><br /><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2018/02/herpetology-course-class-1-what-are.html">Class #1 - Herpetology Overview</a><br /><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2018/03/herpetology-course-class-2-methow.html">Class #2 - Methow Reptiles</a><br /><br /><a href="http://methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2018.html">Learn more about the Herp Course here</a><br /><br /><b>Class #3 -Methow Amphibians with Julie Grialou & Amphibian Disease and Toxicology with Jenn Zajac, March 5, 2018</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Watch and listen to the 2 hour lecture portion of the class on this video</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>Terms</b><br />Amphibios = double life. Amphibians lead a double life with aquatic larvae (juveniles) and terrestrial adults (but there are exceptions to this rule). This characteristics allows amphibians to exploit different habitats over their life history.<br /><br />Heterochrony means that an animals life history and development timing can be fairly "plastic." They change over time and can change as a response to things in the environment.<br /><br />Neotenic is a term used for larvae amphibians who have become sexually mature - they never look like "adults."<br /><br />Amphibs can absorb water and oxygen through their skin, allowing them to burrow into soils in relatively arid environments and find sufficient water. With the skin as a respiratory organ, some don’t even have lungs (e.g. lungless salamanders)<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Anuran (Frogs and Toads)</span></b><br />5892 species in 38 families<br />Characteristics: No tail, diverse reproduction strategies, metamorphosis from larvae to adults, fused caudal vertebrae aid in jumping, stabilizing the pelvis, also have adaptations to capture prey (e.g. saliva)<br />Frog saliva is viscous like honey, super sticky, but it liquifies when it hits prey so that it covers them, then becomes more viscous to capture them and bring back into the mouth, then liquifies again for swallowing. <br />Amplexus is the mating position of frogs and toads. In water, the male clasps the female from the back and holds on while the female releases eggs. The male then releases sperm and the eggs are fertilized external (in the water).<br />Frogs make rounded egg masses, toads make long stringy ones<br /><br />The Pacific Northwest has 5 families of frog/toads. They are:<br /><br /><b><i>Ascaphidae </i></b>– Tailed frogs<br />Ancient family; endemic to NW; highly aquatic; “tails” are reproductive organ. Tadpoles are like one big sucker mouth, which they use to cling to substrates in fast-moving water in headwater streams where they eat algae off the rocks. <br />In our NW region:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>~ Pacific tailed frog (Ascaphus truei) </b>(here in the Methow)<br />~ Rocky mountain tailed frog<br /><br /><b><i>Pelobatidae / Scaphiopodidae</i></b> – Spadefoots</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0V4KdzRKOtitFrdykJfqHj_eycj24EsrxResLzNQYU4FG2vSG_OOeskmSaP34qG23N6Y6rdo_qhyphenhyphenaDl36qdrrjHm2xkvNPDMFbQScbTbSNsQfZ5JE6jIoKmXtWjsFXZvFxYxksakyiu8/s1600/spadefoot_toad_jenn_zajac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0V4KdzRKOtitFrdykJfqHj_eycj24EsrxResLzNQYU4FG2vSG_OOeskmSaP34qG23N6Y6rdo_qhyphenhyphenaDl36qdrrjHm2xkvNPDMFbQScbTbSNsQfZ5JE6jIoKmXtWjsFXZvFxYxksakyiu8/s1600/spadefoot_toad_jenn_zajac.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Basin Spadefoot</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ancient family, not technically a true frog or toad. Adapted to arid environments, have a hard keratinized digging "spade" on a toe on the back feet; live mostly underground with explosive breeding when rain arrives in the spring. This if followed by a rapid development, with larvae metamorphosing in a few weeks. They mass together, creating more thermal mass and allowing for faster development. Fairly small, squat, not big jumpers.<br />In NW:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">~ Couch’s spadefoot (Scaphiopus couchi)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">~ <b>Great Basin spadefoot (Spea intermontana)</b> (here in the Methow, in the shrub steppe, from Winthrop south, also in open ponderosa pine with seasonal ponds)<br /><br /><b><i>Bufonidae </i></b>– True toads<br />Large, complicated family with a variety of development strategies. <br />In NW: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">~ Woodhouse toad (Bufo woodhousii) in south eastern WA<br />~ <b>Western toad (Bufo boreas) </b>in the Methow. Stripe down back, black spots on belly. Digging tool on back foot for burrowing, or they use rodent burrows. They are early breeders up high in the mountains.<br /><br /><i><b>Hylidae</b></i> – Tree frogs / chorus frogs <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree Frog Eggs</td></tr>
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<br />One of the largest families, very widespread, distinct wider adhesive toe tip. <br />In NW & in the Methow:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">~ <b>Pacific chorus frog (Hyla (or psudacris) regilla) </b>use a wide variety of habitat, just need water source, wide toes at end, black stripe from tip of nose to shoulder, dark triangle on head (can change tone of color). They attach eggs to vegetation in lakes/ponds; they are relatively small in size (enlarge with age).<br /><br /><i><b>Ranidae</b></i> – True frogs<br />Huge family (1377 species), worldwide, arid to temperate to tropical. Huge size range. <br />In NW:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kP6yfwfzrWFiCQlT2ocx6JH3-1EVC4kkFn95mNyG2CZPwPROKNnJXSgPJdtKOxvZuAGbx1Q38oP_wDtJGuAyDLQ3SKGMVe6i0qmGXe6zJN080IpXQ5oCv1KxLeXgQuhiIf8IyPvu3UU/s1600/columbia+spotted+frogs+have+red+legs_kiesau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="530" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kP6yfwfzrWFiCQlT2ocx6JH3-1EVC4kkFn95mNyG2CZPwPROKNnJXSgPJdtKOxvZuAGbx1Q38oP_wDtJGuAyDLQ3SKGMVe6i0qmGXe6zJN080IpXQ5oCv1KxLeXgQuhiIf8IyPvu3UU/s200/columbia+spotted+frogs+have+red+legs_kiesau.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Columbia Spotted Frog</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">~ Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens) WA state listed, proposal to list on ESA was rejected because it’s abundant in other parts of its range and isn’t genetically distinct in WA<br />~ <b>Columbia Spotted Frog (Rana lutieventris)</b> In Methow. Red underside on legs; dorso-lateral folds; breed in shallow warmer water; lay big egg clusters communally; eggs often get algae on them, and get frothy-looking.<br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Salamander (Urodela)</span></b><br />585 species, 10 families (5 in WA/OR)<br /><br />The <b><i>Ambystomatidae</i></b> family is known as the "Mole Salamanders." <br />Individuals can either metamorphose (change from eggs to larvae to adults), or be obligate "paedomorphic" (retain larval traits) individuals. They typically migrate to breeding habitat in large numbers. Terrestrial adults have robust bodies and limbs, and short, blunt heads.<br /><br />In the Methow: <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger Salamander</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>~ </i>T</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>iger Salamander <i>(Ambystoma tigrinum)</i></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Found in the shrub steppe and ponderosa forest. Eggs laid singly on vegetation in the water; larvae have long gills</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">~ <span style="font-weight: bold;">Long-toed salamander </span><i style="font-weight: bold;">(Ambystoma macrodactylum)</i> Yellow stripe down back, eggs in parallel clusters.<br />In WA: <br />~ Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile). West of Cascade crest. Softball-sized egg masses. Mostly underground when on land; need moisture. Rib-like grooves on head; have perisoid glands (poison).<br /><br />The <b><i>Dicamptodon </i></b>family are the "Giant Salamanders." They are endemic to PNW and there are 4 species OR/WA.<br /><br />The <b><i>Salamandridae </i></b>family are called "True Salamanders"<br />They are mostly in Europe and Asia, except newts, which we have here in the PNW. <br />~ The Rough Skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa) Dry to the touch when terrestrial, but become slimy and develop dorsal fins in water where they go to breed; they are toxic and it's a good idea to not touch them!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough-Skinned Newt</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <b><i>Plethidontidae </i></b>family are the "Lungless Salamanders"<br />Terrestrial; are in wet areas but not in water. They are the most diverse. Nasolabial grooves (skin folds) help with chemoreception. There are 4 genera in Western Washington.<br /><br />The <b><i>Rhyacotritonidae </i></b>family are the "Torrent Salamanders" (aka the Cascade salamanders. Rhyaco = stream, triton = greek sea god. They are endemic to the PNW; typically up high in watersheds. They are small and semi-aquatic. <br /><br /><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Amphibian disease and toxicology with Jennifer Zajac</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/3 of all amphibian species are threatened (43% are in decline); 168 species have already gone extinct. There are multiple causes: habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, disease, etc.<br /><br /><b><u>Diseases</u></b>: <br /><b>Chytrid fungus</b> (Bd)<br />Caused by a pathogen <i>Batrachochytrium dendrobatids</i>, which uses keratin in skin of amphibians and the mouth-parts of larvae, leading to low electrolytes in the animal and eventually cardiac arrest. The motile zoospore stage swims and is viable in water for 7 weeks without a host. Symptoms include lethargy, sloughing of skin, abnormal resting poses, loss of righting reflex, seizures and death. <br /><br />Worldwide, it is thought to have originated in Japan, where it has little impact. There are different impacts in different areas on different species, but has led to serious decline in some areas, such as Central America.<br /><br />Frogs and salamanders are both carriers, but frogs are more susceptible. Testing is done with a swab of the skin, legs, and feet to pull spores, which can be counted to tell severity of infection.<br /><br />Chytrid has been found in Washington, but not much sampling has been done in the state. <br /><br /><b>Batrachochytrium salamandridrorant </b>(Bsal)<br />Only affects salamanders; causes skin lesions; can be cured by holding critters at 25°C for 10 days.<br />Originated in eastern Asia on fire-bellied newts in the pet trade in 2013; currently only in Asia and Europe. Legal action is ongoing to try and keep it from the U.S.<br /><br /><b>Rana virus</b> (RV) <br />Affects not only frogs, but fish and turtles, too. There is now global distribution as a group of different viruses. Leads to swelling of legs and body, hemorrhaging redness, white plaque in mouth (turtles), lethargy, and erratic swimming. It is lethal mostly at the larval stage, and 90% die off in 1-5 days. Man-made stressors such as pollution increase susceptibility.<br /><br /><b>Frog deformities</b> (e.g. multiple hind legs)<br />Debated causes include: UV contamination, agrochemicals, parasites, trematodes, combination of those, but now it is believed to be from trematodes (internal parasites such as flatworms). More fertilizer leads to more snails leads to more birds leads to more trematodes leads to more deformities.<br /><br />Toxicology: Susceptibility of animals to chemicals<br />Pesticide drift: chemicals from farmland drift, even to remote, seemingly pristine areas<br />The term "LC50" is the "lethal concentration" for 50% of study population.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jen’s research looked at the interactive effects of chytrid, triclosan (ag chemical), and predatory effects. Triclosan is an antimicrobial used in MANY products, and found in 50% of US streams. She looked at Woodhouse toad tadpoles and the synergistic effects of these stressors. </span><br />
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Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-62826583167249715722018-03-06T15:45:00.000-08:002018-03-07T10:39:59.927-08:00Herpetology Course - Class #2 Methow Reptiles<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Our 2018 "Conservation Course" started February 12th with an introductory class by Professor Dan Beck. Below are notes taken by Kristen Kirkby. See notes and videos from the previous classes here:</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2018/02/herpetology-course-class-1-what-are.html" target="_blank">Class #1 </a></span></span><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2018.html" target="_blank">Learn more about the Herp Course here</a></span><br />
<br />
<b>Class #2 -Methow Reptiles with Scott Fitkin, Feb 26, 2018</b><br />
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Watch and listen to the 2 hour lecture portion of the class on this video<br />
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The Class of Reptilia includes turtles, snakes, lizards, and crocodilians. They are characterized by ecotothermy,
dry scaly skin, lungs, internal fertilization (not dependent on water), and
shelled, amniotic eggs.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Within a 100-mile radius of the Methow there are: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1
species of turtle, 6 lizards, 10 snakes, but within the Methow we typically only see 1 turtle, 4 lizards and 6 snakes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Turtles</i></b> </span>(Order Testudines)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Have a shell, can withdraw their head and appendages
inside shell, are long-lived, and lay eggs on land. </div>
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There are 257 species around the world, 2 native species in Washington, 1 of which is in the Methow.</div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Turtle vocab:</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> Carapace: upper
shell</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> Plastron:
bottom shell</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> Emydid:
semi-aquatic</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>In the Methow:</b></i><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3Deif2I8n-eESfEHIg7SQ6KAXOP7H45iDy_Sz9vSMojwyAi8zHqhGA3ItpnU6zaxWFEPKP7rgar_6C1-Ks3JpS0Hz5UGd4a-xZ491YwuXoHTSDByFdlAxwFZ_r58l4_e-BpvP1y8KGM/s1600/painted+turtle_kiesau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3Deif2I8n-eESfEHIg7SQ6KAXOP7H45iDy_Sz9vSMojwyAi8zHqhGA3ItpnU6zaxWFEPKP7rgar_6C1-Ks3JpS0Hz5UGd4a-xZ491YwuXoHTSDByFdlAxwFZ_r58l4_e-BpvP1y8KGM/s320/painted+turtle_kiesau.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></i></div>
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We have the<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <b>Painted turtle</b>
(Chrysemys picta)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Distinguished by red
patterning on plastron</div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Live in still, slow, shallow
water with muddy bottom, need basking sites where they congregate</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Omnivorous (mostly plants)</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Reproduce at 5-6 years old; hatchlings over-winter in the nest and can withstand freezing (heart stops </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">beating and use
glucose in cells to prevent freeze damage)</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Turtles absorb oxygen through
their skin(!) when buried in mud or under the ice of a pond</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where to find them in the Methow!:</i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Twisp-to-Carlton ponds, Davis, Paterson,
Barnsley, Pearrygin lakes<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lizards </span></i></b>(Order Squamata)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Have claws on digits, external ear openings, most can
lose/regrow tail, and shed skin in large pieces.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are 3300 species in the world, 7 species in WA, and 4 known in the Methow.</div>
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Lizard
vocab:</div>
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Oviparous:
young hatch from eggs</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Viviparous:
young born alive<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Autotomy:
casting off of part of the body<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><i><b>In the Methow:</b></i> </o:p></div>
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<o:p>We have the Northern Alligator lizard, the Pygmy Short-horned lizard, the Western Fence lizard, and the Western Skink.</o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>Northern alligator
lizard</b></i> (family anguidae, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Elegaria
coerulea</i>)<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Long-bodied,
snake-like, 3-5” from snout to vent (S2V), olive-brown with black/white
checkering<o:p></o:p></div>
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Live
in forested areas with rocky openings, up to 4600’, can live moister and cooler
than other lizards<o:p></o:p></div>
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Insectivorous; viviparous (1-8 young), home bodies that stay within about 10m<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where to find them in the
Methow!:</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">War Creek bridge, Cougar
lake, W Fork Methow, Buck Lake, Chewuch River<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>Short-horned lizard</b>
</i>(family iguanidae, P<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hrynosoma
douglasii</i>)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Small,
flat, round, cryptic (blend into surroundings)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Live
in open shrub steppe to 3500’; Okanogan County is their northern limit
(extirpated in BC), <o:p></o:p></div>
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Live
on top of knobs with open shrub steppe, bitterroot<o:p></o:p></div>
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Insectivorous
(specialize in ants), semi-fossorial (lots of time underground), need loose
soil<o:p></o:p></div>
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Viviparous
(2-7, newborns are just 1” long)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where to find them in the
Methow!: Patterson, Lewis Butte, Big Buck wildlife area, Studhorse (report to
Scott if found!)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>Western fence
lizard</b> </i>(family iguanidae, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sceloporus
occidentalis</i>)<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gray/black/brown,
blotches of color which can change with surroundings; rough, keeled dorsal <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">scales, males
have blue undersides, S2V 3.5”</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Insectivorous<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oviparous
(up to 10 eggs), 60 day incubation<o:p></o:p></div>
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Reduce
the prevalence of lyme disease by destroying the spirochetes in ticks that feed
on them. </div>
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Areas with W.
Fence lizards had 5% of ticks carrying lyme, areas without had 50%<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where to find them in the
Methow!: Pine Forest, above Aspen Lake, near rattlesnake dens</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Western skink</i>
</b>(family scincidae, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eumeces skiltonianus</i>)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Long
body, short legs, smooth shiny scales, S2V to 3”, brown/tan with striped
pattern, blue tail<o:p></o:p></div>
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Very
fast, will often lose tails<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Live
in dry forest with rim rock to 3200’, often found under rock/bark<o:p></o:p></div>
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Construct
burrows and lay 2-10 eggs, only lizard in NW that guards eggs<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where to find them in the
Methow!: Pipestone, near rattlesnake dens<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Snakes </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Order Squamata)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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No limbs, no moveable eyelids, no external ear openings,
swallow prey items whole, and smell with protrusible tongue. There are <o:p></o:p>2700 species in the world, 12 species in WA, and 6 known in Methow</div>
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Snake
vocab: <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ecdysis:
shedding of the skin<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Thigmothermic:
get heat from direct contact with a warmer object<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Solenoglyphs:
snakes with hinged front fangs (rattlers)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Opisthoglyphs:
rear-fanged snakes (night snakes)<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><i><b>In the Methow:</b></i> </o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p>We have the Gopher snake, Western Racer, Wandering Garter snake, Common garter snake, Rubber Boa, and the Northern Pacific rattlesnake.</o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>Gopher snake</b></i>
(family Colubridae, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pituophis catenifer</i>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WfVW6npcElAFn8-75b1AMo9CI_KRdoVkMOwaSYz3mCD4HO6XfSrlCr5VUdQJf3RJh1b8VmIPDnMXkQhZQnwAsOZWomdyocH3Sb_Oz-cYNKIg3Dboh5MKg2Cfto10GBiKRB0Dt6wKVJQ/s1600/bull+snake3_kiesau.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WfVW6npcElAFn8-75b1AMo9CI_KRdoVkMOwaSYz3mCD4HO6XfSrlCr5VUdQJf3RJh1b8VmIPDnMXkQhZQnwAsOZWomdyocH3Sb_Oz-cYNKIg3Dboh5MKg2Cfto10GBiKRB0Dt6wKVJQ/s320/bull+snake3_kiesau.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Longest
snake in the Valley at 4-5’; dark brown blotches on tan<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Lives
in shrub steppe and open pine to 3500’<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Constrictor,
eats small mammals, birds, lizards<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Strongly
thigmothermic<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Lay
eggs (4-20) in rodent burrows<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Rattlesnake
mimic (does not eat rattlers), great climbers<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Initially
aggressive, but calm quickly<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Poop
on you 25% of the time when you pick them up<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where to find them in the
Methow!: Upper Bear Creek, Gunn Ranch Rd)</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHl-WylKbAQOiruBeTT6yDtitHdGtGQLiK7Qn7hCTWJaqo-BgBCz83xdu0CZfQqb6qajcdQQ_tOuVgWR_7cWwW3T4VX5m23wFABbno7Ejq00VFuQVk-bNWVFYWAKo9kVk6e_btsgbhHo/s1600/racer_kiesau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHl-WylKbAQOiruBeTT6yDtitHdGtGQLiK7Qn7hCTWJaqo-BgBCz83xdu0CZfQqb6qajcdQQ_tOuVgWR_7cWwW3T4VX5m23wFABbno7Ejq00VFuQVk-bNWVFYWAKo9kVk6e_btsgbhHo/s320/racer_kiesau.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>Western racer</b> </i>(Family
Colubridae, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Coluber constrictor</i>)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Long,
thin, narrow pointed tail, dull-green/gray dorsal, yellow/cream ventral, large
dark eye, often
has head up</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Live
in low elevation, open shrub steppe, on the edge of pine forest<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Prey
on lizards, small mammals, insects, frogs, eggs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Non-constrictor
(grab and swallow)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Oviparous
(3-7)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Visual,
diurnal hunters; squat in rattlesnake dens<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Poop
on you 100% of the time, sometimes bite<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where to find them in the
Methow!: Gunn Ranch, areas with lizards<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4hsZ6IUi1Mluvw5KXP3IvdIo26X5lWUMEZEfPGI9D855HjlYhuSetSnCwJ4lIOFnkedYUqrAFyvZaEcBdaqrAnuRPHvAvqnUHhyphenhyphen_Wd61O6tJYLKQi14jEkdBM7VeXtLv8gTaFbKlskQ/s1600/Garter+in+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1072" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4hsZ6IUi1Mluvw5KXP3IvdIo26X5lWUMEZEfPGI9D855HjlYhuSetSnCwJ4lIOFnkedYUqrAFyvZaEcBdaqrAnuRPHvAvqnUHhyphenhyphen_Wd61O6tJYLKQi14jEkdBM7VeXtLv8gTaFbKlskQ/s320/Garter+in+hand.jpg" width="320" /></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>Wandering garter
snake / Western terrestrial</b> </i>(Family Colubridae, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thamnophis elegans</i>)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Long,
slender to 43”, many color morphs, light jagged dorsal stripe<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Moist
habitats below 5000’, terrestrial and semi-aquatic<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Grab
and swallow eater with diverse diet<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Viviparous
(4-19)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Opisthoglyphs
with toxic (not to you!) saliva<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Migrate
long distances from hibernacula (den)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Poop
on you 100% of the time, may bite<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where to find them in the
Methow!: everywhere<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>Common garter
snake/ Valley garter snake</b></i> (Family Colubridae, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thamnophis sirtalis</i>)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3H3QYHibf5_bR0ABz9Vaqhh105ipdy0p6E1Cv5iFsWZM2xW38K1BDRvyrt4me4WcNaG3Lv4B5gewGMSFKaUufuNdCb-q4rJRsQqbzx34nSKeNO-uzYem3_UxCHWxkoF1-guE3Z796Gcc/s1600/garter_snake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3H3QYHibf5_bR0ABz9Vaqhh105ipdy0p6E1Cv5iFsWZM2xW38K1BDRvyrt4me4WcNaG3Lv4B5gewGMSFKaUufuNdCb-q4rJRsQqbzx34nSKeNO-uzYem3_UxCHWxkoF1-guE3Z796Gcc/s320/garter_snake.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Long,
slender to 52”, vibrant dorsal and lateral striping, often red spotting<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Most
widespread, everywhere there’s water available, more aquatic than wandering
garter<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Varied
diet, lots of fish and amphibians<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Cold
tolerant, hunt in the water<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Mate
at spring emergence, viviparous (3-18)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Have
resistance to toxic amphibians (like rough-skinned newt)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Poo
on you 100%, might bite<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Communal
denning, world’s largest snake concentration in Manitoba with 1000s of snakes <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where to find them in the
Methow!: everywhere there’s water, Methow and Chewuch rivers, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7K9dLqzf9Nk7SJnrB7d_ZJxF5eyi0zZHAjM1V_aWK3aw9WBu7ODJkQZ1rIpft9J4RF7RGHRB-j_eoMf0qEFp1qjgn54ndQIHRBdAJBDPWwt3evUhnMIxf1rKpdRJkslpd_2w6OJk6hZ0/s1600/Rubber+Boa2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7K9dLqzf9Nk7SJnrB7d_ZJxF5eyi0zZHAjM1V_aWK3aw9WBu7ODJkQZ1rIpft9J4RF7RGHRB-j_eoMf0qEFp1qjgn54ndQIHRBdAJBDPWwt3evUhnMIxf1rKpdRJkslpd_2w6OJk6hZ0/s320/Rubber+Boa2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>Rubber boa</b> </i>(Family
Boeidae, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Charina bottae</i>)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Small
to 30”, thicker body, small eye, small head and blunt tail look similar, tiny
smooth scales, <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">brown/olive
dorsal, creamy yellow ventral, very slow moving (look like large worms!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Live
in riparian, to dryer forest to 4000’<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Semi-fossorial,
mostly nocturnal<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Specialize
on shrews, small mice, kill with constrition<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Viviparous
(1-8)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Cold
tolerant, active into fall<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Have
a vestigial pelvic girdle,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Poo
50%, never bite, slow and easy to handle, and they are sooo very cute<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where to find them in the
Methow!: Mixed shade/sun with ground litter, Upper Chewuch, Twisp River,
Winthrop trail<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Northern Pacific
rattlesnake</i> </b>(Family Viperidae, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Crotalus
oreganus</i>)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRf_WKJ9KGNtXUoYR52J34xgwtKWsZ-K3-0GEQepqoHp9zrrtBdJQ-q6w1heggp207W8t8RF32whVJIo_6S3j3AL7jKWfrbCv2_H8SNMyrz4PChpV3sP7jQ6LpJv_XXssTf7jCnJfVVI/s1600/rattlesnake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRf_WKJ9KGNtXUoYR52J34xgwtKWsZ-K3-0GEQepqoHp9zrrtBdJQ-q6w1heggp207W8t8RF32whVJIo_6S3j3AL7jKWfrbCv2_H8SNMyrz4PChpV3sP7jQ6LpJv_XXssTf7jCnJfVVI/s320/rattlesnake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Large,
heavy-bodied to 48”, brown to greenish with dark blotches, banded tail, wide
head, rattle<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Live
in shrub steppe and dry forest to 5000’, limited by good denning habitat<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Only
venomous snake around, most evolutionarily advanced, hinged fangs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Subdue
prey with venom, eat lots of mammals<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Viviparous
(1-25)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Can
“see” in dark with infrared detection<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Live
in communal hibernacula <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Don’t
handle!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where to find them in the
Methow!: south-facing rocky areas, Pipestone, Rendezvous, Finley Canyon, Golden
Doe<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>Unverified Methow
residents: </b><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>Night snake </b></i>(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hypsiglena torquata)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Dark
blotches on light background, dark head, <18”, vertical pupil<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Live
in arid, rock areas under rocks<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Nocturnal,
oviparous, opisthoglyphs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>Sage brush lizard</b>
(Sceloporus graciosus)</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Look
like fence lizard, but no blue under males, smooth rear thigh, S2V 2.5”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Arid,
sandy areas, likely in the lower Methow<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Oviparous<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Snake handling! Do it but do it
carefully! <o:p></o:p>(but not to rattlers!)</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Move
slowly<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Support
weight of snake with two hands<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Move
hands with scales, not against<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Don’t
grab behind head<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
Developing reptile issues: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Snake
fungal disease: is out east and has been moving west<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Pond
turtle shell fungus<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Invasives
(like bull frogs)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoe29IHvOKiaKQyyXIXlz6PKGFQpP09CjfK5yYv1SN6gF8rzKoIsGS5NVnkkAIQtx8ss7JdsFBEXXELNY1O8CGASb-W7MT2vEMDrzIHQi57lscNH8Cts0GdrUHpxMHaBNtbthfGecB3Q/s1600/Rubber+Boa3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoe29IHvOKiaKQyyXIXlz6PKGFQpP09CjfK5yYv1SN6gF8rzKoIsGS5NVnkkAIQtx8ss7JdsFBEXXELNY1O8CGASb-W7MT2vEMDrzIHQi57lscNH8Cts0GdrUHpxMHaBNtbthfGecB3Q/s400/Rubber+Boa3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rubber Boa up-close - Look at its eyes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-11548025995631215432018-02-23T17:34:00.000-08:002018-02-23T17:34:01.750-08:00Herpetology Course - Class #1 What are Herps and Why are they special?<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Our
2018 "Conservation Course" started February 12th with an introductory
class by Professor Dan Beck. Below are notes taken by Kristen Kirkby. </span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2018.html" target="_blank">Learn more about the Herp Course here</a></span><br />
<br />
<b>Class #1 -What are Herps with Dan Beck, Feb 12 2018</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Watch and listen to the 76min lecture portion of the class on this video</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MnHc9hEpnjs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MnHc9hEpnjs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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</div>
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</xml><![endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Why should we care
about herpetofauna </b>(amphibians and reptiles)?
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>We’re in the middle of a 6<sup>th</sup>
extinction right now, and humans are the cause. Roughly 1/3 of amphibians are
threatened or endangered, and reptiles are close behind. For example, the
leopard frog has largely disappeared from Washington State. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Amphibians and reptiles have provided great
benefit to us, scientifically. We’ve learned much through study of their toxins
and have developed important medicines using them. For example:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Blood pressure regulation drugs developed from
the venom of pit vipers</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Diabetes treatment drugs developed from the venom
of Gila monsters</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>They also play a large role in food webs, energy
conversion, and other ecological services</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>They’re awesome! Ignorance of these animals can
lead us to fear, but hopefully knowledge will lead us to respect. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhD2KKZbh1eFGg_dcG88pTk9fyrsO4q1inDhliPMiBMPCm8k8E4KKJXYr9HHftXbPuT1nIMKie-otA4kt_SIdBHJJficcitPyOj4BbgUz_w2N4b4Vuv0enHe7JXiUAdXd4kca5_3U_hs/s1600/Sam+with+Gopher+Snake.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="920" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhD2KKZbh1eFGg_dcG88pTk9fyrsO4q1inDhliPMiBMPCm8k8E4KKJXYr9HHftXbPuT1nIMKie-otA4kt_SIdBHJJficcitPyOj4BbgUz_w2N4b4Vuv0enHe7JXiUAdXd4kca5_3U_hs/s320/Sam+with+Gopher+Snake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Rattler holding a Gopher Snake!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Herps in the state
of Washington</b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Check out some great resources: </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>WDFW's <a href="https://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/herp_atlas/speciesmain.html" target="_blank">WA herpetology atlas</a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><a href="http://www.burkemuseum.org/blog/curated/amphibians-reptiles-washington" target="_blank">Burke museum webpage on amphibians and reptilesof Washington</a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Get a field guide!
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In Washington: </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
27 species of Amphibians</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>14
species of salamander (Order Candata)</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>13
species of frogs and toads (2 introduced) (Order Anura)</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
28 species of Reptiles</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>4
species of turtles (2 introduced) (Order Testudines)</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>8
species of lizards (1 introduced) (Order Squamata)</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>12
species of snakes (Order Squamata)</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Neat fact!</b>: Tailed frogs are the only amphibians with
internal fertilization, and males have external copulatory organs. And they
live around here! Look for them up the Twisp River. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2L059krEe3h70qmZ_Gw8OwlHF4O7_mHdnePZD1dMOvVrxtul4yZUgAmfRhUVivDKGq1AzibZgfuueqeFkhoxxir-WygAEgV2q9t0JviWDaUKoMuoRFEpd9CsbzZgp73wxFrwInnN6EI/s1600/Alligator+lizard.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1032" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2L059krEe3h70qmZ_Gw8OwlHF4O7_mHdnePZD1dMOvVrxtul4yZUgAmfRhUVivDKGq1AzibZgfuueqeFkhoxxir-WygAEgV2q9t0JviWDaUKoMuoRFEpd9CsbzZgp73wxFrwInnN6EI/s320/Alligator+lizard.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alligator Lizard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another Neat Fact! (<b>ANF!</b>): </div>
Alligator lizards have a huge
inner ear, and studying their cochlea helped scientists develop hearing
aids. <br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
(look for more ANF!s below)</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Herp evolution</b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Amphibians, reptiles, and mammals are all tetrapods (four
legged), limbed vertebrates</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The earliest amphibians evolved 360 million years ago,
and evolved from fish, transitioning from a round head with eyes on the side to
a flat head with eyes on the top, and developing limbs. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Amphibian eggs are dependent on water, but around 340
million years ago there was a major evolutionary break through with the
evolution of the amniotic egg. This egg includes food, water, and a space for
the collection of wastes, so creatures were no longer dependent on water. After
this development, reptiles and mammals evolved and radiated relatively quickly.
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So, in this way, reptiles have more in common with
mammals than with amphibians, which are in many ways more similar to fish. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>ANF!</b>: Crocodiles and birds are closely related, since, of
course, birds evolved from dinosaurs. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxkTxbhvCs-qA8q2LuV-TstsjfhOwynftZqqAvTrJOahDiQH5WXUzDbcIu1h0FxPvOWlxGrFPaSnfLomhIdzDk_PHR3p_7FQmdH1AZhyphenhyphenH6U46LIznufuAN_yxG28BO4Y6YsTC__ND0-0/s1600/Garter+in+hand.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1072" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxkTxbhvCs-qA8q2LuV-TstsjfhOwynftZqqAvTrJOahDiQH5WXUzDbcIu1h0FxPvOWlxGrFPaSnfLomhIdzDk_PHR3p_7FQmdH1AZhyphenhyphenH6U46LIznufuAN_yxG28BO4Y6YsTC__ND0-0/s320/Garter+in+hand.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garter Snake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ectothermy</b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Amphibians and reptiles are united by ectothermy, which
is the mode of temperature regulation where body temperature is determined by a
creature’s external environment. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In contrast to endothermy, where body temperature is
determined internally through metabolism. Mammals are endotherms. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
(there's also poikilothermy (body temperature
varies) and homeothermy (constant body temp)).</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Endothermic creatures produce more heat in metabolically
active tissues (eg. the liver, heart, brain, gastrointestinal organs). Cells
have a higher density of mitochondria (powerhouses in the cells that convert
sugars to energy), but the membranes of these mitochondria are leaky and heat
is given off. This heats the body, but also makes for less efficient energy conversion.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Ectotherms are much more efficient, only needing roughly
less than 1/10 of the energy of a comparably sized endotherm. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ectotherms
are more efficient because they: </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Don’t have to regulate their temperature with
metabolism, just rely on external heat</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Metabolic rates drop in cooler environments,
which increases efficiency. A 10 degree drop in temperature drops metabolic
rate 3-fold.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Don’t need as much food, so don’t have to use
the energy to be so active in procuring it</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Ectotherms rely on behavioral thermoregulation (modify
their body temp by choosing their environment) so habitat selection is
important. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Because of the issues of heat loss with increasing
surface area to volume ratios (greater mass holds more heat), endotherms are
more limited in how small they can get. Ectotherms get much tinier. For
example, compare a shrew or a hummingbird (very small) to the tiniest snakes
(itty bitty). 80% of lizards and 90% of salamanders weigh 20g or less. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Ectotherms can then put a greater percentage of the
energy that they take in towards reproduction. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NXizNj4V9DuwhaxNHebEoMs8rglmVaogXsF_5XMi-FRTghwtDcfmlioCPPJnmHT3YdOiVCiMBw13yOz8S3bXJfEXr4CiLrFHZOCtsQONLLe9hW4z13wo8FiIMkxT9r0iNmpypq-2p1Q/s1600/Spadefoot+toad.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1200" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NXizNj4V9DuwhaxNHebEoMs8rglmVaogXsF_5XMi-FRTghwtDcfmlioCPPJnmHT3YdOiVCiMBw13yOz8S3bXJfEXr4CiLrFHZOCtsQONLLe9hW4z13wo8FiIMkxT9r0iNmpypq-2p1Q/s320/Spadefoot+toad.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Basin Spadefoot Toad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>ANF!</b> Spadefoot toads have a bony tubercle on their hind
foot that lets them dig well, and they’ll dig 1 meter deep, finding and
following the water table, and can stay under for maybe up to three years. They
might come out to eat and breed for a week, then go back for a year of burial. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Rattlesnakes need to eat about their body weight per year
(more for breeding and growing). This could be maybe 6-12 voles, compared to a
weasel which might need to eat 400-600 voles a year. For the quantity of food
you need to support 2 weasels you could have 40-60 rattlesnakes. So, reptiles
and amphibians convert energy up through the food web at a higher efficiency
than mammals and birds.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Amphibians and reptiles have a 3-chambered heart, that either
can or can not allow oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to mix, depending on
their oxygen demands.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGUUIGtyaROSkL4ph9I_9SkNcbPzaJQ8S7R-EBuQwrvwgqj92nNFwUSzKXUc_nSqi0CtP-j6aFKFb1DTcok8KCynyagO5W-RhL_dHr0TUaewYY51Y1nY8vOxayQiGHE7UqcE75ednCQ0/s1600/Rough+skinned+newt1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1144" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGUUIGtyaROSkL4ph9I_9SkNcbPzaJQ8S7R-EBuQwrvwgqj92nNFwUSzKXUc_nSqi0CtP-j6aFKFb1DTcok8KCynyagO5W-RhL_dHr0TUaewYY51Y1nY8vOxayQiGHE7UqcE75ednCQ0/s320/Rough+skinned+newt1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough-Skinned Newt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>ANF!</b> The toxin in rough-skinned newt (those guys are so
cute) skin is the same as is found in the puffer fish! It binds to sodium
channels, which are critical for nerve function. Garter snakes have evolved
some resistance to this toxin by changing the cell membrane surface so those
channels can’t be affected. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Amphibian means “double life”, which is descriptive of
their life history: juveniles (larvae) live in the water, adults tend to live
terrestrially (on land). So, these two life stages are able to exploit
different habitat niches. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Some amphibians display heterochrony (timing and rate of
development is altered) in the form of paedomorphosis (adults remain aquatic
and retain larval characteristics. Tiger salamanders often do this, and it may
allow them to best exploit unpredictable habitat availability. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenPD8BIZsTLopzb3Zn8qFGRcszRkNhI9YoonYsfCYYXUothfX4GLrM4Gxs8DP-Y9azKx90x9lA0bX16e4SVdw8aYXbWkMYDOtjNawxj1fuYps8cJuz8eB1IWcdC7vNWwXewIX3LT2kJ4/s1600/Tiger+Salamander2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1168" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenPD8BIZsTLopzb3Zn8qFGRcszRkNhI9YoonYsfCYYXUothfX4GLrM4Gxs8DP-Y9azKx90x9lA0bX16e4SVdw8aYXbWkMYDOtjNawxj1fuYps8cJuz8eB1IWcdC7vNWwXewIX3LT2kJ4/s320/Tiger+Salamander2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger Salamander</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Amphibian skin allows water permeation, and the skin can
even act as a respiratory organ, which allowed the evolution of lungless
salamanders</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>ANF!</b> Lizards autotomize, which means they can drop their
tail off so that it wriggles on the ground and distracts predators</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>ANF! </b>Reptiles pick up chemicals with their tongues and
bring them into their mouths to “smell” with the vomeronasal organ. 2 sides of
the tongue can pick up different chemicals, informing directional decisions. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
And then we held and touched lots of different snakes and lizards and salamanders, which was super neat!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-7WsIQaihyphenhyphenfQQ-2EZpmne3-bsz3WAwg7yt2Q4tmYY09KPkE7EXR_vAXZcwQNY9mhSd4WnUb0_0EfozIw0E5NgpDJDqTa88TZrRW7dIgqu0VIKHuP3xmMGeBSl1jh8m_YO4WMVw5oJlk/s1600/Boa+constrictor4.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-7WsIQaihyphenhyphenfQQ-2EZpmne3-bsz3WAwg7yt2Q4tmYY09KPkE7EXR_vAXZcwQNY9mhSd4WnUb0_0EfozIw0E5NgpDJDqTa88TZrRW7dIgqu0VIKHuP3xmMGeBSl1jh8m_YO4WMVw5oJlk/s320/Boa+constrictor4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boa Constrictor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gila Monster</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gopher Snake</td></tr>
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Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-19335793493761876912017-03-26T16:04:00.000-07:002017-03-26T16:55:51.593-07:00Methow Mammal Course - Class #6 Insectivores & "One Stick at a Time"<i>Our 2017 "Conservation Course" started February 6th. Below are
notes taken by Avery Young. See notes and videos from the previous
classes here:</i><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2017/02/mammal-course-class-1-taxonomy-evolution.html" target="_blank">Class #1</a><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2017/02/mammal-course-class-2-canids-and-ursids.html" target="_blank">Class #2</a><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2017/03/methow-mammal-course-class-3-ungulates.html" target="_blank">Class #3</a><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2017/03/methow-mammal-course-class-4-felids.html" target="_blank">Class #4 </a><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2017/03/methow-mammal-course-class-5-rodentia.html" target="_blank">Class #5 </a><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2017.html" target="_blank">Learn more about the Mammal Course and see all the course documents here.</a><br />
<br />
<b>Class #6 - Insectivores with Dr. Peter Wimberger, plus The 10 Decades Project with Kent Woodruff.</b><b></b><br />
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(Watch and listen to Peter Wimberger's section here)</div>
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If you are a mammal in the Methow, the chances are very likely that you are a rodent. If you are not a rodent, but still call yourself a mammal, then it’s likely you are a shrew, mole or bat. Rodents are the largest order of mammals. Shrews, moles and bats are in the second and third largest families of mammals. “Insectivora” is a now-abandoned taxonomic order. Insectivores are the sister group to all the rest of mammals. It wasn’t until the 1990s, when we started sequencing DNA, that biologists realized not all those groups fit together. Now, there are new orders, and “super-orders” and new families and “sub-families,” all trying to distinguish how mammals are similar/related or not, and the classifications continuing changing today. For now, true shrews and moles are in the order Eulipotyphla, and bats are in the order Chiroptera. <br />
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<b>Shrews<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORQ-Z3nVBZFq70VcT8dxHdgrWbOaZytTtW8pizyAAEYWmy7bi6FZK0A0YCvFph5QbDtqmAPNrnfYOflJC1YwFAIT9TGrySEvr2wT1cXXuPH3yfxHC7tWov8ecfOS7tek-_UpwQxsFMIg/s1600/Vagrant+Shrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORQ-Z3nVBZFq70VcT8dxHdgrWbOaZytTtW8pizyAAEYWmy7bi6FZK0A0YCvFph5QbDtqmAPNrnfYOflJC1YwFAIT9TGrySEvr2wT1cXXuPH3yfxHC7tWov8ecfOS7tek-_UpwQxsFMIg/s1600/Vagrant+Shrew.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vagrant Shrew <b>(</b>by William Leonard)</td></tr>
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The family Soricidae, the “shrew” family, has 26 genera and 376 species worldwide! The only places shrews are not found are Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Shrews are all small mammals found in forests, and most of them primarily make their living off of eating insects. They are carnivorous, but they also eat subterranean fungi. Shrews have many sharp teeth, but lack a zygomatic arch, which rodents have. Unlike rodents whose teeth are constantly growing, shrews only have one set of teeth. However, like beavers, some shrews have iron capped teeth which reinforce the tooth and make them stronger. Like bats, shrews can echolocate. They are mostly solitary, but very territorial (for fun, google: “shrew territorial battle!” It will make cage fighting look tame!). Shrews burrow, but they also spend a lot of time above ground. Shrews have a short lifespan of about one year, and can have up to 10 litters per year. A few other interesting facts about shrews: they have venomous saliva, and also can engage in seismic body shaking in order to figure out where to burrow. Being small has its disadvantages when it comes to being homoeothermic (warm-blooded) in a cooler climate. In colder climates, shrews have to eat 1.5-3x their body weight in food/day. They take several very short naps during the day, but they don’t go into torpor or hibernate. <br />
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In the Methow, we have the masked shrew (<i>Sorex cinereus</i>) and vagrant shrew (<i>Sorex vagrans</i>) for sure, and it’s likely we also have Montane (dusky) shrew (<i>Sorex monticolus </i>(<i>obscurus</i>)) and water shrew (<i>Sorex palustris)</i>. The masked shrew has the widest distribution range of any North American shrew and can be found in a variety of habitats. Water shrews live in water and make their living by eating lots of aquatic fish and amphibian larvae. Water shrews have hairs around the edges of their feet which makes them more efficient swimmers. They can control their metabolic rate a little bit more efficiently than other shrews.<br />
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<b>Moles<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWS0RLKt9xC913FiiYk315agO_XdfG6YAFVZjMb0FeA2kk_1eFeATPy8XwAir-1HtxcDNYZ393tI3F17mgm1HRqPla9AO-i1-rfEmT2xLm9uZbYkL6frGtNbdkJlqK0iVT0NBo3iixnbs/s1600/7362706482_7d1a6bc6e9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWS0RLKt9xC913FiiYk315agO_XdfG6YAFVZjMb0FeA2kk_1eFeATPy8XwAir-1HtxcDNYZ393tI3F17mgm1HRqPla9AO-i1-rfEmT2xLm9uZbYkL6frGtNbdkJlqK0iVT0NBo3iixnbs/s320/7362706482_7d1a6bc6e9_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coast Mole (by<b> </b><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Peter Paquet) </span></td></tr>
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Moles are in the Talpidae family. There are 17 genera and 50 species of moles world-wide. They spend much of their lives in underground burrows, so they’ve evolved a special ability to survive in low-oxygen environments. Their blood cells have a special form of hemoglobin that allows them to reuse oxygen. <br />
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Moles have a fused radius and humerus, and a huge pectoralis, all allowing them to dig efficiently and for long periods of time. Moles do have a zygomatic arch and like birds, they have a keeled sternum, which makes sense given the sweeping or swimming motion their front arms make. Mole saliva has a paralyzing toxin that allows them to store their still-living prey (primarily earthworms) for later consumption.<br />
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Pacific Moles, also known as Coast Moles (<i>Scapanus orarius</i>), live on the west side of the Cascades throughout the Northwest, but their mounds and sign have been found in the Methow by David Moskowitz, and records show that they’ve been seen to reach some parts of west-central Idaho. They stick to wetter riparian areas, and their mounds look different from gopher mounds (moles are more like volcanos with hole going straight down the middle; gophers are large nondescript piles and a hole may be found anywhere in it, curving down a side.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYIbvHTyFGIP7g8igoJZdj46d3w438bMwCRtKhiTRFNB6h4s6_frD7GpyezVnV0XPXGOxT8EJuuyAdiH4TiYDFRlpA2ZI1jPawnzd0YvDUGwTX0m4qHQj_0EXup3miBrJhVhW_fhxzV4/s1600/Townsend%2527s+Big-Eared+Bat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYIbvHTyFGIP7g8igoJZdj46d3w438bMwCRtKhiTRFNB6h4s6_frD7GpyezVnV0XPXGOxT8EJuuyAdiH4TiYDFRlpA2ZI1jPawnzd0YvDUGwTX0m4qHQj_0EXup3miBrJhVhW_fhxzV4/s320/Townsend%2527s+Big-Eared+Bat1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Townsend's big-eared bats in Twisp by Mary Kiesau</td></tr>
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<b>Bats</b> </div>
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Bats, in the order Chiroptera (meaning hand-wing) are the only true flying mammal. Bats are the second largest order of mammals (after the rodents), representing about 20% of all classified mammal species worldwide (there about 1200 species of bats). Bats showed up soon after the dinosaurs went extinct. Fossil records go back to the early Eocene period, (52-53mya). <br />
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Bats have the broadest array of feeding niches of any animal. Different bats eat different things; nectar, pollen, fish, frogs, blood, fruits, frogs, birds, and more. Bats have a wide array of teeth based on their diets. <br />
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The aspect ratio is the length to width ratio of the wing. Bats with shorter/broader wings are very maneuverable with a low aspect ratio wing. Also, like birds, some bats migrate. It was recently discovered that some bats who migrate use the same migratory paths that birds do. Bats have a higher concentration of red blood cells than other mammals in order to supply them with the energy they need for flying. Most bats utilize echolocation for navigation and feeding. Some bats estivate and some bats hibernate or go into torpor for a single night. <br />
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Flight lowers the probability of an early extrinsic death and so they generally can live a long time - many up to 30 years. If a species has a high probability of dying young, they will generally reproduce very quickly (like rodents). Bats reproduce very slowly, because of the reduced selection pressure on their lifespan (this is also a contributing factor to bats’ population decline). Mating occurs in late summer/early fall and the female stores the male sperm until April or May the following year. Once implantation is allowed, gestation is 30-60 days depending on the species. Generally, bats have 1 young, sometimes 2.<br />
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When it comes to echo-location, most bats generate sound with their larynx and their tongue in the 20-70kHz range. Our hearing range is between 20Hz-20KHz, so we usually can’t hear them. Some bats can generate calls up to 210 KHz. Many of the bat species in the Methow are in the myotis genus, and they have the ability to avoid a wire as thin as .28 mm by using echolocation. Others can avoid a wire .05 mm (the size of an amoeba!). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pallid bat wingspan (NPS photo)</td></tr>
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The most common bat<b></b>, the “little brown bat” (<i>Myotis lucifugus</i>), is the bat that has been most devastated by the white nose syndrome. The “big brown bat” (<i>Eptesicus fuscus</i>) is widely distributed and uses human structures to build their habitat. Townsend’s big-eared bats (<i>Corynorhinus townsendii</i>) feed primarily on moths and have very low intensity sounds so that the moths can’t hear them coming, giving this bat the common name of “whisper bat.” Hoary bats (<i>Lasiurus cinereus</i>) have high aspect ratio wings and can endure long migrations. <span id="goog_572504810"></span><span id="goog_572504811"></span>Pallid bats (<i>Antrozous pallidus</i>) are WA’s second largest bat. They like our arid river canyons and cliffs, and shrub-steppe where they forage on crickets. Spotted bats (<i>Euderma maculatum</i>) are considered one of America’s rarest animals. There are only 73 museum specimens in the world. We do have them in the valley - listen for them in Pipestone canyon at night; if you hear “tick, tick, tick, tick, tick” it’s probably a spotted bat. <br />
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Up until white nose syndrome, wind turbines were the biggest threat to bats. Bats often get hit by them, or the negative pressure can make it impossible to escape getting sucked into them. Wind farms kill between 600K-900K bats/year! Solutions proposed are to have the wind turbines only running during the day, but this solution is voluntary. Pesticides reduce food sources for bats, and a lot of pesticides are fat soluble and so the fatty tissues in bats gets an accumulation which can be lethal. If you want to help bats, leave dead trees standing to give them roosting cavities. White nosed syndrome is a fungal infection that grows on the face and wings. First discovered in 2006 in the Northeast, it is now in 29 states mostly found on the eastern side of the United States, but WA has also had one case. There have been over 11 million bats killed due to this deleterious fungal infection. The spores are highly resistant, and are passed by contact including, it was discovered, by bat researchers and spelunkers (people exploring caves) who get the fungal spores on their clothes and then go to another cave. (Throw clothes away if you go spelunking; washing doesn’t destroy the spores.)<br />
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<b>The 10 Decades Project & “One Stick at a Time”</b><br />
Kent Woodruff spoke about The 10 Decades Project which was conceived in 2014 as an attempt to engage resource managers and community leaders in actions directly related to reducing the climate change impacts expected for their areas. The main effort is to communicate that excellent work has been done to identify some of the specific climate change impacts that are here now and are arriving with increasing frequency, and demonstrate a few ways people in the Methow Valley are responding. The film “One Stick at a Time” was created for people that care about land and water and wildlife and fish and forests and people. The project is focused on showing that we have our work cut out for us and we need to start now to retain, for as long as we can, the things we value ... hopefully for 10 Decades or more. Kent asked questions and encouraged each of us for doing something to shape the future we want. What is one thing you have done to lessen climate change impacts? <br />
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<b>The film “One Stick at a Time” </b>(25 min)<b><br /></b></div>
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Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-56840245807075666552017-03-20T09:46:00.001-07:002017-03-20T10:18:31.915-07:00Methow Mammal Course - Class #5 Rodentia & Lagomorphs<i>Our 2017 "Conservation Course" started February 6th. Below are
notes taken by Susan Ernsdorff & Jan Sodt. Photos by Mary Kiesau (except beaver images). See notes and videos from the previous
classes here:</i><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2017/02/mammal-course-class-1-taxonomy-evolution.html" target="_blank">Class #1</a><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2017/02/mammal-course-class-2-canids-and-ursids.html" target="_blank">Class #2</a><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2017/03/methow-mammal-course-class-3-ungulates.html" target="_blank">Class #3</a><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2017/03/methow-mammal-course-class-4-felids.html" target="_blank">Class #4 </a><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2017.html" target="_blank">Learn more about the Mammal Course here</a><br />
<br />
<b>Class #5 - Rodents & Lagomorphs with Kris Ernest, March 6 2017</b><br />
<b><i>plus a mini presentation by Torre Stockard on the Methow Beaver Projec </i></b><br />
<b><i> </i> </b><br />
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(Watch and listen to the entire class on this video)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Squirrels are common in the Methow!</td></tr>
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<b>Themes of the talk </b><br />
1. Small body size has advantages and disadvantages<br />
2. Adaptions to herbivorous diet and “life in the fast lane”<br />
3. Amazing diversity – physiology, behaviors, survival strategies. Why diversity? Being small bodied allows for different ways to make a living in a given niche; and evolution can take place more quickly because they are shorter-lived and breed more quickly than larger species.<br />
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We think of mice when we think of Rodents but this order also includes voles, squirrels, chipmunks, ground squirrels, marmots, porcupine, muskrat and beaver!<br />
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If you have a skull in the hand, you can ID rodents and lagomorphs by teeth type and amount (dental formulas)<br />
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Rodents have 1/1 Incisors - 1 on the top, one of the 1 bottom, per side.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muskrats eat lots of vegetation, and build small lodges too.</td></tr>
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They have 0 Canines, the gap where the canine teeth would have been is called the diastema.<br />
Premolars + Molars = 5 or less on top, 4 or less on the bottom, per side</div>
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Total teeth = 16 to 22</div>
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So: I 1/1, C 0/0, P + M S5/S4 = 16-22 teeth= most rodents have total of 16 teeth<br />
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Lagomorphs have 2/1 Incisors - 2 on top and one on the 1 bottom, per side<br />
They also have no canines. <br />
Premolars + Molars = 5 or 6 on top, 5 on the bottom, per side</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Total teeth = 26 to 28 (significantly more than rodents)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So: I 2/1, C 0/0, P + M 5-6/5 = 26-28 teeth<br />
Lagomorphs also have a funny little second incisor on the top behind the incisor called the peg tooth.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Other characteristics of Rodents & Lagomorphs</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Rodents and lagomorphs are each others' closest relatives taxonomically. Both are found worldwide.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKxGwV0Lv9JNUUvysUObkQkmKZgUfhf1rGGrcsYKTfuQ3rTuZ49DT_1clE_pd1_pObICUF8tQkoW7R_vJwl9guY_z4gx0wb09MMdaTSBx1JJaARzT2OW2E9ffjGqGbsi_2HwG12L1clw/s1600/mini_chipmunk.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKxGwV0Lv9JNUUvysUObkQkmKZgUfhf1rGGrcsYKTfuQ3rTuZ49DT_1clE_pd1_pObICUF8tQkoW7R_vJwl9guY_z4gx0wb09MMdaTSBx1JJaARzT2OW2E9ffjGqGbsi_2HwG12L1clw/s320/mini_chipmunk.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A chipmunk or a golden-mantled ground squirrel??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Rodents are very small, 20-100 grams.<br />
Their feet are bare on the soles.<br />
There are 36 families, totaling 2300 species (more than 40% of total mammal species)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They are mostly herbivorous or omnivorous but they can be carnivorous<br />
<br />
Lagomorphs are mostly smallish, less than 5 kilograms<br />
Feel are fully furred.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There are only 2 families totaling 94 species.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lagos are only herbivorous.<br />
<br />
Advantages to being small:<br />
~ Easy to hide and to find shelter<br />
~ Need small amount of food<br />
~ Live in a small territory so there are bigger populations in an area, better genetic diversity<br />
~ Higher reproductive rates<br />
<br />
Disadvantages to being small: <br />
~ Easy to be eaten, especially when snowpack is low<br />
~ Can't carry much or move very fast<br />
~ Have more surface area per mass – harder to stay warm, have to eat more per unit weight<br />
~ Limited ability to see far</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtlY2kHzCAUcD4Q-j8pOPDgfpgFkboqUTrSJbLahFwGeU2wPtnbZsf79hLVC53NxY9YSKepsF4HTz58SEtwHLQiBZ1c4JAIGmmxVisb4E-PmHjdOZ05UcrKhnD68JdgyWEQ0KD7tgWRo/s1600/HoaryMarmot.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtlY2kHzCAUcD4Q-j8pOPDgfpgFkboqUTrSJbLahFwGeU2wPtnbZsf79hLVC53NxY9YSKepsF4HTz58SEtwHLQiBZ1c4JAIGmmxVisb4E-PmHjdOZ05UcrKhnD68JdgyWEQ0KD7tgWRo/s320/HoaryMarmot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Hoary Marmot basking (a warming strategy)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Surface area/volume ratio for smaller mammals is 60 times greater than larger mammals. And smaller animals have to eat far more: Elephants are 200,000 times larger than a mouse; but their mass-specific metabolic rate 1/12 as large. <br />
For example: here are some mass-specific metabolic rates (energy needed per unit of mass):<br />
Shrew = 7 Flying squirrel = 1 Elephant = .2<br />
<br />
Strategies to stay warm when it's cold </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
~ Live in warmer micro-habitats (most do this - like burrows under snow or in soil)<br />
~ Insulated nests (most do this)<br />
~ Communal huddling (many do this, like deer mice and marmots, but pika are solitary)<br />
~ Hibernation (some do this, like marmots)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfR1U6-J6DgTYZrf7gnDZWJBs1U4h5ReIySWyqiqVY0NNzlXAJkSkkYEDoplyvXHwncLoh3dwANZAzF0-VnRa8qnwwpL0g0m444ATLHcsKYB7rLXTwl2RbRejH6yzy1Yr5hH4QezIqY3I/s1600/mini_pika_web.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfR1U6-J6DgTYZrf7gnDZWJBs1U4h5ReIySWyqiqVY0NNzlXAJkSkkYEDoplyvXHwncLoh3dwANZAzF0-VnRa8qnwwpL0g0m444ATLHcsKYB7rLXTwl2RbRejH6yzy1Yr5hH4QezIqY3I/s320/mini_pika_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So cute, but fierce protectors of their territories!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Pikas</b> (because they really are the cutest species)<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Have a super-high metabolism and thick fur, so they overheat easily. They live in high alpine talus fields and nest under big rocks where it's cooler and there's good cool air flow. Across their range, they are threatened by a warming climate - there's been quite a research done on them. They just can't go higher up, they are already at high elevations. <br />
They eat plants year-round, with no hibernation or torpor phase. They dry plants in the summer for winter consumption (their stacks of dried plants are called hay piles and can be quite large! This drying also leaches out the toxicity in certain plants). <br />
Therefore they have to digest cellulose, which is difficult. Their strategy? Coprophagy. They re-eat their first round of "poop" pellets for more digestion and absorption of nutrients the second time around. The pellets we humans see are the second round.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
All rodents have teeth that never stop growing (the word rodent comes from Latin <i>rodere</i>, "to gnaw"). Beavers are a great example of that. They have special skulls and very strong jaws for constantly chewing. Their teeth are also strong, containing iron, which is why they have an orange tinge to them. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
We've talked about being an herbivore, omnivore or carnivore, but many rodents are also "Granivores" (grain eaters) or "Fungivores" (fungus-eaters aka Mycophagy). The Great Basin pocket mouse has external fur-lined cheek pouches for hauling grain. They literally have a flap of skin on the outside of their cheeks (not like a chipmunk with internal pockets. They don't have to drink water because they can get all they need as a byproduct of metabolizing food. Northern flying squirrels, red-backed vole and Pacific jumping mouse are fungivores - they eat fungi and spread spores and nutrients around the forest. <br />
<br />
<b>Conservation concerns</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Western Gray Squirrel – State Threatened</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
American Pika – no conservation status, but petitioned for listing, specifically because of global climate change</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Northern Bog Lemming - State Monitored species (a few are known to be in the Methow Cascades)<br />
<br />
The Snoqualmie Pass East Project is attempting to increase wildlife connectivity and safe passage, and decrease mortality across I-90. The project includes 30 new crossing structures under and over the freeway, plus habitat enhancements such as logs and plantings, adding microhabitat features, innoculating with local fungal spores, using local soils, etc. Monitoring of use of crossing structures by small animals is done using live traps and pit fall arrays. The project is also monitoring pika patch occupancy. They can live right next to the interstate if there's enough cover, food and other habitat requirements. <br />
<br />
<b>THE METHOW BEAVER PROJECT </b>with Speaker Torre Stockard<br />
Our watershed is 1800 square miles. <br />
Goals of project: Restore beavers where they used to be; improve the watershed health and restore complexity to the stream systems of the watershed. <br />
Measurable outcomes: Improve water quality; delay runoff and increase storage of water; expand riparian habitat; increase stream complexity; reconnect floodplains. <br />
<br />
Key innovations in the first 10 years: </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
~ GIS analysis of watershed to identify good beaver locations</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
~ Live capture and handling and processing of beavers - they created a special "beaver bag" so beavers don't have to be anesthetized</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
~ Determined how to distinguish sexes (via anal glands), which was not known anywhere prior to the Methow Beaver Project. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwG5PGsB7715-WJlPHaVblTSeT_hzlGabQQwtltB3cQdPutlpnBXSXs_L5cFuiJDoa3bGk4w-sUVYU-MeKXN_aJj-L2iHi3m64eH6WZYWiAD_w6So9yfPA0pV-hgYr8gQ8-uAo_It9w0/s1600/tagged_beavers.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwG5PGsB7715-WJlPHaVblTSeT_hzlGabQQwtltB3cQdPutlpnBXSXs_L5cFuiJDoa3bGk4w-sUVYU-MeKXN_aJj-L2iHi3m64eH6WZYWiAD_w6So9yfPA0pV-hgYr8gQ8-uAo_It9w0/s320/tagged_beavers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beavers being housed at the Fish Hatchery until relocation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
About 325 "nuisance" beavers have been captured and relocated since 2008. These are beavers that landowners have requested be removed and the project deemed necessary as well (clogging culverts; chewing orchards, etc). <br />
<br />
PIT (passive integrative responder) Tagging allows tracking of their movement – they can move far! One went down the Methow River to the Columbia, up the Columbia and then up the Okanogan river, last monitored at Canadian border. 142 miles. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj184YUDJ-sVbIGmAH1nr3KbxXa6Y2J25W067v_7ZW6omu_QdrrWh1kkJ9j0NWkEyJ51eBmtCCvphNwVN6xxbiAMD_A0DuT6qUQ4XzUY0sFpXEstwMy-Q5X7JO4-SecgIPKoiFlnT1qlBA/s1600/newlodge.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj184YUDJ-sVbIGmAH1nr3KbxXa6Y2J25W067v_7ZW6omu_QdrrWh1kkJ9j0NWkEyJ51eBmtCCvphNwVN6xxbiAMD_A0DuT6qUQ4XzUY0sFpXEstwMy-Q5X7JO4-SecgIPKoiFlnT1qlBA/s320/newlodge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A temporary lodge made by humans for released beavers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Captured beavers are temporarily housed at the fish hatchery pens on Twin Lakes Road. Lots of volunteers help with feeding. Monitoring is done to see if a male and female pair seems to get along, before relocating. Before beavers are released at a chosen site, a temporary lodge is built for the beavers to use while they build their own. Site monitoring shows remarkably fast work! One picture showed that in the first week the beavers had already built a dam and created a pond. Water storage and changes in stream temp are monitored too.<br />
<br />
So far, there's about a 50% success rate of the relocated beavers staying put. Approx 45 pairs have been established in 9 years. The project is now working on ways to improve success such as more preliminary work to help beavers get established in very compromised landscapes (such as highly-incised stream cuts), as well as more education to local landowners on how to live with beavers instead of relocating them, including the creation of structures to block them from culverts. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
See more at: <a href="http://methowsalmon.org/beaverproject.html">http://methowsalmon.org/beaverproject.html</a></div>
Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-59775490852251913662017-03-13T16:02:00.001-07:002017-03-13T16:02:32.270-07:00Methow Mammal Course - Class #4 Felids & Mustelids<i>Our 2017 "Conservation Course" started February 6th. Below are notes taken by Avery Young. See notes and videos from the previous classes here:</i><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2017/02/mammal-course-class-1-taxonomy-evolution.html" target="_blank">Class #1</a><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2017/02/mammal-course-class-2-canids-and-ursids.html" target="_blank">Class #2</a><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2017/03/methow-mammal-course-class-3-ungulates.html" target="_blank">Class #3</a><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2017.html" target="_blank">Learn more about the Mammal Course here</a><br />
<br />
<b>Class #4 - Felids & Mustelids with John Rohrer, Feb 27 2017</b><br />
(our video of the class is giving us difficulties - we'll load it as soon as we can)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
The native cats of the Methow are:<br />
Lynx canadensis - Canada Lynx<br />
Lynx rulus - Bobcat<br />
Puma concolor - Cougar<br />
<br />
Cats, or Felids are the perfect predator. Their long, sharp, and circular canines are made for puncturing and grabbing prey. Felids have a short face, which makes for a powerful bite. All of their canine molars are made for sheering meat. Felids orient their life visually and aurally. They use their eyes and ears to navigate life. They have 270 degrees of peripheral vision. Their external ears are designed for funneling sound down to their ear drums. Cats have 32 muscles on per ear, and they can move each independently. Their flexible spine allows them to stretch out when they run. Speed and power are distinguishing characteristics of a Felid’s hunting prowess. <br />
<br />
<b>Mountain lion</b> common names include: cougar, puma, panther, catamount depending on where you are. The cougar is considered the most successful mammal (meaning they have the largest range) of the Western hemisphere going from north of Canada clear into Patagonia. Cougars are extremely territorial, and their territories can be 50-150 sq miles (males have much larger territories than females). In 1996, hound hunting became outlawed in WA, which inadvertently led to six cougar projects in the Okanogan. Biologists found that the adult males control the territories of all the cougars in an area, and that removing these adult males upset the social structure. The niche would get filled by 2-3 younger cougars who hadn’t “learned the ropes” yet which led to an increase in human conflict. On average around 50 cougars are killed via hunting in Okanogan county per year, and the remaining population is considered numerous, healthy and stable. Cougars can generally be found up on rock crops or other perches where they can see landscapes and potential prey well. They are actually *not* typically found in trees. They can climb trees, and will if they feel threatened by dogs, but generally, cougars are not hanging out high up in trees. <br />
<br />
Some additional resources include:<br />
<a href="http://mountainlion.org/" target="_blank">The Mountain Lion Foundation</a><br />
WDFW’s <a href="http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/cougars" target="_blank">Living with Cougars </a>webpage<br />
<a href="http://www.panthera.org/" target="_blank">Panthera</a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqW9awfJdwMsglPFORrM3p9yLcW1V8DvATG8-h8DqZECpXVLg5bCEWVVJjVPnQcpo3GFG0FkwyKqjGuhUAw0c5ymvqq2uoHxYtP1uOj5fY5NZlfxBzcu3c96Y8GmoSSYWvREqLgQcRY4g/s1600/i-gwRfsnt-L.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqW9awfJdwMsglPFORrM3p9yLcW1V8DvATG8-h8DqZECpXVLg5bCEWVVJjVPnQcpo3GFG0FkwyKqjGuhUAw0c5ymvqq2uoHxYtP1uOj5fY5NZlfxBzcu3c96Y8GmoSSYWvREqLgQcRY4g/s320/i-gwRfsnt-L.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bobcat from a remote camera by David Moskowitz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Bobcats</b> are habitat and prey generalists. They exist in every state except Alaska, HI and Delaware, and can thrive in numerous different habitats. These cats lead solitary lives and feed almost exclusively on rodents. They have small feet, proportional to their body, and are not adapted for deep snow. Bobcats exhibit sexual dimorphism; females get up to 15lbs while males can be 20lbs or more. Bobcats are common in the Methow Valley but they hunt at night so we rarely see them. <br />
<br />
<b>Lynx</b> are habitat and prey specialists. They eat almost exclusively snowshoe hare and prefer higher elevation forests with deep winter snow. They have long legs and huge feet (like snowshoes) which allow them to move efficiently. In the fall, they grow hair on the bottom of their feet. The snowshoe hare and lynx are textbook examples of the predator/prey cycle. It is hare abundance that drives lynx population dynamics from survival rates to den site selection.<br />
<br />
Bobcats and lynx look similar and are often confused, though they are often separated by habitat, as mentioned above. They both have “bobbed” tails but lynx have an entirely black tail tip, while the tip of a bobcat’s tail is black on the outside, and white underneath. Lynx have much longer ear tufts than bobcat, and they have a larger/fuller face ruff. Then, of course, there’s the feet: lynx are 4.5 inches across and bobcat are at most 2.5inches. In a track, lynx have indistinct toe pads because of their furry feet, but cougar or bobcat have very distinct toes in the track.<br />
<br />
In Washington, the trapping season for lynx was closed in 1993 when the animal was listed in the state as threatened. The lynx was listed Federally as threatened in 2000. After a 2016 status review by WDFW, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission uplisted the animal from threatened to endangered in WA in December 2016 (<a href="http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01826/" target="_blank">see the most recent WA State review here</a>). <br />
<br />
Furs were highly sought after in the 20th century. 98% of lynx are distributed in Canada, while the remaining 2% reside in the lower 48 in 6 unique spots. Northern Maine has the most with 500-600. Most of their habitat in Maine is private lumber areas. NE Minnesota has from 15-200. They are also found in Montana and Wyoming. Yellowtone has not had a lynx since 2010. We have lynx here in North Central Washington with the best estimate currently around 40-55 individuals.<br />
<br />
Fires greatly affect lynx population. Here, the north side of Lake Chelan to upper Twisp River is their territory. Since so many fires have affected the same habitat zone as the lynx, it’s important to note that since 1994, fires have reduced over 30% of lynx habitat. Lynx cannot live in fire-ravaged areas, so they are sometimes forced to go into other lynx territories. <br />
<br />
Why did the fire push them out? Typically, wildfires destroy about 10-15% of lynx habitat. However, in the last 10 years, fires have gotten much more intense and now 30-40% of lynx habitat is destroyed by our fires. The amount of time it will take for these habitats to recover, and be able to provide a living place for lynx, is 15-20 years. <br />
<br />
Why do fires affect lynx habitat so much? The answer lies in the snowshoe hare/lynx relationship. Snowshoe hares need ground level coverage as well as ground level conifers for nutrition. The fires make it very hard for hares to survive. If there are few hares, the lynx will also be scarce. As climate change continues to reduce snowpack and/or create earlier spring run-off, we can expect to see a reduction in the hare population. Furthermore, the mid-winter thaw/freeze cycles allow the snow to harden and other predators can go to lynx habitat and compete with them. <br />
<br />
Q: Rumors say there has been a lynx in Winthrop recently, is that true? <br />
A: Probably not because of the lower elevation. If you ever think that you might have seen a lynx, go get a track. The so called lynx in Winthrop was likely a bobcat.<br />
<br />
The Methow members of the Mustelidae Family are: <br />
Short tailed weasel<br />
Long tailed weasel<br />
Mink<br />
Marten<br />
Fisher<br />
Badger<br />
River otter<br />
Wolverine<br />
(skunks were recently moved to a different family)<br />
<br />
Mustelids are the largest and most diverse family of carnivores. They can be arboreal, aquatic, fossorial (under ground), subnivean (below snow), or chionophillic (snow lover). All Mustelids have musk glands in their anal glands. They are typically small animals with short legs, short, round ears, and thick fur. Most mustelids are solitary, nocturnal animals, and are active year-round. Most female mustelids have delayed implantation: the embryo does not immediately implant in the uterus, but remains dormant for some time. The normal gestation period can be extended up to a year. This allows the young to be born under more favorable environmental conditions. <br />
<br />
Badgers: 20 years ago, they were uncommon but are beginning to become more common. <br />
<br />
River otters <span class="_Xbe kno-fv"><i>(Lontra canadensis</i>) </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuGpeQXiQpCLqL_n_uHMY9e6ZZwPiARs1kNxwvO4JEZLsMZUcO6AtSfWA0kXIRVsgy9ok1jJH6__bSplTbjkgJ0-mtZrf6ccd5nJOM4gaKqDBL-YfinI7VzCMyMY2sMWYOhFoVLstdDo/s1600/HeathOtters15_web.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuGpeQXiQpCLqL_n_uHMY9e6ZZwPiARs1kNxwvO4JEZLsMZUcO6AtSfWA0kXIRVsgy9ok1jJH6__bSplTbjkgJ0-mtZrf6ccd5nJOM4gaKqDBL-YfinI7VzCMyMY2sMWYOhFoVLstdDo/s320/HeathOtters15_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Methow river otters by Mary Kiesau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
are adapted for water and have webbing between their toes. Their nose and ears close completely to keep water out, and they can hold their breath for 3-4 minutes. They have thick, lush hair that prevents water from reaching their skin. They are relatively common in certain areas of the Methow, especially large ponds. Otters are an indicator of healthy streams, rivers, and water bodies.<br />
<br />
Why have badgers and river otters increased as of late? River otters were still being trapped up through the 90’s. Badgers are more mysterious, but it could be because of a warming climate and also, better awareness; badgers don’t get shot as varmint as much as they used to. <br />
<br />
Fishers (<i>Martes pennanti</i>) were considered extirpated from WA by the mid-1900s due to population and habitat loss from logging, trapping and poisoning. In 1998, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission listed the fisher as endangered in the state. The Dept. of Wildlife is now actively reintroducing fishers in the Olympics, Southern Cascades and North Cascades. <a href="http://www.conservationnw.org/what-we-do/wildlife-habitat/fisher" target="_blank">Read more about fisher recovery here</a>. <br />
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Weasel: There are two species in the Methow- the Short-tailed Weasel (<i>Mustela erminea</i>) and the Long-tailed Weasel (<i>Mustela frenata</i>). Some call the short-tailed weasel by the name ermine. Weasels have a long slender body, long neck, long head, and long vertebrae, all of which they compress and then extend in long bounding strides, like a slinky toy, when they move. In winter, they develop a white coat. They have a huge appetite, and must eat at least 1/3 of their body weight per day. Their resting pulse is 480-500bmp. The subnivean zone (below the snow but along the ground) is their key to survival in winter. Their size and shape are hugely inefficient for cold weather, so they stay under the snow most the time except to hunt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoV-cottNJD3-_t11Du1g35ZPmu102sspxYSudaP4JnRm8M2uTYXfErOEO4OWgZRME95e9751TF2004d-XqBMmrij_p-abh60qW4bwukRCwoSFGh4H-QvL7YtxEbYNB_RnO4n4ZJBHeA/s1600/Gary%2527s+weasel1.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoV-cottNJD3-_t11Du1g35ZPmu102sspxYSudaP4JnRm8M2uTYXfErOEO4OWgZRME95e9751TF2004d-XqBMmrij_p-abh60qW4bwukRCwoSFGh4H-QvL7YtxEbYNB_RnO4n4ZJBHeA/s200/Gary%2527s+weasel1.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzR0P20KhCJI5Q3v6dt0IfG5m0mCMbhEbr_rszckc3cVBY7B4UO9LnsBQSK0MtrNz_icKRBsKjre9QR6mtVt4K4SCQ0ksCl32uLldAgO_H1hwRWE8ODGBZhCse_Sb-gbNNbw85CIKcLYE/s1600/Gary%2527s+weasel2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzR0P20KhCJI5Q3v6dt0IfG5m0mCMbhEbr_rszckc3cVBY7B4UO9LnsBQSK0MtrNz_icKRBsKjre9QR6mtVt4K4SCQ0ksCl32uLldAgO_H1hwRWE8ODGBZhCse_Sb-gbNNbw85CIKcLYE/s200/Gary%2527s+weasel2.jpeg" width="200" /></a><br />
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Methow photos from Gary Ott of a short-tailed (?) weasel getting a mouse.</div>
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The American marten or pine marten (<i>Martes americana</i>) are found in dense coniferous forest at higher elevations in areas with cold, snowy winters, similar to lynx. Like other mustelids they were highly valued as furbearers, and Okanogan County was an area of extensive trapping, even up until the year 2000. They feed on rodents, insects, birds, eggs, fruits and nuts. Though marten are well-adapted for snow, their activity is greater in summer than in winter, and they use the insulating characteristics of snow to keep warm and dry in the winter. They will often be in the subnivean layer and use areas of shallow snowpack. Marten are smaller in size and lighter in color than fisher, and we may begin to see these two species in the same areas after fishers are reintroduced in the North Cascades later this year!<br />
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Wolverines are the ultimate alpine survivor, but they could be the next victim of climate change. Their Latin name <i>Gulo gulo </i>has to do with how much they eat and how much they destroy. Considered ferocious and with strength out of proportion to its size, a wolverine is a powerful and versatile predator. Though they typically feed on ungulate carrion (they are primarily scavengers), marmots and other small mammals, they can kill prey much larger than themselves. Males are typically around 30lbs though they can be much larger, and females around 20lbs. They have large feet and claws, frost resistant fur, and are thermo-neutral down to -40F.<br />
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Wolverine skulls don’t have a detachable lower mandible, it is locked in with bone so that when it goes to crush a big bone it doesn’t dislocate it’s jaw. They have very large home ranges and are capable of traveling long distances. They are habitat generalists avoiding humans. <br />
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Like other mustelids, wolverines mate in the summer but have delayed implantation. They give birth in late February in a den deep under the snow in the peak of the winter during the harshest conditions. Their successful reproduction appears to be tied to deep snow layer that persists through spring. Natal dens in the North Cascades have been found at 6000 feet. Two to three kits are born. Sometimes, males will go to the den sites to visit the kits and to scent mark the dens where they have made offspring. It’s believed that wolverines might cache food in summer snowbanks to survive food scarce winters, which may be especially important for pregnant and nursing females who can’t go on long hunting forays.<br />
<b><br />The North Cascades Wolverine Project</b> spanned from 2006-2015. There are other research efforts still ongoing in Glacier, Yellowstone, and central Idaho. The first year of the study determined that wolverines can effectively be live trapped and radio collared!<br />
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What do you do with them? Tranquilize them, then take size measurements, DNA and other health assessment, and diagnostic photographs to capture the unique pattern on their chest/throat. Each get a unique combination of colored ear tags and a radio collars. Their body temperature and other vitals are taken during the 45 minutes or so that they are under. Then they are placed back in the trap before they wake up.<br />
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Do they ever attack you? No, they run away the moment they are released.<br />
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What did we learn? Ultimate alpine survivor is a good name. They inhabit high elevations year round and travel great distances. DNA evidence suggests that they were totally extirpated from the western US and that they trickled down from upper Alberta. The research provided that spring snow cover until May 15th is the best predictor of where they can thrive. Currently they are only found in North Cascades and Northern Rockies in the United States.<br />
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See a wolverine release video here!</div>
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Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-81109050356160757472017-03-04T18:07:00.001-08:002017-03-09T10:51:03.246-08:00Methow Mammal Course - Class #3 Ungulates<i>Our 2017 "Conservation Course" started February 6th. Below are notes taken by Avery Young. See notes and videos from the previous classes here:</i><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2017/02/mammal-course-class-1-taxonomy-evolution.html" target="_blank">Class #1</a><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2017/02/mammal-course-class-2-canids-and-ursids.html" target="_blank">Class #2</a><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2017.html" target="_blank">Learn more about the Mammal Course here</a><br />
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<b>Class #3 - Ungulates with Sara Hansen & Jeff Heinlen, Feb 20 2017</b><br />
<i>plus a mini presentation by Mary Kiesau on Feb 27 (scroll down for that video and notes)</i><br />
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Watch and listen to the entire class on this video</div>
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This class focused on the Artiodactyla order (even-toed ungulates), and covered the two families Cervidae and Bovidae. The wild animals in this order that are in Washington include:<br />
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Mule deer<br />
Black-tailed deer<br />
White-tailed deer<br />
Columbian white-tailed deer<br />
Elk<br />
Moose<br />
Bighorn sheep<br />
Mountain goat<br />
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<b>The Cervid Family</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8Mea1AJJ9UX9gQ8DLFs1vIKqdHR8KxSt24y_uuX7VNv2_aG-iPq_biESoIqhisbkWDJY6vgW667oFJ4xDty2CTu3KUZMSsr_VSwP1el9ozk_lNUzk8LaRUx423gcMKGNno6Nu0StKEE/s1600/mini_deer+herd.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8Mea1AJJ9UX9gQ8DLFs1vIKqdHR8KxSt24y_uuX7VNv2_aG-iPq_biESoIqhisbkWDJY6vgW667oFJ4xDty2CTu3KUZMSsr_VSwP1el9ozk_lNUzk8LaRUx423gcMKGNno6Nu0StKEE/s320/mini_deer+herd.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mule Deer Herd by Mary Kiesau</td></tr>
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Cervids are herbivores that lack incisors and walk on ungulated toes - meaning the weight is borne equally by the third and fourth toes, hence the name even-toes ungulates. Okanogan County has an abundance of cervids - otherwise knowns as deer (and elk and moose)! There are “odd-toed ungulates,” such as horses, who bear their weight primarily on their third toe. <br />
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Cervids have an extraordinary sense of smell. Deer have 1000 scent receptors (and we have maybe 50) and their skulls have a huge nasal cavity to accommodate all those scent receptors. <br />
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The main distinguishing factors for identifying cervids are their tail, metatarsal gland location, behavior, and sometimes antlers (although antlers are not as reliable).<br />
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Sexual dimorphism in deer is quite pronounced – males tend to be larger than females, and, except for the reindeer, only males possess antlers. Our male deer species (including elk and moose) have antlers, which are temporary and regularly regrown unlike the permanent horns of bovids, from Spring through Fall. Antlers are dropped shortly after the breeding season (the rut) is over, usually December into January. In the spring when antlers regrow they have a velvet sheath and are some of the fastest growing tissue of any organism; they can grow an inch a day.<br />
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Phenotypically speaking, mule deer have a black tip at the end of their tail, and a white patch under their tails but their tails are usually not raised. Black-tailed deer have a thick, waterproof undercoat made with heavy oils which helps them deal with their habitat on the wet, Western slope of the Cascades (they are not found east of the cascades). The bulk of the outward-facing part of their tail is black. White-tailed deer, pervasive on the east coast of the US but also found here in Washington, have a broad, fluffy tail that is brown on the outer side and white on the underside. When alarmed or running, their tail is often raised like a white flag. White-tailed deer have a much more aggressive temperament than other deer. Columbian white tailed deer, although rare, can be found in Southwestern WA; they are a protected species and not legal to hunt.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JCo0ltMJPOlp_hKScx3lKC3sang0Mk37JfP8UYEeo6w58SHwEiFUdIzKClVRH6UgXY7JgEi44BoCJHPC8dZW65Gauh64tTDFJwMGYKLKL4IgVpw73nMbEF3kxg8CGKcHtlIhfbwhir0/s1600/fawn.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JCo0ltMJPOlp_hKScx3lKC3sang0Mk37JfP8UYEeo6w58SHwEiFUdIzKClVRH6UgXY7JgEi44BoCJHPC8dZW65Gauh64tTDFJwMGYKLKL4IgVpw73nMbEF3kxg8CGKcHtlIhfbwhir0/s1600/fawn.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mule Deer Fawn by Mary Kiesau</td></tr>
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Deer breed late in the fall and have a 7-month gestation. Females birth one or two fawns in late May to early June. The fawns stay with the does for about one year. Females generally breed at 1.5 years, but can breed as fawns occasionally. Life span of deer is 8-15 years.<br />
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The <a href="http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/deer.html" target="_blank">WDFW Living with Deer website</a> has a wealth of information! <br />
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One of the coolest things about Elk or wapiti (Cervus canadensis), aside from their size, is that they have “fangs.” Unlike deer and moose, elk still have a tooth on each side of their front upper jaw - what we call “canines.” The teeth are ivory and are called “ivories.” All the rest of their teeth are enamel. There are only two animals indigenous to the Pacific Northwest with ivory teeth - elk and walrus. An elk uses their ivory teeth to threaten and intimidate, snarling his upper lip to show his “fangs.” A bull’s ivory tooth is much larger than a cow’s ivory tooth. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cow elks by Mary Kiesau</td></tr>
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“Wapiti” is the name for Rocky Mountain elk in the Shawnee language and means “white rump.” These cervids can live well into their 20’s (and there’s at least one in the Methow who probably has!). Elk inhabit areas where there are a lot of open fields for grazing, and there are elk in certain parts of Okanogan county, though very few in the Methow. <br />
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Moose (Alces alces) are found in WA especially in the northeast part of the state. Moose means “twig eater” in Algonquin and they are the largest cervid in North America. They have an extensive range northward throughout Canada and Alaska. Moose endure an 8-month gestation, bearing 1-3 calves in June. Unlike most other deer and elk species, moose are solitary animals and do not form herds. Recently 12 moose had to be moved out of downtown Spokane (this process involved a lot of drugs, sleds, and some strong people). </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghboYXwyVi1yCVD8rgyWawdu_rvQG5d-mNiLPGWsLJAKoQ2Hztdz6VVIT9jFSCvbOnomyv26eIPy_UXzSgem9brCSg96qb6pG0hX3EfNR-RLzjRqoodydc4HUQPQ8stZi1t_O0n4-TQsI/s1600/mini_moose+cow.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghboYXwyVi1yCVD8rgyWawdu_rvQG5d-mNiLPGWsLJAKoQ2Hztdz6VVIT9jFSCvbOnomyv26eIPy_UXzSgem9brCSg96qb6pG0hX3EfNR-RLzjRqoodydc4HUQPQ8stZi1t_O0n4-TQsI/s200/mini_moose+cow.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cow Moose by Mary Kiesau</td></tr>
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Moose are starting to increase in numbers in the Methow too; Northcentral WA is kind of like the final frontier for moose in the United States. Since 2010, there have been more and more incidences of road kill of moose. In talking to Native Americans, there are no stories about Moose in Washington. Why are they increasing here? They need cold and they need mixed broadleaf and boreal forests with abundant shrubs for browsing. Perhaps the increased amount of large wildfires over the last 20 years in WA has improved the habitat for them. </div>
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Q: I have been feeding the deer at my house, what do you think of that? <br />
A: It’s usually a bad idea. Deer have a 4-chambered stomach that has specific gut bacteria based on the vegetation and time of year. If you change that diet, their gut bacteria needs about 2 weeks to transition over to be able to digest the new food. This process takes a lot of energy. Sometimes deer stomach’s will bloat to the extent that the deer will actually die of starvation with a full stomach. <br />
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<b>The Bovid Family</b><br />
Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) are in the Bovidae family, along with mountain goats and other cloven-hoofed ruminants, including domestic cattle. They are adapted for steep, rugged terrain. Males weigh up to 200 lbs and 8-10% of that weight is in the horns. It takes 7-8 years to get a full curl in the horns. Ewes, the females, are smaller than the rams (can weigh up to 150 lb.) and have shorter, smaller horns that never exceed half a curl. These cliff dwelling sheep live up to 10-12 years. The two digits of each hoof move independently. The posterior half of each hoof bears a rubbery pad for gripping. They use cliffs to escape predators such as coyotes, wolves, and cougars who have a very hard time scaling the cliffs. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bighorn Sheep by David Moskowitz</td></tr>
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Male bighorn sheep can be identified by the presence of large curled horns. Horns are permanent and made of live bone - they don’t fall off like antlers but they will stop growing in winter and restart in spring which adds a ring in the horn. Counting rings in a horn makes it fairly easy to age a ram. In the late fall rams start head butting to establish dominance over one another. You can sometimes see this spectacle exhibited South of Orville on Highway 9. Breeding occurs in late November through early December. Lambing occurs from late-April to mid-June on steep, rugged, natural habitats. <br />
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Bighorn sheep distribution in WA is in central and eastern Washington east of the Cascades. Local historic accounts go back to the late 1800’s, including in the Cascades just west of the Methow Valley. By 1950, there were no more bighorn sheep left in Washington due to over-hunting and disease from domestic sheep, which had herds numbering in the thousands throughout Washington’s mountains. The Washington Dept of Fish & Wildlife began reintroducing bighorn sheep from Canada about 60 years ago initially starting the Sinlahekin herd in northern Okanogan County. Now, there are eight herds in Washington, including some that established themselves, with some population and genetic mixing between the herds and into Canada.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bighorn Sheep Herd by David Moskowitz</td></tr>
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What are the bighorn sheeps’ problems? Cars are the cause of death for some sheep. Domestic sheep and goats can also pose problems because they can transmit a lethal strain of pneumonia to the sheep. Pneumonia can kill about 80-85% of a bighorn sheep herd. Dogs can sometimes be a threat to sheep. High barbed wire fences can also be a problem for these roaming ungulates when they get stuck in the fence. Psoroptic mange is a disease caused by mites which destroys the sheep’s hair, and is now rampant in the herds throughout Washington (in fact, Canada has even constructed fences to keep sheep with parasites from reaching non-infected sheep).</div>
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Bighorn sheep have not yet naturally recolonized in the Methow even though they used to be here. They could probably survive here now, but they’d likely need to be reintroduced to get established. <br />
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<b>On Feb 27 Mary Kiesau gave a mini-presentation on Mountain Goats</b><br />
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<b> </b>Watch and listen to that portion on this video</div>
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The mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus), which occurs only in northwestern North America, is the only genus and species of its kind in the world. The domestic goat is not closely related to the mountain goat. They are native to the Cascade Range, and can be found from the Canadian border to the Oregon border. A few mountain goats inhabit the Blue Mountains of southeastern Washington where they have probably colonized from reintroductions in Oregon. Mountain goats are not native to the Olympic Peninsula; these goats descended from introductions from BC and Alaska in the 1920s. <br />
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Mountain goats are supremely adapted to the harsh conditions of the North Cascades.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiK3qklWhvHTsOAn46XnQ4yXI4xCIv1yBxk8j-Lbm98_j4-B5ltxZ-Stj2k6ycFgTKumliMqErdEt7zEWBhphCUY1G6w8cxkw-GM2Xorc8A77dPXe_ktBk-jF8-_nWqbJwc3DmKzTAx8I/s1600/i-bPk77w6-L.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiK3qklWhvHTsOAn46XnQ4yXI4xCIv1yBxk8j-Lbm98_j4-B5ltxZ-Stj2k6ycFgTKumliMqErdEt7zEWBhphCUY1G6w8cxkw-GM2Xorc8A77dPXe_ktBk-jF8-_nWqbJwc3DmKzTAx8I/s320/i-bPk77w6-L.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mtn Goat by David Moskowitz</td></tr>
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They navigate high elevation cliffs and broken terrain very well with their split, flexible hooves. Their compact bodies have strong muscular forequarters for scrambling, and thick hollow hair and wool "subfur" hold heat and repel wind and water (a wool coat that Native Americans harvested in the springtime to make yarn and blankets). They are generalist herbivores who are said to eat “everything but rocks” - plants, including grasses and sedges, lichens, mosses, and conifers.<br />
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Both sexes look the same in general with all white coats and shiny black horns. The male's horns have a wider base and curve back in a greater, more uniform arc. The female's horns tend to curve more toward the tip. Probably the best way to distinguish male and female mountain goats is their urination posture. The male stretches forward with the front legs while keeping the hind legs stationary. The female stands in place and squats on her hind legs (kinda like a female dog).<br />
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The breeding season occurs from mid-November through early December. Females (or nannies) do not breed until at least 2.5 years of age. After a gestation period of 6 months, kids are born in late May or early June and closely follow their mothers for the first year. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrjpdEIntabpsTr9MMwZmVxi7u8enomSBrTGMmA4Uukf_nAy41fBQKP17RhDpAPeq6aLZnjHXkim9-H7eps05MuIj3mhDjrxcH4dxzYhis22l1Z0AzJcLGRsYfrQHrOatwGk2PKEdZHE/s1600/i-c6g9pPm-L.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrjpdEIntabpsTr9MMwZmVxi7u8enomSBrTGMmA4Uukf_nAy41fBQKP17RhDpAPeq6aLZnjHXkim9-H7eps05MuIj3mhDjrxcH4dxzYhis22l1Z0AzJcLGRsYfrQHrOatwGk2PKEdZHE/s320/i-c6g9pPm-L.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mtn Goats by David Moskowitz</td></tr>
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Adult females (and their young kids) rank highest in the social order. Yearlings drop to the bottom of the social order and are forced to forage last. Kid and yearling survival may be less than 50 percent depending upon the severity of the winter. Causes of high mortality include avalanches, falls, predation (cougar, golden eagles), parasites, and poor winter conditions causing stress. If a goat survives all this during its juvenile years, longevity is normally 10 to 13 years.<br />
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Mountain goats are considered mature at 2 1/2 years, but continue to grow through their fourth year achieving average weights of 125 to 155 pounds for females and 135 to 180 pounds for males.<br />
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Female and juvenile (nursery) groups range in size from two to many dozen, especially early in the summer when there's a lot to eat. By the age of two, males or billies begin to disassociate themselves from nursery groups. Outside of the mating season, males tend to associate primarily with other males.<br />
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Mountain goat populations have declined overall in Washington from their historical levels that exceeded 10,000 animals as recently as 1961. As of 2008, the best estimate of the population is the 2,400 to 3,200 range. Of these, about 450 live primarily within national parks. <br />
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The dramatic drop in their numbers is being attributed to over-hunting from the 1950s to the late 1980s, when WDFW issued 300 to 400 permits a year to hunt goats on the assumption that they could be managed like deer. But mountain goats reproduce at lower rates and their survival rates are lower than those of deer.<br />
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In the early 1990s, wildlife officials cut the number of hunting permits issued statewide to 15 to 20 annually (and raises $42,000 in fees to aid goat recovery).<br />
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Since 2002, researchers have tried to determine why the goat #s continue to decline in certain areas. They learned that the main culprit is Interstate 90, which cuts across the Cascades. And the issue is not being hit on the road! The issue is that it’s a big road that mountain goats are reluctant to cross and therefore different goat herds are not mixing geographically and genetically. After comparing DNA sequences on more than 200 Cascade goats, scientists found that genetic diversity of Cascade mountain goats is much lower than it is among significantly larger populations in British Columbia. Inbreeding means a loss of genetic diversity that could affect the long-term survival of mountain goats in the Cascades.<br />
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The impact of such barriers are being studied nationwide. In Washington, concern about the effect of man-made barriers on mountain goats and other wildlife prompted the formation of the Washington Wildlife Habitat Connectivity Working Group.<br />
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Now, Washington is installing 14 wildlife crossings over and under Interstate 90 as it widens lanes east of Snoqualmie Pass. These crossings are designed to promote movement by many species, including goats. (Hwy 2 is also a barrier but there are no plans there yet)<br />
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I think we’ll hear more about these wildlife crossings from Kris Ernest next week! </div>
Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-80052977239406518572017-02-26T20:06:00.005-08:002017-02-26T20:29:08.186-08:00Mammal Course - Class #2 Canids and Ursids<i>Our 2017 "Conservation Course" started February 6th. Below are notes taken by Avery Young. See notes and videos from the previous classes here:</i><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2017/02/mammal-course-class-1-taxonomy-evolution.html" target="_blank">Class #1</a><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2017.html" target="_blank">Learn more about the Mammal Course here</a><br />
<b><br />Class #2 - Canids with Scott Fitkin and Ursids with Dr. Bill Gaines, Feb 13 2017</b><br />
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Watch and listen to the entire class on this video</div>
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Before Scott started, he shared a list of the Carnivores of the North Cascades (*indicates threatened or endangered species)<br />
Black Bear<br />
*Grizzly Bear<br />
Coyote<br />
*Gray Wolf<br />
Cascade red fox (this is the native fox that we could see in the Methow or Cascades)<br />
European red fox (this is the introduced, non-native fox that is relatively common both east and west of the Cascades)<br />
*Canadia Lynx<br />
Cougar<br />
Bobcat<br />
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<b>CANIDS</b><br />
The North Cascades and surrounding area are full of Canids. Canids are a line of carnivores that includes wolves, foxes, coyotes, jackals and domestic dogs. Canids typically have long muzzles for smell and larger ears for hearing. They are vocal, and quite leggy, as they do a lot of traveling. <br />
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There is a morphological gradient across members of the Canid family that makes it easy to identify a fox from a wolf. For example, wolves are the largest (60-120lbs), foxes the smallest (8-10 lbs) and the coyote is somewhere in between (25-40lbs). Large ears are most prominent on a fox, and least prominent on a wolf. Wolves have the longest legs and foxes have the shortest. Wolves are also the most social and foxes the least social. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv-bi6QC7wew5iSKmoTOMVQONyCZIyPlk2r3Io02KHO8pJoU6X3wcmhnbIRZI5a2CILSKOX4Ch0dON3GRcBUPM2j5Ew2Xzfxi8-D7Z3r7NUzbeqM0mhetvwutC-FGFUraRPd9VyC_Gdk/s1600/Canid_comparison_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv-bi6QC7wew5iSKmoTOMVQONyCZIyPlk2r3Io02KHO8pJoU6X3wcmhnbIRZI5a2CILSKOX4Ch0dON3GRcBUPM2j5Ew2Xzfxi8-D7Z3r7NUzbeqM0mhetvwutC-FGFUraRPd9VyC_Gdk/s320/Canid_comparison_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It is a little trickier to identify a wolf from a coyote, but the best diagnostic is to look at size (wolves are noticeably bigger with a more robust head). Wolves also have a prominent black patch on their nose. It can get pretty complicated if you come across a juvenile wolf in mid-summer and fall, as they can closely resemble a mature coyote. You do not have to worry about coming across a coy-wolf (coyote-wolf hybrid) on the west coast as coy-wolfs only exist east of the Mississippi river. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlAtGZV3ccplmkKC6gF4KCy23bkLObInvs53fz-r1NVtfbcF3yNeM04Sz4YmiA0y_VcOkMUX6eUS_0fu-UxiUpHa1lxlYUdzB6r6rCexz7qZ1f-b41EYonNQYJpRc7wcen0_QLkzoWos/s1600/dogtrack2kc.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlAtGZV3ccplmkKC6gF4KCy23bkLObInvs53fz-r1NVtfbcF3yNeM04Sz4YmiA0y_VcOkMUX6eUS_0fu-UxiUpHa1lxlYUdzB6r6rCexz7qZ1f-b41EYonNQYJpRc7wcen0_QLkzoWos/s200/dogtrack2kc.jpeg" width="138" /></a></div>
If you’re looking at tracks, the feet of all canines look similar but size (full grown wolf tracks are distinctly larger than coyote tracks), and a few specific characteristics can help distinguish them all. The “X” test is what you can use to identify a canid from a cat. On a canid you should be able to drawn an “X” between the pad of the foot and the two front toes - the space not taken up by the toes and the pad creates “negative space” that can look like an “X.” On cat tracks, you have to weave between toes and pads - the “line” is more round and not in the shape of an X. Another test to distinguish between canids and cats is to looks at the symmetry of the track; canids have symmetrical tracks with the two front toes side by side; cats are more asymmetrical and one toe leads the others (similar to our hands with one finger slightly higher than others. <br />
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Wolves are a keystone species - they play an extremely important role in the maintenance of a healthy eco-system. The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park back in the 80’s quickly controlled the elk population, which allowed more trees to grow, which brought beavers who created wetlands and wetlands that brought fish and song birds back to Yellowstone. Wolves were once very common in Washington. But between 1827-1859, 14,810 wolf pelts were traded at four WA posts. Wolves were nearly wiped out of this part of the world. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAdNaZ0fUvfpMuBiT9uN_CbH1q-2zWtxpKqVhxqKRCuWxyGoWZVhzODC2vd2sbO4QCCDHYYvQsmdT_89In-DtDpPymQ6qgZhOyGbU7GgAQ4Jh8V0F9um7-oFNNRBhwhRkK8eXkm7-bA8/s1600/LookoutPack_Moskowitz.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAdNaZ0fUvfpMuBiT9uN_CbH1q-2zWtxpKqVhxqKRCuWxyGoWZVhzODC2vd2sbO4QCCDHYYvQsmdT_89In-DtDpPymQ6qgZhOyGbU7GgAQ4Jh8V0F9um7-oFNNRBhwhRkK8eXkm7-bA8/s320/LookoutPack_Moskowitz.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A member of WA's Lookout Pack on remote camera by David Moskowitz</td></tr>
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Wolf management really comes down to people management. There are currently two, possibly three, active wolf packs in the North Cascades: the Loup Loup pack, east of Methow River between south of Twisp to north of Winthrop in general; the Lookout Mountain pack, west of the Methow River between Twisp and Winthrop in general; and a possible pack forming in the northwest section of the Valley west of Winthrop up to Mazama. The wolves, whose territories can be between 50 and several hundred miles, operate largely on our deer-rich economy. Can you imagine what the deer population might be like if we didn’t have wolves here? Despite four illegal poachings in 2008, these wolf packs have remained relatively resilient and their presence helps the Methow Valley maintain a healthy ecosystem. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWy0N1X-DHkf5XRRqfL3-y1D7bWvnBRis-gGEtkAukjBbBCX_lguxOtTz8uv34mfgijCCGm_nIrDTDN0meZxjNZbfIkLi51pf-Nk2gLm-C6swetJTm_JcHF3v84qkfnv5AH6hU6cEYYxc/s1600/Coyote3.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWy0N1X-DHkf5XRRqfL3-y1D7bWvnBRis-gGEtkAukjBbBCX_lguxOtTz8uv34mfgijCCGm_nIrDTDN0meZxjNZbfIkLi51pf-Nk2gLm-C6swetJTm_JcHF3v84qkfnv5AH6hU6cEYYxc/s320/Coyote3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Methow coyote by Mary Kiesau</td></tr>
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Coyotes are the “heartiest” of the Canids and are found in a wide variety of habitats. Coyotes can often be seen hunting in fields, pouncing in the air to hop down on mice and voles. They also eat hares and rabbits, squirrels, and even birds like geese, and will occasionally go after an injured adult deer or seasonal young fawn. Their territory is ½ mile to 25 miles depending on how rich an area is with prey. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nMRukNK4CfWE_TcBG_aD2MwhRJoVUhDTTLiqt6qvfq-4wZ7UXl1zG_j2XzKnWgfOIFvrezh0UBPfCrmVYhyphenhyphenTwso0GWa65Z87S0keMkU4DmbW4SQZ-zST6PsXcoV-yeODvfzJXLjhUjQ/s1600/DSCN0975_web.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nMRukNK4CfWE_TcBG_aD2MwhRJoVUhDTTLiqt6qvfq-4wZ7UXl1zG_j2XzKnWgfOIFvrezh0UBPfCrmVYhyphenhyphenTwso0GWa65Z87S0keMkU4DmbW4SQZ-zST6PsXcoV-yeODvfzJXLjhUjQ/s200/DSCN0975_web.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fox in the Yukon by Mary Kiesau</td></tr>
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The cascade red fox is a cold adapted, high altitude specialist. The European red fox was introduced here in the 1800’s as their pelts were highly valued back home. There is no evidence of interbreeding between these two species. The European fox can be found both west and east of the Cascades but not in the Methow or Cascades. Foxes eat small rodents, voles and other microtines. They will occasionally eat berries and small birds. The Cascade red fox is likely to decline with climate change because it is adapted for colder environments. These animals are difficult to track and spot in the wild. The Cascade red fox can have a variety of coat colors from deep red to tan to black. It can always be distinguished from other canines by its white-tipped tail. There is still much scientists do not know about foxes.<br />
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<b>URSIDS</b><br />
Black bears has been in North America a long time. Grizzlies are more recent. The grizzly and polar bear are closely related and there is some interbreeding where the two species co-exist. Grizzly and black bears do not interbreed. <br />
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How do you tell a grizzly bear from a black bear? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtC3NMw0_tg_yRaSYSu58zCF9sGvvSiyi3cVXuCaQYXTFFvtrRbmOESqFa53dCCbZOwK-MGTFtUlR9GTAS0lB8StcdF7BYWnVe97zecXRvVHpGzeJGFK5NiJ9iLl_TW8JR9xYD98D1tn0/s1600/bear-differances2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtC3NMw0_tg_yRaSYSu58zCF9sGvvSiyi3cVXuCaQYXTFFvtrRbmOESqFa53dCCbZOwK-MGTFtUlR9GTAS0lB8StcdF7BYWnVe97zecXRvVHpGzeJGFK5NiJ9iLl_TW8JR9xYD98D1tn0/s320/bear-differances2.jpg" width="125" /></a>Claws, shape of head, and shoulder hump are the three characteristics biologists use to distinguish the two bears (along with DNA analysis for hair). A grizzly has a large, broad face and small, round ears compared to the rest of the body. Black bears have a longer nose and taller ears, in relation to their head. Grizzlies have a hump where their back meets their neck. Their hump is a shoulder muscle that helps them to dig. Black bear claws are more hooked so they can climb trees better. Grizzlies’ are straighter and much longer for digging. Because of this claw marks on grizzly tracks are much further away from the toes than on black bear tracks. Both bears have 5 toes but you should be able to draw a straight line underneath the toes of a Grizzly; not so on a Black bear where the lowest toe will far under this imaginary line. A good saying to remember is, “If the toe is back, the bear is black.” <br />
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Color isn’t a good indicator to identify these bears because 70% of black bears are blonde, strawberry blonde, brownish or something other than black, and all grizzly bears are brown bears, but not all brown bears are grizzly bears. On the western side of the Cascades, more of the black bears are actually black. Black bears on the East side of the Cascades have adapted to being more blonde because we have more sage brush while the west side has more deep dark forests which helps the black bears blend in really well.<br />
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Bears live up to 30 years in wild. Males are solitary most of time. Males and females will court each other for up to 1 month before breeding. Black bears females are around 3 or 4 years old when they first mate. Grizzlies are 5-6 years old. Delayed implantation occurs in bears when they mate in the spring. The fetus develops to a certain point and if food sources are good, it will continue, if not, the female’s body will abort it. Females go into “hibernation” (they aren’t true hibernators, see below), and have cubs in the middle of winter in dens. Survival of cubs depends on food resources: they have a 50/50 chance. The greatest cause of bear mortality is humans via hunting, poaching and vehicles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjc-mROV_eMpvj98GlE-sf1yTzUB-TiBfUA0Da3G5sFupD89QrCfsXccmjbWgaFvlR7OyY-TJ_am18WV9ZI0JRvOstPYXAwhZchIZSch2bmdnYkfOlMrmcVf0OsXq6xiMs7tfVKK_Sjig/s1600/Black+Bear_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjc-mROV_eMpvj98GlE-sf1yTzUB-TiBfUA0Da3G5sFupD89QrCfsXccmjbWgaFvlR7OyY-TJ_am18WV9ZI0JRvOstPYXAwhZchIZSch2bmdnYkfOlMrmcVf0OsXq6xiMs7tfVKK_Sjig/s320/Black+Bear_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Bear in the North Cascades Nat'l Park by Mary Kiesau</td></tr>
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Neither species go into true hibernation but their heart rate slows considerably from 40-50 beats per minute down to 8-10 bpm. This form of deep sleep is called torpor. Their bodies consume their fat and their muscle remains. They don’t urinate or defecate during hibernation. Scientists are interested in studying their tolerance to cholesterol and toxins that build up in their kidneys and liver. Bears can dig dens, get inside hollow logs, go under thick brush and fallen logs, and some just dig a scrape on the ground and let the snow cover them. Bears can come out of “hibernation” if the temps are well above normal, if they are disturbed or if they get very hungry. In certain warmer areas, bears do not hibernate at all. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qEfggHo1dUjHYiAbBM1AJOzV3K8HGWWxZBAmDg34HWuBLPr6by_Ck9MpNPpa5yMhK9MI0ZGSrlerh5_DYNcfullSFreKS_RXSsGTo_Q0qNd3Dpd7K9OmNkdanxsi-Tr9ZXrvrLCBsbA/s1600/DSCN1088_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qEfggHo1dUjHYiAbBM1AJOzV3K8HGWWxZBAmDg34HWuBLPr6by_Ck9MpNPpa5yMhK9MI0ZGSrlerh5_DYNcfullSFreKS_RXSsGTo_Q0qNd3Dpd7K9OmNkdanxsi-Tr9ZXrvrLCBsbA/s320/DSCN1088_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grizzly Bear in the Yukon by Mary Kiesau</td></tr>
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Researchers have been working for years to understand the vital role bears play in ecosystems. Bears are an umbrella species- a Grizzy male covers 300 square miles and a female covers 100 square miles. They tend to space themselves out. Bears digging in Yellowstone help maintain meadows, because this rototiller action prevents conifers from growing. Both species can eat hundreds of pounds of salmon or other fish in coastal or riverine environments, leaving carcasses for numerous bird and mammal species to finish, and helping spread the rich fish nutrients around the land. <br />
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The federal government used to hire men to kill bears in North America. During 1830-1860 about 4,000 grizzly hides were processed from the North Cascades. The last legally hunted grizzly bear was shot in 1967 in what is now the North Cascades National Park Complex. Glacier National Park currently has the largest population in all of North America. The opportunity to recover grizzly bears here in the Cascades via the Grizzly Bear reintroduction proposal by the National Park Service is unique. Grizzlies need a huge territory to repopulate themselves, and not many territories exist like this in North America or even the world. Grizzlies are the second slowest reproducing mammal right behind the musk ox. They are likely to go extinct unless we intervene. The black bear population is currently very robust. If grizzlies get reintroduced, it will be a few bear per year over 20 years or so, and they will likely fill high elevation niches and send the Black bears down to the forest where their evolution took place. It will still be very unlikely that we humans would ever see a grizzly in the North Cascades.<br />
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Bear attacks do happen, but they are rare. Bear attacks are tragic but the greatest risk of hiking in bear country occurs when you are driving to the trail head as the risk of having a fatal car accident is much higher than the risk of ever even seeing a bear in the wild. The potential for having an adverse encounter with a grizzly bear is extremely low even in grizzly country like Alaska. Even when they occur, most bear encounters do not lead to human injury. The number people killed by cougars is the same as grizzlies. Adverse encounters can usually be avoided through awareness of conditions that may cause an encounter. Keeping a clean camp, not approaching wildlife too closely, and avoiding situations that might unknowingly surprise a bear will greatly decrease the risk of having an unwanted bear encounter, or causing someone else to have one. Proper sanitation practices (in camp and with garbage receptacles), carrying and learning to use bear spray, and familiarity with bear behavior are likely to be the best safeguards against unwanted encounters. <br />
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See loads of details at the <a href="http://westernwildlife.org/grizzly-bear-outreach-project/" target="_blank">Grizzly Bear Outreach Project </a><br />
Learn about the proposed <a href="http://www.conservationnw.org/what-we-do/northcascades/north-cascades-grizzly-bear" target="_blank">North Cascades Grizzly Reintroduction Plan</a>, including how to comment here. Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-58140463587750900452017-02-17T12:40:00.000-08:002017-02-17T12:40:28.408-08:00 Mammal Course - Class #1 Taxonomy & Evolution<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Our 2017 "Conservation Course" started February 6th with an introductory class by David Moskowitz. Below are notes taken by Avery Young. </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2017.html" target="_blank">Learn more about the Mam<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">mal Course here</span></a></span><br />
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<b>Class #1 -Mammal Taxonomy & Evolution with David Moskowitz, Feb 6 2017</b><br />
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Watch and listen to the entire class on this video</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Our common ancestor</span></td></tr>
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Many talk about the process of evolution as a beautiful progression from something inferior to some form of excellence. The truth is, it’s a lot more complicated and messy than it often appears. For example, when looking at an evolutionary tree of mammals, Cervids (a family that includes deer and elk) appear to be more closely related to Cetaceans (an order of aquatic mammals that includes dolphins and whales) than to horses. Scientists do their best to piece together the evolutionary history of the past 3.8 billion years, but there is much they do not yet know. <br /><br />It is impossible to study evolution without also studying ecology. The two are closely intertwined. It turns out, the type of environment an animal inhabits determines how successful (or unsuccessful) that animal will be. <br /><br />Mammals have been around for roughly 160 million years. They evolved from a shrew-like reptile of the “Synapsids” clade. Early mammals had a large brain, good smell, and were nocturnal. It wasn’t until the dinosaurs went extinct 65 million years ago that mammals were able to become super successful. The fall of the dinosaurs meant far fewer predators for the mammals and many more niches (ecological homes) for the mammals to carve out. With the abundance of resources available, mammals began to increase in size and stature, which also contributed to the diversification of this class of animals. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCZbK3tRqjMnKIDlLgZse7WRWzX5qh0gs6VREgUC9Fzafa7PXAHvHEmfKihAbj2_AMKzA53JkZuGAPDAHa08IDOCZx1xOTQwy_nCNvz2jotUnmYv_2sUZDwL0hsWtgHkJqMSKehDRHwo/s1600/mini_pika_web.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCZbK3tRqjMnKIDlLgZse7WRWzX5qh0gs6VREgUC9Fzafa7PXAHvHEmfKihAbj2_AMKzA53JkZuGAPDAHa08IDOCZx1xOTQwy_nCNvz2jotUnmYv_2sUZDwL0hsWtgHkJqMSKehDRHwo/s200/mini_pika_web.jpg" width="200" /></a>Although mammals can be large and successful, and the class is diverse, it is worth noting that there are still only 5,400 different species alive today. Compare that with the nearly 9,900 species of birds that exist, and a known million species of insects. Mammals might not be the most abundant class of <span id="goog_2003657460"></span><span id="goog_2003657461"></span>animals, but they are arguably the cutest (as proven by the pika on the left).<br /><br />Diet plays a major role in mammal diversity and success. Mammals are either herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores (animals that both eat meat and plants), Wolves are obligate carnivores which means they just eat meat. However, wolves do have something going on in their digestive tract which allows them to occasionally eat berries or other plant-based food. (Cats on the other hand have lost all ability to digest any plant material). Bears are one of the few animals that eat some of the stomach material of ungulates in order to obtain certain bacteria that will help them digest plant material. <br /><br />Social organization plays a key role in mammal evolution. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW4OPxF9-VdmxZ_pOe-yhjfFaAOgbwFEfTkbtTGlTRVsFBa49PFkwsttlGk_16P0VMF9HuzxLWGvEB6yz_42GzesCkoK1w8nkDKuUE_fuFO-HRF4YAa7nkrzfkFMOiANReYtDbyB15oI/s1600/HeathOtters15_web.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW4OPxF9-VdmxZ_pOe-yhjfFaAOgbwFEfTkbtTGlTRVsFBa49PFkwsttlGk_16P0VMF9HuzxLWGvEB6yz_42GzesCkoK1w8nkDKuUE_fuFO-HRF4YAa7nkrzfkFMOiANReYtDbyB15oI/s320/HeathOtters15_web.jpg" width="320" /></a>After all, why are mountain lions solitary but bears much more tolerant of each other? Mountain lions only seek each other out at certain times of year to breed. Female mountain lions have to “cat call” in their mate to breed with them. So if you see multiple mountain lions together, it’s probably a mom with kittens. Wolves, otters and ground squirrels are great examples of social mammals. <br /><br />One of the tenets of biology is that form begets function. For example, badgers have evolved over the millennia to dig with their claws. Skulls and dentition can give us many clues as to how an animal makes its living. For example, carnassial teeth are for gripping prey and shearing meat. Evolution has selected for certain types of teeth which has helped those animals become successful. (BTW…if you haven’t found a tooth yet in the wilderness, keep looking, Dave says they’re everywhere!)<br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">what type of foot structure does this chipmunk have?</td></tr>
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Limb structure can also tell us much about how an animal makes its living. Digitigrade dogs walk on their toes; they are carnivores and need to be fast runners as well as be able to tear apart their meal using their claws. Plantigrade bears (and humans) walk on the flat of their foot, and deer have unguligrade limbs where only a hoof (the tip of one or two digits) hits the ground, making them very fast runners.<br /><br />Sexual strategies of mammals include monogamy, polygamy and polyandry. Monogamy is the least common. Sometimes wolves will be monogamous. The most common mammalian sexual strategy is polygamy (males breed w/ multiple females). Polyandry is the third mating strategy, which involves one female mates with multiple males. However, this is quite rare in the mammal world.<br /><br /><b>What makes a mammal a mammal?</b><br />
<ul>
<li>the characteristic many of us don’t know is that they all have three special middle ear bones</li>
<li>they are all endothermic (warm-blooded)</li>
<li>they all have hair (some have very little, or only at birth)</li>
<li>they all have mammary glands</li>
<li>birthing live babies isn’t actually one of the characteristics though it is shared by nearly all mammals. There are some mammals who lay eggs (remember the platypus!!).</li>
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Dolphins? Do they have hair? The answer is ‘yes!’ Dolphins have hair on their rostrum (snout or beak) when they are first born.<br /><br /><b>Methow Valley Orders of Mammals</b><br /><b>Soricomorpha</b><br />
- Soricidae Family (shrews) have poison ducts on their sharp teeth which helps them do battle with scorpions. If these guys were the same size as mountain lions, we would be scared to go outside!<br />
- Talpidae Family (moles) are also insectivores. We have the pacific mole here in the valley.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Townsend's Big-Eared Bat in the Methow</td></tr>
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<br /><b>Chiroptera </b><br />
Bats: are the only true flying mammal; the species in the Methow are carnivores though some bats in the world specialize on fruit. <br /><br /><b>Lagomorpha</b><br />- Ochotonidae Family includes our pika, the cutest mammal on earth<br />- Leporidae Family is rabbits and hares <br />*Difference between rabbit and hare? One is that rabbits are born altricial and hares are born precocial, fully furred and active (ready to move right away like deer)<br /><br /><b>Rodentia</b> (largest order in terms of numbers of families and species) - 9 families that include:<br /> Beavers<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi233vUs0iU1TnFpF7r_Z_cXR5BVVQk7Io83hyphenhyphen69SNFW4jaDeYBqYfESx_DMsXuFc-grT6QFS3hqvPoecuf9qYLMKrt1ap5-I9nuurj9Bm0eusVLYzscYtTfDMQSW_na4AFm8nmxFDE64Y/s1600/HoaryMarmot.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi233vUs0iU1TnFpF7r_Z_cXR5BVVQk7Io83hyphenhyphen69SNFW4jaDeYBqYfESx_DMsXuFc-grT6QFS3hqvPoecuf9qYLMKrt1ap5-I9nuurj9Bm0eusVLYzscYtTfDMQSW_na4AFm8nmxFDE64Y/s200/HoaryMarmot.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Hoary Marmot is a Rodent</td></tr>
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Pocket gophers<br /> Squirrels, chipmunks, and marmots<br /> Jumping mice<br /> Pocket Mice<br /> Deer mice, voles, muskrat, packrat<br /> Old World rats and mice<br />
Porcupine<br /> Mountain beaver (not a type of beaver)<br /><br /><b>Artiodactyla</b> (even-toed ungulates)<br />- Cervidae Family includes deer, elk and moose<br />- Bovidae Family contains our mountain goats and bighorn sheep<br />(Pronghorns, which we have in WA but not in the Methow, are in the Antilocapridae family)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsWMWF1gKcbXbDQA9scZZ948n5x-aRemC2cG0vZwbEpHRNT3YOcKDSUTgPMECmPTbSQ-AwWwYqM5aZ76Ft-vuJ7ioscNACL_44dXCv9oMrWCrPY2qDST0bxaDGZq6iFbSAMgpUXR2TAE/s1600/Coyote3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsWMWF1gKcbXbDQA9scZZ948n5x-aRemC2cG0vZwbEpHRNT3YOcKDSUTgPMECmPTbSQ-AwWwYqM5aZ76Ft-vuJ7ioscNACL_44dXCv9oMrWCrPY2qDST0bxaDGZq6iFbSAMgpUXR2TAE/s200/Coyote3.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Carnivora</b><br />Our Methow families of carnivores (which will take two of our six classes!) are Felidae (cats), Canidae (dogs), Ursidae (bears), Mephitidae (skunks) and Mustelidae (weasels, martin, mink, badger, otter, wolverines…).<br /><b> </b><br />
<b>Primates</b><br /> Humans are the only species in the Methow!<br />
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(<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://methownaturalist.com/14-Mammals%20of%20the%20Methow.pdf" target="_blank">See the list of "Mammals of the Methow Watershed" by Dana Visalli here</a>)</span><br />
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The relationship with other species of mammals is hardwired into our brains. Whether you like to hunt, ride horses or treat your dog like a family member, we all have a kinship with other mammals. We have evolved to share connections with other species. We are in the middle of the 6th mass extinction event which is affecting mammals in a critical way. Unlike past extinctions which were caused by asteroids or volcanoes, this mass extinction is being caused by humans. What can we do to change the trajectory of the path we are on?<br />
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(All photos ©Mary Kiesau except the bat which is by Kent Woodruff)Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-15685255067329602312016-03-17T15:59:00.002-07:002016-03-17T16:01:13.818-07:00Corvid Course - Class #6 Clark's Nutcrackers, Memory & Whitebark Pines<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our 2016 "Conservation Course"
started January 25th.
Below are short-hand notes taken by Raechel Youngberg and a video by CJ Peterson,
both class participants. See notes and videos from the previous classes here: </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2016/01/corvid-course-class-1-intro-to-corvids.html" target="_blank">first class</a></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2016/02/corvid-course-class-2-stellers-jays.html" target="_blank">second class</a> </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2016/02/corvid-course-class-3-biology-behavior.html" target="_blank">third class</a></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2016/02/corvid-course-class-4-corvid-mythology.html" target="_blank">fourth class </a></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2016/03/corvid-course-class-5-study-of-crows.html" target="_blank">fifth class</a> </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Class #<i>6</i> - </b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Clark's Nutcrackers, Memory and Whitebark Pines with </span></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="main_text"><b>Teresa Lorenz & Eireann Pederson</b></span></span></b><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> February 29, 2016 </span><br />
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Watch and listen to the entire class on this video</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmUBOi3-KCbCu4t2G-nnynwTUCRkdg13SdxnOUgjM5gR9DkZgLLE0a4GU1dfT8CXx1YqmoFyZj277-n6jZDcx6cNAJ-kJ5Mx7llueobQblOuWdTOfos-rmgUlWGgcNLolj4rwSoObmuo/s1600/ClarksNutcracker_kiesau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmUBOi3-KCbCu4t2G-nnynwTUCRkdg13SdxnOUgjM5gR9DkZgLLE0a4GU1dfT8CXx1YqmoFyZj277-n6jZDcx6cNAJ-kJ5Mx7llueobQblOuWdTOfos-rmgUlWGgcNLolj4rwSoObmuo/s320/ClarksNutcracker_kiesau.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clark's nutcracker in Mazama eating suet, by Mary Kiesau</td></tr>
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Clark's nutcrackers are named after William Clark of the
Lewis and Clark expedition. Clark's nutcrackers are social animals that straddle
two worlds. In one world they are similar to other corvids in that they eat a
diverse variety of foods but in the other world they are specialists who
primarily dine on large pine seeds. They are partial migratory birds, meaning
that specific groups migrate to different areas but there still may be Clark's nutcrackers in your backyard year around however they are unlikely to be the
same Clark's year around. </div>
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They are gray-bodied birds with black and white wings and
tails. The juveniles have a light gray face and a pink mouth. It is impossible
to tell male and female apart based on coloration but it may be possible to do
so by observing their behavior. Clark's nutcrackers look similar to northern
shrikes, and gray jays. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZN469vNBQp9lGD_cc9M1JVj36yfyJohC5wNHaIx4a6gpkVvE4j1GirjBssuPArQXFoEZZScWa_xOI-VJfFUmwYOutlgsQxEb8uxyJhml-6g5E_R7vlMD1heOFTDKnV8coH_jaIT_3Ds/s1600/640px-Clark%2527s_Nutcracker_with_wings_out%252C_landing_on_a_rock.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZN469vNBQp9lGD_cc9M1JVj36yfyJohC5wNHaIx4a6gpkVvE4j1GirjBssuPArQXFoEZZScWa_xOI-VJfFUmwYOutlgsQxEb8uxyJhml-6g5E_R7vlMD1heOFTDKnV8coH_jaIT_3Ds/s320/640px-Clark%2527s_Nutcracker_with_wings_out%252C_landing_on_a_rock.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Michael Sulis,<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31796706</span></td></tr>
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Clark's nutcrackers have a large brain for their body size
and a large hippocampus, which is one of the main areas of the brain for memory. They have the best spatial memory of any other animal
in the world. Clark's store 50-80,000 seeds in caches across a wide area every year. A
nutcracker can hold up to 80 whitebark pine seeds at a time in the sublingual
pouch inside their mouth, and then carry these seeds for 20 miles before caching them. Clark's can
carry up to 20% of their body weight in seeds. During the fall Clark's nutcrackers
primarily eat only "stone pine" seeds, preferably whitebark pine, but during the
rest of the year they are opportunistic foragers. (Stone Pines are pines that are distinguished by large, dense seeds that lack wings and therefore
depend upon birds and squirrels for dispersal across the landscape. There are five species worldwide.)</div>
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Pine trees produce variable seed amounts each year. Some years
there is a bumper crop and Clark's nutcrackers will have plenty of seeds to go
around but other years seeds are scare and they rely more on other varieties of
food. Clark's have been known to eat salamanders, eggs, small birds and frogs.
But their primary food besides pine seeds is insects. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V-8JCHEwplFVn1a8PnikK4AzIVsA2dULWllmMk2VrDzXSsx3sKCL9iLRJO0jjpd_gJy7mcf0o17c5YDoDsuNjQUz9s18ydcvxyx71kiAFlOk2ovEQaKKqAzU_sqllquZJtnaYRqwMYg/s1600/Whitebark_pine%252C_Okanogan_NF.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V-8JCHEwplFVn1a8PnikK4AzIVsA2dULWllmMk2VrDzXSsx3sKCL9iLRJO0jjpd_gJy7mcf0o17c5YDoDsuNjQUz9s18ydcvxyx71kiAFlOk2ovEQaKKqAzU_sqllquZJtnaYRqwMYg/s320/Whitebark_pine%252C_Okanogan_NF.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitebark pine in the Okanogan NF</td></tr>
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Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) was discovered by George Englemann in 1863. They are the only stone pine (tight closed cone) tree in the Americas. They
have large seeds with a high fat content. They rely on animals such as Clark's nutcrackers
to distribute them. However Clark's nutcrackers in the Pacific Northwest often prefer to cache seeds
in trees rather than in suitable areas for white bark pine to grow, because they need to be able to find them in the winter when snow levels are high. </div>
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<br />
Whitebark pine are the 11<sup>th</sup> longest living tree species on the planet. The
oldest whitebark pine was 1,270 years old and nearly a foot in diameter. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Whitebark pine are high elevation trees (6000-7000ft) and can
be identified by their five needles. Whitebark pine's habitat range, not so coincidentally, overlaps with the range of Clark's nutcrackers. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJUkjB9AA4BzpAzlmTDZTN2zsuHUqGplodlKV4kUn5TjY4LuMe09LoBCo0KzRhVKwLaxNnkik4pqPx5s8elBzMfeVpMEiZiwxxTTXroHcpWEST8X2-jCCPNTJWGBG5U6cjgvYd8-h3aU/s1600/Pinus_albicaulis_8574-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJUkjB9AA4BzpAzlmTDZTN2zsuHUqGplodlKV4kUn5TjY4LuMe09LoBCo0KzRhVKwLaxNnkik4pqPx5s8elBzMfeVpMEiZiwxxTTXroHcpWEST8X2-jCCPNTJWGBG5U6cjgvYd8-h3aU/s320/Pinus_albicaulis_8574-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitebark pine cone (Wikimedia)</td></tr>
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Whitebark pine take 20-30 years to reach cone bearing age.
They then must mature to 60-80 years of age before they produce a large cone
crop. It takes two years for a cone to reach maturity, and a whitebark pine
will take 3-5 years between cone cycles. So, it's a slowly regenerating tree.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Whitebark pine are Clark's nutcrackers preferred food. While
Clark's nutcrackers are able to adapt to different food sources, whitebark
pines are not as adaptable. Whitebark pines are early colonizers after
disturbance, and the fire suppression of the west has allowed other trees such
as lodgepole pine and other shade tolerant species to easily out-compete them. Whitebark pine also face threats from blister rust (fungal disease that was introduced from Europe), mountain pine beetles, and
climate change. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Whitebark pine was proposed to be listed under the
Environmental Species Act (ESA) multiple times. However due to the decrease in
the mountain pine beetle population, the whitebark pine was removed from the
proposed listing on 12-24-15. Whitebark pine is currently listed as endangered
in Canada. </div>
<br />
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
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Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-79076977978928888352016-03-09T08:54:00.002-08:002016-03-09T08:55:44.677-08:00Corvid Course - Class #5 The Study of Crows<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our 2016 "Conservation Course"
started January 25th.
Below are short-hand notes taken by Raechel Youngberg and a video by CJ Peterson,
both class participants. See notes and videos from the previous classes here: </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2016/01/corvid-course-class-1-intro-to-corvids.html" target="_blank">first class</a></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2016/02/corvid-course-class-2-stellers-jays.html" target="_blank">second class</a> </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2016/02/corvid-course-class-3-biology-behavior.html" target="_blank">third class</a></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2016/02/corvid-course-class-4-corvid-mythology.html" target="_blank">fourth class </a></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Class #<i>5</i> - </b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Study of Crows </span>with Kaeli Swift & Loma Pendergraft</b><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> February 22, 2016 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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Watch and listen to the entire class on this video</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAyeuMM86LECZ9npMvF1P0NqxvduHS0VQQAd67mUkMlVz992aU8AVDmc-GVKM_3N90reYU47m-qJJBDRnWvrYTkJj5BNQV2O1iM7kv0uUzvN-zOqekLGa8jQN2nm6jXMtPurP1D4jQxU/s1600/crow1_internet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAyeuMM86LECZ9npMvF1P0NqxvduHS0VQQAd67mUkMlVz992aU8AVDmc-GVKM_3N90reYU47m-qJJBDRnWvrYTkJj5BNQV2O1iM7kv0uUzvN-zOqekLGa8jQN2nm6jXMtPurP1D4jQxU/s1600/crow1_internet.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAyeuMM86LECZ9npMvF1P0NqxvduHS0VQQAd67mUkMlVz992aU8AVDmc-GVKM_3N90reYU47m-qJJBDRnWvrYTkJj5BNQV2O1iM7kv0uUzvN-zOqekLGa8jQN2nm6jXMtPurP1D4jQxU/s320/crow1_internet.jpg" width="320" /></a>Crows, as we have discussed in previous classes, are socially monogamous but can have multiple sexual partners. Crows form a tight pair bond that generally lasts for life. The average crow lifespan in the wild is 15-17 years but captive crows have been documented to live up to 30 years of age. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1RP7kSzcZ6YT1-n9PrEJjy-e2-Zh79Wbd70YRjNrYReJix0xY04S_HNkr_XMo1BPqYTbH3vPiOuL3Xv7WPaESl-MZ9MyhTPcoTMVIvDalLYRhukF9wSLK_U1ABsKhSZhdmr8mWdyw2Q/s1600/crow+tool.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Crows take part in a unique rearing style called cooperative breeding. A mated pair may be assisted in raising a chick by a previous son/daughter or sometimes an unrelated crow. This breeding style has not been proven to assist the mated pair that much but studies have shown that it is beneficial during low resource years. <br /><br />Crows are social animals and commonly roost together. This practice is called communal roosting. Seattle area crows have been documented to roost together at UW-Bothell campus. Scientists have some theories as to why this practice may occur. One theory is that roosting together protects individuals from predation by cats, red-tailed hawks and coopers hawks. Scientists also believe that crows may exchange information with each other at these roost sites. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1RP7kSzcZ6YT1-n9PrEJjy-e2-Zh79Wbd70YRjNrYReJix0xY04S_HNkr_XMo1BPqYTbH3vPiOuL3Xv7WPaESl-MZ9MyhTPcoTMVIvDalLYRhukF9wSLK_U1ABsKhSZhdmr8mWdyw2Q/s1600/crow+tool.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1RP7kSzcZ6YT1-n9PrEJjy-e2-Zh79Wbd70YRjNrYReJix0xY04S_HNkr_XMo1BPqYTbH3vPiOuL3Xv7WPaESl-MZ9MyhTPcoTMVIvDalLYRhukF9wSLK_U1ABsKhSZhdmr8mWdyw2Q/s320/crow+tool.jpg" width="320" /></a>As discussed in prior classes crows are highly </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">intelligent animals and have a well-documented use of tools. The New Caledonia Crow has been documented to make two types of tools.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Crows display the following attributes of intelligence: causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination and prosecution. <br /><br />While crows excel at intelligence tests that demonstrate cause and effect knowledge, one study showed that crows struggle with counter-intuitive tests that require inference. <br /><br />Crows are one of twenty-five species to have been documented demonstrating play behavior. Scientists once thought that animals played to prepare themselves for survival in the wild. However a recent study took one group of animals that did not play during development and measured their fitness against a group of animals that did play during development. There were no significant changes between the two groups. Play during development is now thought to help animals cope with stress better throughout their life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Avian Conservation Lab run by John Marzluff at University of </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxQBjr0EZrh2cskoK8imLqczZvNYB0dVEhoN9ZjN4m2ddIMJST_e65gzVWgvUmFCMeZCCszEapVBfbZyt099ysuPmmyRsSpwJOb34ikXaauP739JmtDrkNtX4fiHQ4JPnSY_g0hHVVvs/s1600/marzluff+with+crow.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxQBjr0EZrh2cskoK8imLqczZvNYB0dVEhoN9ZjN4m2ddIMJST_e65gzVWgvUmFCMeZCCszEapVBfbZyt099ysuPmmyRsSpwJOb34ikXaauP739JmtDrkNtX4fiHQ4JPnSY_g0hHVVvs/s320/marzluff+with+crow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Marzluff with a crow</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Washington has been trapping </span>and banding crows since 1997. In one study, researchers wear a caveman mask and hat while trapping the crows. The researchers then test the bird’s reaction to the caveman mask, a "neutral" Dick Cheney mask, the hat without the caveman mask, and an unmasked participant. When crows that have been trapped are exposed to the caveman mask they participate in scolding and mobbing behaviors towards the researcher. Mobbing is when groups of crows attack or harass a potential predator. Scolding behavior refers to a specific call the crows make when they feel threatened. <br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Additional studies by the Marzluff Lab have demonstrated that crows can recognize faces that have fed them or that have hurt them in the past. Crows do not seem to forget this knowledge and they pass this information onto other crows, including their young. The Marzluff Lab researchers have been mobbed and scolded by more crows than their study has caught. A sign that captured crows are teaching other crows that the caveman mask and hat combination signifies a potential threat. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nSHfr5mJhNe6iWvd3Y7X-d0jYXuaqJWTGstFSKsTjYIrag0rNQUZhQ-c1v81gyaYPFOKMRTDTjzT2KQ4PaQF9NBsb1K5phTMLFIij4cclSUyCCue5ORidyLyBn1kH_3strIALzK8cOg/s1600/Redtail_hawk_chased_by_crows_4391.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nSHfr5mJhNe6iWvd3Y7X-d0jYXuaqJWTGstFSKsTjYIrag0rNQUZhQ-c1v81gyaYPFOKMRTDTjzT2KQ4PaQF9NBsb1K5phTMLFIij4cclSUyCCue5ORidyLyBn1kH_3strIALzK8cOg/s320/Redtail_hawk_chased_by_crows_4391.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crows mobbing a red-tailed hawk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mobbing is costly and can be dangerous for the crow. Crows only use this tactic when they deem the predator worth the risk. One study sought to learn more about this behavior. An osprey is as big as a hawk but it eats fish so it poses little to no risk to crows. Crows rarely mob osprey - however in areas </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">where encounters between osprey and crows are uncommon (crows don't know what osprey are) the rate that crows </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">mob osprey is higher. In areas where osprey and crow encounter are common mobbing rates are lower. When crows do mob osprey it is generally the younger naive crows that do so. The older experienced crows recognize that an osprey poses no threat and will not participate in mobbing events against osprey. This is yet another example of crows using mobbing events to teach potential threats to younger or naive crows. <br /><br />One study sought to find out if crows felt threatened by a researchers gaze (eye contact) or their expression. Studies were conducted to see how close a researcher could get while either staring at the crow or making an expression. Then an observer would note how close the researcher got before the crow reacted (flew off, looked at the person etc). The study found that crows flew away more often when a researcher was walking towards the animal while staring at it. Eye contact is considered a threat because it is a sign of potential predation whereas facial expressions can be faked and are not reliable. </span><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> </span></b></i>Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-44123607796813169962016-02-24T12:50:00.000-08:002016-02-26T13:03:50.532-08:00Corvid Course - Class #4 Corvid Mythology, Legends & Lore<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWtMkxonMjuBujuRqKVx1_SJBiH6fyDqFlZnZjCr41dgiUgEKEbs6w_vXF0PPbS7vmaj_CI_Gk0IJfAgoO-I_bHaxrllcsFDA65EHU5vzdtnR8-xbntyXkyshge0wOD9DFfFGPsrxcKQ/s1600/twilight-dreamer.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our 2016 "Conservation Course"
started January 25th.
Below are notes and a video for the fourth class in the 6-class series. See notes and videos from the previous classes here: </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2016/01/corvid-course-class-1-intro-to-corvids.html" target="_blank">first class</a></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2016/02/corvid-course-class-2-stellers-jays.html" target="_blank">second class</a> </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2016/02/corvid-course-class-3-biology-behavior.html" target="_blank">third class</a></span></b></i><br />
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Class #<i>4</i> - Corvid Mythology, Legends & Lore with Mary Kiesau</b><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> February 16, 2016</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Watch and listen to the second half of the class on this video (we had a problem
recording the first part of the lecture; this video starts late.) </span></div>
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nKgB8CUgvCs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nKgB8CUgvCs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Corvids are popular figures in mythical stories throughout the
world. The most popular corvids in mythology are ravens and crows but magpies and
jays are also featured (Mary said she couldn’t find any nutcracker stories).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary covered stories from Native American or
other First People cultures; tales from the Far East; and legends and myths of
Western Europe from both the old Norse/Viking era as well as from the more recent
“Christian” era of say the last several <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hundred years. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Magpies</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWtMkxonMjuBujuRqKVx1_SJBiH6fyDqFlZnZjCr41dgiUgEKEbs6w_vXF0PPbS7vmaj_CI_Gk0IJfAgoO-I_bHaxrllcsFDA65EHU5vzdtnR8-xbntyXkyshge0wOD9DFfFGPsrxcKQ/s1600/twilight-dreamer.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWtMkxonMjuBujuRqKVx1_SJBiH6fyDqFlZnZjCr41dgiUgEKEbs6w_vXF0PPbS7vmaj_CI_Gk0IJfAgoO-I_bHaxrllcsFDA65EHU5vzdtnR8-xbntyXkyshge0wOD9DFfFGPsrxcKQ/s320/twilight-dreamer.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Magpies are a very common symbol throughout many Asian countries.
They are seen very positively - generally representing happiness, good luck,
and good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A famous love story about
Niu Lang and Zhi Nv is called the “Cowherd and the Weaver Girl.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After marrying and having 2 children, they
were separated by a great river and can meet each other only once a year by
crossing a “magpie bridge.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cowherd
and the Weaver Girl are represented in the night sky by the stars Altair (in
the Eagle, Aquila) and Vega (in the Harp, Lyra), respectively, and the Milky
Way is the river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Qixi Festival is
the annual Chinese festival that celebrates the once-a-year meeting of the
cowherd and weaver girl. It is sometimes called the Chinese Valentine's Day or
the Magpie Festival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tale of The
Weaver Girl and the Cowherd has been celebrated in the Qixi Festival since the
Han Dynasty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This story is also told and
celebrated in Korea and Japan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In China magpies are also associated
with children and marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The magpie is
regarded as the bird of joy, and the Chinese call it “The Happy Magpie.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a symbol for marital bliss, sexual
happiness, nesting, and long lasting fortune.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In Korean art, magpies are frequently painted along with tigers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Magpies are said to deliver good news and the
tiger represents good luck.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The good nature of Asian depictions of
magpies is contrasted by Western cultures negative depiction of the birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In European cultures magpies are often seen
as bad omens. The following saying shows that seeing one magpie is an ill omen
but it is not nearly as bad as seeing a flock of magpies. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">“One for sorrow, two for joy, three for
a girl, four for a boy, five for silver, six for gold, seven for a story never
to be told.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">If you see just one magpie there are certain
measures you can take to avoid imminent tragedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First- salute the bird and say, “Good
morning, Mr. Magpie. I hope your wife and family are well!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that doesn’t work caw like a magpie while
flapping your arms. This way there will actually be two magpies which is a good
omen!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">There is one English fairy tale that
actually acknowledges their intelligence. It’s called <a href="http://www.authorama.com/english-fairy-tales-39.html" target="_blank">The Magpie’s Nest –read it here</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Skadi, the Norse goddess of winter is
often associated with magpies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Danish word for magpie is skade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
Greece, the magpie was sacred to Bacchus, the God of wine. So the magpie is
sometimes associated with intoxication.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Western Indigenous cultures, like the
Asian cultures, see the magpie as a friend and helper, though they also often
see him as a trickster, like they do with the corvids in general. Many Native
American tribes have stories involving magpie, and wearing a magpie feather is
a sign of fearlessness in some tribes as the magpie is bold and has little
fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.ilhawaii.net/~stony/lore122.html" target="_blank">Here’s a Cheyenne story about Magpie and why he is a friend to humans</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Jays</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">There is not a lot of folklore or
mythology about jays across the world. The ones Mary found were from Native
American tribes, about both gray jays and various “blue” jays.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioI8TgzylHp11gEJ6uyQkPFktgmAfU0CIQDoaxVtHhfghQpnxuqHU8OS3ucMxrx6kcyjsX_8MuC5ZApHks_qU1kP31AeUwvmScVitEFIe4BmKPtDQDQRe2d3XSSlxFIf2fyQ981aihLL0/s1600/stellars+jay_fred_croydon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioI8TgzylHp11gEJ6uyQkPFktgmAfU0CIQDoaxVtHhfghQpnxuqHU8OS3ucMxrx6kcyjsX_8MuC5ZApHks_qU1kP31AeUwvmScVitEFIe4BmKPtDQDQRe2d3XSSlxFIf2fyQ981aihLL0/s200/stellars+jay_fred_croydon.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stellar's Jay by Fred Croydon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Bluejay appears to be most affiliated
with Chinook, Chehalis, and other Northwest Coast tribes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cowichan of the Coast Salish have a story
of a blue jay (does not specify Steller’s jay) bringing a young women he loved
back to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.joejack.com/bluejay.html" target="_blank">Read that story here</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Wesakechak (wee-sah-keh-chahk) is the
benevolent culture hero of the Cree tribe. There are hundreds of stories about
him, but no one really knows what he looks like because Wisakecahk</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">has many powers, such as the ability to
change shape and be anything he wants, and to speak the languages of the
animals and plants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stories about
Wisakecahk usually begin with him walking and feeling hungry. He is too lazy to
get food for himself, so he will try to trick other animals into giving him
their food, or into becoming his food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wisakecahk
became anglicized as “whiskey jack,” which became an alternate name for the
gray jay.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Crows</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Crows are one of the most popular
corvids featured in mythology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crows and
ravens (and most likely rooks, jackdaws, hooded crows and carrion crows) are
often, though not always, interchangeable in folklore and mythology. They are
often portrayed with dichotomous roles and meanings (good and evil, bird of
darkness and death or creator of the world and light, etc.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cBvHET3o_GXdjcg79EeWzizA36dGTgK4LeBMZfFlO4ja_r1WPn16u2EaIRV3SScK8gAAlcrXg0Xv8Ow2CAnexS3q-20cdzUu6nWkmsGy0XBM9rcMwn3e6bCXqpNYAkhXMwNq6IjpTjo/s1600/Threeleggedbird_han_dynasty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cBvHET3o_GXdjcg79EeWzizA36dGTgK4LeBMZfFlO4ja_r1WPn16u2EaIRV3SScK8gAAlcrXg0Xv8Ow2CAnexS3q-20cdzUu6nWkmsGy0XBM9rcMwn3e6bCXqpNYAkhXMwNq6IjpTjo/s320/Threeleggedbird_han_dynasty.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mural from the Han Dynasty period found in Henan province </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The three-legged crow is a creature
found in various mythologies and arts of East Asia. It originated in China
during the Neolithic Era - items with depictions have been excavated from the
lower Yangtze River delta area and dated back to around 5000 BC. The
three-legged crow, called the sanzuwu, is believed by East Asian cultures to
inhabit and represent the sun, and is often called the bird-sun or the sun
crow. Three was the number they associated with light and goodness, which the
sun embodied.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The crow also appears in Japanese
mythology and to some extant modern culture. In Japanese mythology, a jungle
crow called Yatagarasu is evidence of the will of Heaven or divine intervention
in human affairs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yatagarasu the
Crow-God is symbolic specifically of guidance. This great crow was sent from
heaven as a guide for Emperor Jimmu (was the first Emperor of Japan, according
to legend) on his initial journey from the region.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The crow is considered by orthodox
religious Hindus to be a messenger from the world of the ancestors and is
ceremonially offered cooked rice in the annual event Shraddha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crow calls are viewed as an omen of
unexpected guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In many cultures crows (or ravens)
started out white and there are <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">many
stories about why they turned black. Here are several of those stories. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbE-NmU9pvasW0Nsb7gK6euiDGd-5pJ90_lBc96gmIJjrt0pS_PdEEgX54NN9HTYv9ydrnYZmOQ40qwCVwYV4otRLOGTa4QLlnuVaARoplIccnAVntKvGA3TXfB0mBNHBxlPFwIcdSuE0/s1600/white+raven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbE-NmU9pvasW0Nsb7gK6euiDGd-5pJ90_lBc96gmIJjrt0pS_PdEEgX54NN9HTYv9ydrnYZmOQ40qwCVwYV4otRLOGTa4QLlnuVaARoplIccnAVntKvGA3TXfB0mBNHBxlPFwIcdSuE0/s320/white+raven.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corvids, like any animal, can be Albino or leucistic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In Greek mythology, there is a tale of Apollo
who fell in love with Coronis. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apollo asked his divine messenger, the white crow
(some stories say it’s a raven), to guard Coronis while he was away. Coronis was pregnant with Apollo’s child, but
gave in to the advances of a mere mortal, Prince Ischys. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the crow brought news to Apollo of Coronis’
infidelity, Apollo became enraged that his faithful messenger had not pecked
out the eyes of the prince. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apollo flung
a curse so furious the crow’s pure white feathers were scorched black.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coronis was killed and later set among the
stars as Corvus, the crow (korônê in Greek).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">There’s a story about Muhammad, the
founder of Islam and the last profit sent to earth by God sometime around 570.
A popular legend depicts a time Muhammed was hiding from his enemies in a cave.
A crow, then white, spotted him and cried “Ghar, Ghar!” (cave, cave!) to his seekers.
They did not comprehend the crow’s cries, however, and Muhammad escaped, but he
turned the crow black for the betrayal and cursed him to only utter one phrase
for the rest of time; “Ghar, Ghar!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Crows or ravens frequently appear in
“Great Flood” stories. Some legends depict the bird as a Noah-like creator,
saving all the other animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
one biblical “Noah” story says that after it had stopped raining, Noah sent a
white raven to explore the sea and look for a dry piece of land. Instead of
coming back the bird just flew around. So Noah sent a white dove which came
back with an olive branch signifying land. The raven was summoned to come and
was blackened by Noah and condemned to feed on carrion as a punishment.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In a North American tribal legend, the
raven and the peacock were close friends. One day, the two birds decided to
amuse themselves by painting each other's feathers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The raven set willingly to work and so
surpassed itself that the peacock became, as it is today, one of the most
beautiful birds on earth. Unwillingly to share its glory even with its friend,
the mean-spirited peacock painted the raven plain black.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other variations of this story suggest the
raven exhausted all the color on the peacock, leaving only black for itself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The Sioux tell the story of how a white
raven used to warn buffalo of approaching hunting parties. The buffalo would
then stampede, and the hunters would be left hungry. Eventually, an angry
shaman threw the bird into the fire which turned it black.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary’s last crow story came from Lenni Lenape
Tribe in Delaware. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://americanfolklore.net/folklore/2010/09/rainbow_crow.html" target="_blank">It’s called “Rainbow Crow.”</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Ravens</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Ravens are perhaps the most common bird
symbol in the mythologies, legends and folklore of ancient (and modern) cultures.
They assume a variety of roles, ranging from messengers of deities and sages to
tricksters and bringers of death. They play a central part in many aboriginal
creation myths and, like crows and other corvids, are typically associated with
the supernatural realms lying beyond the ordinary experience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In many western traditions ravens
represent darkness, destructiveness, uncleanliness and evil. They are sometimes
associated with deities of impurity and death. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their black color is certainly a part of these
beliefs, but it’s also because the eat carrion, and were seen among the dead,
on battlefields and elsewhere, often with wolves, which symbolically is one of
man's oldest enemy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">But before ravens began to be vilified
throughout Europe (and then wherever Europeans went), they had a long history
of myth and legend with numerous ancient cultures, particularly in the Norse
and Celtic regions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ravens of
European mythology are invariably messengers, or an alternate shape for various
deities and spirits (vs. in the indigenous cultures of North America, ravens are
often the deities themselves).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most
widely known heroes of European folklore that are associated with ravens are
Bran, Morrigan, King Arthur and Odin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mary discussed each of these.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In old Welsh and Celtic mythology, the
Welsh giant Bran (aka Bran the Blessed) was the King and</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUL54h8Z9inuRaOqOwzFlg3bilHRN16YHm4RADkrQs8X6yUT14Uh3nPybnC2QKyIPUtDoU3QrCthQkngqI4dsAOIrrKyjSZui6TrL_LXQPiCKvS2cwxk-4ytkRhWxtqyu30Go0QjAbPQ/s1600/tower_ravens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUL54h8Z9inuRaOqOwzFlg3bilHRN16YHm4RADkrQs8X6yUT14Uh3nPybnC2QKyIPUtDoU3QrCthQkngqI4dsAOIrrKyjSZui6TrL_LXQPiCKvS2cwxk-4ytkRhWxtqyu30Go0QjAbPQ/s200/tower_ravens.jpg" width="141" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> protector of all of
Britain, and he kept ravens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Bran
was mortally wounded while warring against the Irish, he commanded his
followers to behead him and bury his head in what is now Tower Hill in London
to protect Britain from invasion. A popular superstition arose declaring that
if the ravens ever fled the Tower of London, the monarchy would fall. As long
as they nested there, Britain would never be successfully invaded. Bran's
Ravens have been there for over 900 years and are kept there to this day, as
protection against invasion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During
World War II, Tower Hill was bombed, and the ravens were lost. Winston
Churchill, knowing full well the ancient legends, ordered the immediate
replacement of ravens, and they were brought to Tower Hill from the Bran’s land
of the Welsh hills and Scottish Highlands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The name "Brân" in Welsh means crow or raven.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Among the Irish Celts, ravens are
associated with the “Triple Goddess,” Morrigan, who would take shape as a raven
(or crow) and fly over battlefields choosing the slain and protecting warriors,
such as the famous warrior Cuchulian. She was sometimes called the Battle Crow.
Morrigan was also prone to prophecies and predicting the outcome of battles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In “The Dream of Rhonabwy” (written in
the 14th century but set many centuries earlier during the time of King
Arthur), the knight Owain who has an army of ravens is playing King Arthur in a
game of cheese in Cornwall. King Arthur’s people begin to harass Owain ravens
and Owain asks the King to leave his ravens alone. King Arthur ignores Owain
who then sets his ravens on Arthur’s mean. The ravens kill many people and then
turn the great King Arthur into a raven. Well into modern times, many people
still believed that King Arthur was alive in the form of a raven, and in
Cornwall especially, people will not kill a raven.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwhYjQjQJdpVtsWtECse9XxGxtUVkxV4CnH2jA0ljIIXriC3zfwdKK78ZvSM4h0LMsOTxu1kMU73YVblZS16jUsQ0FShCLMSa1KRunc6gVdogsKP4HPm33HYLuxGQD0_gbFETFCLh_6Q/s1600/Odin_der_Go%25CC%2588ttervater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwhYjQjQJdpVtsWtECse9XxGxtUVkxV4CnH2jA0ljIIXriC3zfwdKK78ZvSM4h0LMsOTxu1kMU73YVblZS16jUsQ0FShCLMSa1KRunc6gVdogsKP4HPm33HYLuxGQD0_gbFETFCLh_6Q/s320/Odin_der_Go%25CC%2588ttervater.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<i>Odin, der Göttervater" </i>by Wilhelm Wägner, 1882</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">One of the most interesting human/raven
relationship was with Odin, the great Norse god of the Vikings. Narratives
regarding Odin are primarily from 13th century texts recorded in Iceland. He is
sometimes called the God of Ravens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Odin
is depicted as one-eyed and long-bearded, frequently wielding a spear, and
wearing a cloak and a broad hat. He is often accompanied by his animal
companions—two wolves, Geri and Freki, are on either side of his feet and two
ravens, Huginn and Muninn, are on opposite shoulders. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Huginn translates to “Thought,” and Muninn to “Memory.” Each
daybreak Odin sent them from him to fly throughout the world, delivering
messages and gathering news and information to bring back to him. They were to
observe what was happening, question people and even talk to the dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would come back to whisper to Odin what
they had seen and learned. Since they embodied Odin’s mind and thoughts, they
symbolized his ability to see into the future, and likely helped create the
concept that ravens are prophetic.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbRt2HMv8lPWHJVDvyUgfGtA0l4l3mokKZPQs41pFMR7MYuyMjyfMXRHzFG3eSAsT2F6G7Zv9PP3fCCz_Xtc484LKz3pJBnqUd2ojaNn6rGgGptO5ouPnrVg_R0Ds_-1jBpJy_tI5qDM/s1600/Raven_and_the_First_Men%252C_left_side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbRt2HMv8lPWHJVDvyUgfGtA0l4l3mokKZPQs41pFMR7MYuyMjyfMXRHzFG3eSAsT2F6G7Zv9PP3fCCz_Xtc484LKz3pJBnqUd2ojaNn6rGgGptO5ouPnrVg_R0Ds_-1jBpJy_tI5qDM/s320/Raven_and_the_First_Men%252C_left_side.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">“Raven and The First Men,” by Bill Reid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In indigenous cultures of North America
ravens often have roles of transformation and/or are seen as creators of the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Details of the creation tale
differ, but essentially “Raven”— sometimes a creature with human body and
raven’s beak—is believed to have made the world. There are numerous legends
from tribes across North American about <a href="https://youtu.be/YxPlVmXAihE" target="_blank">how Raven “Gave Light to the World.” They vary slightly but mostly follow the same story provided here by a Haida elder in this video. </a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
Creation myths continue with various stories about how Raven created the earth
and/or how he created the First People. Here’s another <a href="https://youtu.be/kJ1khnqqhVM" target="_blank">video story from Haida Gwaii called “Raven & the First People.”</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In other stories, perhaps when Raven is
still young, he is the trickster, like Coyote, sometimes devious and sometimes benevolent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary closed the program with one of these “trickster”
tales from a Northwest coastal tradition called, “<a href="http://www.eldrbarry.net/rabb/rvn/r_tide.htm" target="_blank">Raven and the Man that Sits on the Tides</a>.”</span></div>
Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-47979596929289321892016-02-13T17:56:00.000-08:002016-02-13T17:58:13.122-08:00Corvid Course - Class #3 The Biology, Behavior and Big Brains of Our Charismatic Ravens<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our 2016 "Conservation Course"
started January 25th.
Below are short-hand notes taken by Raechel Youngberg and a video by CJ Peterson,
both class participants. See notes and videos from the previous classes here: </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2016/01/corvid-course-class-1-intro-to-corvids.html" target="_blank">first class</a></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2016/02/corvid-course-class-2-stellers-jays.html" target="_blank">second class</a> </span></b></i><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2016/01/corvid-course-class-1-intro-to-corvids.html" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b></i></a><br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></b></i><b>Class #<i>3</i> - The Biology, Behavior and Brains of Ravens with Dana Visalli</b><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> February 8, 2016<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Watch and listen to the entire class on this video</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lpeJbKHhv_g/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lpeJbKHhv_g?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HNPlAt_xrTxtM1MJNPbOTFCKoiPhkvdFYKCjHhnuFKuDQM_BH6laELY3tTiZKJOjNt9XUnEgxYzflkDdul8ZsHo0GW78a2Ilg-xFGJForM7ap1zqZ41xaqC7Y-WIQOHA2dlwbYdcqe0/s1600/raven+and+crow+heads.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HNPlAt_xrTxtM1MJNPbOTFCKoiPhkvdFYKCjHhnuFKuDQM_BH6laELY3tTiZKJOjNt9XUnEgxYzflkDdul8ZsHo0GW78a2Ilg-xFGJForM7ap1zqZ41xaqC7Y-WIQOHA2dlwbYdcqe0/s320/raven+and+crow+heads.jpg" width="320" /></a>Corvids are in the passerine family, which contains more than half of all bird species. The passerines are often thought of as "song birds," but their common characteristic is really that they are "perching" birds. All passerines have two toes that point forward and one toe that points backwards which helps them perch. <br />
<br />
How to identify a raven versus a crow:<br />
-Crows have straight tail feathers that may appear to be cut.<br />
-Crows have a smaller body than ravens.<br />
-Crows have a smaller beak than ravens.<br />
-Crows generally travel in flocks whereas ravens travel alone or in pairs unless there is food around. <br />
-Crows are rarely found in the Methow during the winter.<br />
<br />
Raven-Ravens have a very big bill. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxn7SO-5hPLcCXdIguoxEqCF_ThARX7nUM3CfD4e4uhpnldtrCDPgERQQcoM6taaCkrBazURB1WrfJhu7Tdos62POoI4moqQFPz1dP2MdzjjEUxx2BbaPugsKLyBDBQwZycwwqcjR_Vg/s1600/raven+wings.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxn7SO-5hPLcCXdIguoxEqCF_ThARX7nUM3CfD4e4uhpnldtrCDPgERQQcoM6taaCkrBazURB1WrfJhu7Tdos62POoI4moqQFPz1dP2MdzjjEUxx2BbaPugsKLyBDBQwZycwwqcjR_Vg/s320/raven+wings.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
-The tips of ravens "primary" wing feathers are spread out like fingers, similar to eagles and vultures (reduced drag when soaring, which is something ravens do and crows not so much) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxn7SO-5hPLcCXdIguoxEqCF_ThARX7nUM3CfD4e4uhpnldtrCDPgERQQcoM6taaCkrBazURB1WrfJhu7Tdos62POoI4moqQFPz1dP2MdzjjEUxx2BbaPugsKLyBDBQwZycwwqcjR_Vg/s1600/raven+wings.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
-Ravens have a wedge/fan shaped tail. <br />
-Ravens are noisy fliers due to the air displaced by their wings.<br />
-Ravens have large neck feathers that can be puffed out in a similar way to a grouse to communicate social rank and dominance.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kXVPAUlzWuNqVLcqW94uNE9AqRtsgHyfYdj4X3Y4Q5kJtonLHi0JtUepZPZjUVnUXJ88oD2TqoioFxZq8Kb8IKOAdAaxwKJJbUVp794_JrYQOn5fwMG_bgP71H1uPb0AuoagIklV0p8/s1600/thick+billed+raven.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>- Ravens are widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere. <br />
<br />
Ravens are highly adaptable and intelligent animals and these traits have helped them adapt to a variety of different environments. The Common Raven (Corvus corax) can survive in deserts, rainforests, and mountainous regions. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kXVPAUlzWuNqVLcqW94uNE9AqRtsgHyfYdj4X3Y4Q5kJtonLHi0JtUepZPZjUVnUXJ88oD2TqoioFxZq8Kb8IKOAdAaxwKJJbUVp794_JrYQOn5fwMG_bgP71H1uPb0AuoagIklV0p8/s1600/thick+billed+raven.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kXVPAUlzWuNqVLcqW94uNE9AqRtsgHyfYdj4X3Y4Q5kJtonLHi0JtUepZPZjUVnUXJ88oD2TqoioFxZq8Kb8IKOAdAaxwKJJbUVp794_JrYQOn5fwMG_bgP71H1uPb0AuoagIklV0p8/s320/thick+billed+raven.jpg" width="320" /></a>Ravens average lifespan is 15-20 years, but in captivity they have been know to live until 40 years of age. They are one of the largest passerine birds and can weigh 2-4lbs. The Thick-billed Raven (Corvus cassirostris) from the Horn of Africa is the largest raven species and can weigh up to 6lbs.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kXVPAUlzWuNqVLcqW94uNE9AqRtsgHyfYdj4X3Y4Q5kJtonLHi0JtUepZPZjUVnUXJ88oD2TqoioFxZq8Kb8IKOAdAaxwKJJbUVp794_JrYQOn5fwMG_bgP71H1uPb0AuoagIklV0p8/s1600/thick+billed+raven.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
It is very difficult to distinguish if a raven is male or female unless you see them right next to each other. Males are slightly larger than females. Females can be identified without a male present for comparison by a unique knocking call that is specific to females. Both males and females have expressive neck feathers that they use to communicate dominance. They will puff their neck feathers and legs feathers out to appear larger and more dominant. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaeOBF8aXIks72zt5rd9hslREJNojwfSruG5ZQQcjOYlyVCjDe8XRkr1-KCRGd2_4Nghn2PLz59s2fImO5dPiggAmmE0g9k-bWj1xm5o3zSFsDAwKMVumtkuEVEkMrGOeyfnz6dKChK5o/s1600/raven+neck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaeOBF8aXIks72zt5rd9hslREJNojwfSruG5ZQQcjOYlyVCjDe8XRkr1-KCRGd2_4Nghn2PLz59s2fImO5dPiggAmmE0g9k-bWj1xm5o3zSFsDAwKMVumtkuEVEkMrGOeyfnz6dKChK5o/s320/raven+neck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There have been many studies on the intelligence of ravens and other corvids, especially their use of tools and problem solving skills. <br />
<br />
Caledonia Crows display the most elaborate tool use of any corvid. Caledonia crows use two types of tools. The first tool they make is a stick with a hook strategically broken off at the end so they can probe insects out of holes. For the second tool they find a specific leaf that features barbed edges that they then roll into a spear shape. The second tool takes multiple steps and demonstrates causal reasoning (<span class="_Tgc">they see the relationship between a cause and its effect).</span> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xbsT8ZyGlYxOSRSY1k6kxSoRLwh2igRxraH4UpuGZJTmir6k0bUAXqgbiV39exxbXirQmqM30C8AUWnF1DUdMiyA-GmIuPY9S_PoBqJT4iMG18kSVDgtNRrgKsrKEgPWL-owu8vYE5A/s1600/crow+tool.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xbsT8ZyGlYxOSRSY1k6kxSoRLwh2igRxraH4UpuGZJTmir6k0bUAXqgbiV39exxbXirQmqM30C8AUWnF1DUdMiyA-GmIuPY9S_PoBqJT4iMG18kSVDgtNRrgKsrKEgPWL-owu8vYE5A/s320/crow+tool.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Corvids have the largest brain size to brain stem ratio of any bird species (excluding parrots). The European magpie has demonstrated self-awareness in several studies. In one study, scientists placed a small yellow dot underneath the beak of the magpie where it could not see it. Then the birds were placed in front of mirrors. The birds quickly realized that they were looking at a reflection of themselves and would then scratch off the yellow dot. <br />
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Many studies have been done on the problem solving abilities of ravens. In several studies, scientists placed a piece of meat on a string and then tied it to a branch. This would never occur naturally in the wild and thus was a unique experience to which they have not previously been exposed. The ravens quickly realized they could use their foot and beak to pull up the string, hold it with their food, then pull it some more, continually holding it down until they have the meat. <br />
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Scrub jays demonstrate brain flexibility and prospection while caching food for the winter. Scrub jays cache perishable and non-perisable food items and are able to retrieve around 75% of their caches after 6 months. The jays not only remember where they stored the food but how long it will last before rotting, and go for the perishable food first. <br />
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Ravens mate for life and are socially monogamous. Pairs build nests together and raise their young together. Ravens frequently start incubating eggs before all the eggs have been laid. The last egg to be laid therefore has a shorter incubation period and is smaller and weaker. This is believed to be a backup food source for the other young when times between meals are scarce. <br />
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Ravens interestingly enough cannot tell the difference between their own eggs and another bird's eggs. Well-known raven biologist and author Bernd Heinrich individually placed a chicken egg, a plastic easter egg, and film canister filled with water in a ravens nest. The ravens incubated the chicken and the plastic easter egg but did at least toss out the film canister. Ravens are fierce guards of their nest and in the wild it is unlikely that another creature would be able to sneak an egg into a ravens nest (like many birds do with "<span class="st"><span class="f">brood parasitism")</span></span>, so ravens never had to develop ways to distinguish their eggs. <br />
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Ravens are omnivores but sometimes demonstrate meal phobia (often called <span class="st"><i>neophobia)</i></span>. They are wary around unknown carrion sites and often wait for the presence of crows, magpies or large carnivores before approaching novel carcasses. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5z7tLzpVpBEuAV_nPgAsLqd6wVR2E2SkK_wGzKcPTcGSGMhe0kVE9VMOSKO2GMl2JCI8jcT7OSJGlCs1VAUs2AvN7TxDJ1gHIYm2a-qtci_me_tsYi_5coF5dHJIaouMw5CLwuJeSXhU/s1600/ravens+and+wolf+on+deer+kill.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5z7tLzpVpBEuAV_nPgAsLqd6wVR2E2SkK_wGzKcPTcGSGMhe0kVE9VMOSKO2GMl2JCI8jcT7OSJGlCs1VAUs2AvN7TxDJ1gHIYm2a-qtci_me_tsYi_5coF5dHJIaouMw5CLwuJeSXhU/s320/ravens+and+wolf+on+deer+kill.jpg" width="320" /></a>Ravens and wolves have a very interesting relationship. A study in Yellowstone tracked the number of ravens found on wolf kills versus hunter kills. On every single wolf kill the scientists discovered ravens but they never found ravens on the kill sites of human hunters. Ravens listen for wolf howls that signal the beginning of a hunt and this relationship may benefit both species. Ravens are more alert to their surroundings than wolves and may act as a early warning system for danger for wolves. <br />
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It seems that the local Methow population of ravens has been on the rise. This could be linked to human inhabitants building roads and clearing snow which allowed more deer to inhabit the valley and survive better during the winter. Deer carcasses are a common food for corvids during the winter. Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-86248806778785945982016-02-08T15:06:00.003-08:002016-02-13T17:56:36.078-08:00Corvid Course - Class #2 Steller's Jays & Communication<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our 2016 "Conservation Course"
started January 25th.
Below are short-hand notes taken by Raechel Youngberg and a video by CJ Peterson,
both class participants. To see the notes and video from the <a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2016/01/corvid-course-class-1-intro-to-corvids.html" target="_blank">first class </a></span></b></i><a href="http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/2016/01/corvid-course-class-1-intro-to-corvids.html" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">click here</span></b></i></a><br />
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</span></b></i><b>Class #2 - Steller's Jays & Communication with Alexis Billings</b><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> February 1, 2016<br />
<br />
<br />
Watch and listen to most of the class on this video (we had a problem recording the first part of the lecture; this video starts late.)<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EDpkTUE_n9k/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EDpkTUE_n9k?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alexis says she studies "bioaccoustics" - sounds that living things make</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jays are spread throughout the phylogentic (aka <span class="_Tgc">evolutionary</span>) tree and there is not
one overall characteristic of what makes a jay a jay. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Boreal
jays (gray jays etc), ground jays and old world jays are not in the same genus as scrub jays, steller & blue jays, pinyon jays etc.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Gray Jay</b> (<i>Perisoeus canadensis</i>)</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVa6aEfZg615g2Ouj5fZp7uraohYql7OIz_16AcKS1sZjPYSuZl2J1CSmg1AxctuKlu_d02qiOqV5MDAsSexqteKERLRcxV-QQyowmhzdJBcw02KdokzYM_X_o1aP0REPLpwbT_icai8/s1600/GrayJay1_kiesau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVa6aEfZg615g2Ouj5fZp7uraohYql7OIz_16AcKS1sZjPYSuZl2J1CSmg1AxctuKlu_d02qiOqV5MDAsSexqteKERLRcxV-QQyowmhzdJBcw02KdokzYM_X_o1aP0REPLpwbT_icai8/s320/GrayJay1_kiesau.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray jay by Mary Kiesau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Boreal forests</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-We are southern range of their territory</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-do not migrate</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-make long term pair bonds, and are socially monogamous</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-one of the few corvids that has something that sounds like a song, the “whisper” song</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-breeding starts in February</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-they are a semi-cooperative breeder: family groups work together to
raise young but helpers are not allowed to feed the chick until it becomes a
fledgling</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-omniviores</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-cache food under bark using special sticky saliva</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Steller's Jay</b> (<i>Cyanocitta stelleri</i>)</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNAueAPSSX-xu4VQdX47BdtUkh7VkqbddV2xTq3btDjGuVUeKZfrFX4DGVzfajIqvqkK3PvcJVe4l9YHbTaX-5Va3RF_tvQ7PTA_u8ngJ6MDtXtr1upDp9uhmlRG5P7s094sIjgGetlM/s1600/StellersJay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNAueAPSSX-xu4VQdX47BdtUkh7VkqbddV2xTq3btDjGuVUeKZfrFX4DGVzfajIqvqkK3PvcJVe4l9YHbTaX-5Va3RF_tvQ7PTA_u8ngJ6MDtXtr1upDp9uhmlRG5P7s094sIjgGetlM/s320/StellersJay.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steller's jay by Mary Kiesau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Named by George Wilheim Steller, a German who worked for
Russia and who is considered a pioneer of Alaskan Natural History</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Black, gray or blue chest, head and upper back and breast</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Blue body w/ black on feathers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Lots of variation between subspecies and hybrids (our local subspecies is <i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cyancitta stelleri annecterns)</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Sexually dimorphic(males and females are different)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-males slightly larger with slightly longer tails</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-males are much more colorful than females in UV spectrum (we can't see it but the birds can)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-sex specific calls (creek call = males only, rattle call =
females only)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
-the are western coniferous forest birds</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-subspecies can interbreed, though they have slightly different genetics, and <span style="font-family: inherit;">they can vary in size, coloration, habitat range</span></div>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our local Steller's jay is <i>Cyanocitta </i></span></b><i><b>stelleri annectern</b> </i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-Forehead has small light blue streaks</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
-white eye area</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-paler than <span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Cyanocitta stelleri </i></span>(especially on belly)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Breeding:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-begins in March-April with sexual sidling and courtship
circling</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-culminated courtship feeding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pair Bonds:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-long term pair bonds</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-not sexually monogamous</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-often stay with mate outside of breeding season</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nesting:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Nest site selected by both pairs and built by both pairs</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-horizontal brances close to truck between ground level and
30m high</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-bulky structure of plant material, sticks, leaves and mud
(one of only two corvid species known to use mud)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eggs:</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbaRradkbxz5VoH136gzeAOfVo2M5t0cFjQWwcGh_U7eSDjOZ8LkZTg_FYm8Ysb08U8qukcetyWWwxlGTEhs5kbLnHkVscEHzWX9vDrTtHTnjfDjyuChTpxUl7CdFvxs22i3abs7GXCY/s1600/stellars-jay-eggs-sknp-nps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbaRradkbxz5VoH136gzeAOfVo2M5t0cFjQWwcGh_U7eSDjOZ8LkZTg_FYm8Ysb08U8qukcetyWWwxlGTEhs5kbLnHkVscEHzWX9vDrTtHTnjfDjyuChTpxUl7CdFvxs22i3abs7GXCY/s320/stellars-jay-eggs-sknp-nps.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Photo by Jim Peaco, NPS</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-blueish gray with brown freckles</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-slightly glossy</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-average 3 to a clutch</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-16 days incubation</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Young:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Altrichial young (young need assistance from parents after
birth)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-remain in nest for 16 days after hatching</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-once fledged they beg for food for one month before parents
stop feeding them</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-may stay with parents for fall and winter</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Foraging:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-omnivores</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-diet primarily consists of anthropods, nuts, seeds,
berries, small vertebrates</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Places they forage:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-ground, bushes, trees</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-fly catch </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-forage under loose bark</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Also help spread seeds of white bark pine</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-cache food in trees and ground</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-eat snow and ice even when water is abundant</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-nest raiders and eat young of other birds</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Behavior:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-flight: strong & deliberate</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-accomplished hoppers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-expressive crest (stands taller when stressed)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-use wings, tail feathers for posturing in conflict and
courting behavior</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Intelligence is displayed by:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-problem solving</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-spatial memory</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-self awareness</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-use of tools</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-complex social interactions</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-manipulative</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Predation and anti-predation behavior:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-give alarm calls as responses to danger</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-display mobbing behavior (attack predator)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ68UY_HA0rwonZX4SqAl-g9lYT9qUc7BoVR7AbhPq1ZwmcV7vtZPpPl8vIcbrifOcQRqrX04w1YReu8MbuGDblmphmzNv5mo6z0whyphenhyphenbWtDDNW71zdPMUiSSpEadMx5t5gE02xF61jjjM/s1600/DSC05289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ68UY_HA0rwonZX4SqAl-g9lYT9qUc7BoVR7AbhPq1ZwmcV7vtZPpPl8vIcbrifOcQRqrX04w1YReu8MbuGDblmphmzNv5mo6z0whyphenhyphenbWtDDNW71zdPMUiSSpEadMx5t5gE02xF61jjjM/s320/DSC05289.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharp-shinned hawk by Mary Kiesau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Predators:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Northern Pygmy Owl</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Sharp-Shinned Hawk</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Red-Tail Hawk</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Northern Goshawk</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Study used visual and acoustic cues to see how Steller's jays
reacted to the four predators</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Results:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Size is not everything</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Hunting strategy counts (sharp-shinned hawks are quicker and more agile than red-tailed hawks)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-No distinct difference between visual and acoustic cues</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alexis predicted that size would be the biggest factor in
the Steller's jays reactions to the cues. But a variety of factors influenced
the result (see above). Alexis predicted that the jays would have the most
significant vocalizations and mobbing attacks towards Northern Goshawks but it
turned out that Sharp-Shinned Hawks and Northern Goshawks elicited similar
results. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the jays heard red-tailed hawks calls they responded by
mimicking their calls which may act as a warning system for other jays nearby. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alexis also is studying how animals of different species
communicate in a forest setting. She found that other birds (and even squirrels!) listen to red-breasted nuthatches for warnings about their environment. She also found that
black-capped chickadees are not considered reliable and are not listened to. It
seems that Steller's jays are only listened to by other Steller's jays. </div>
</span><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b></i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b></i></span>Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-74345105204995531762016-01-31T20:39:00.001-08:002016-01-31T20:42:32.831-08:00Corvid Course - Class #1 Intro to Corvids<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our 2016 "Conservation Course" started January 25th with an introductory class by David Moskowitz. Below are notes taken by Raechel Youngberg and a video by CJ Peterson, both class participants. </span></b></i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b></i><br /></span><br />
<br />
<b>Class #1 - What Makes a Corvid a Corvid?</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Watch and listen to the entire class on this video </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YIoKwiKM-gw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YIoKwiKM-gw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Corvids originated from the Australia/New Zealand region around 17
million years ago. Corvids belong to the Passerine or perching bird
order. There are currently 23 genera and 120 species across the globe.
Corvids are a very successful family and have colonized most of the
earth. Corvidae include crows, ravens, jays, rooks, jackdaws, magpies,
treepies, choughs, and nutcrackers. <br />
<br />
There are very few
endangered corvid species. One species of note, the Hawaiian Crow, is
extinct in the wild and has dwindling numbers in captivity. A number of
factors led to the demise of the Hawaiian crow such as disease,
predators, and loss of habitat.<br />
<br />
The Corvidae family is
often described as intelligent, adaptable and playful. They have a brain
to body mass ratio almost equal to that of the great apes and whales.
Certain species have been documented using mirrors, which is a sign of
self-awareness. There is well documented tool usage by certain species
such as ravens and crows (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDmCxUncIyc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">See a video here</a>).<br />
<br />
Ecologically, corvid relationships with other animals, particularly predator-type carnivores, has a very long history. It's even thought that ravens have had an evolutionary impact on wolf socialization and group formation. Ravens
can account for 40% of scavengers on wolf kills which led wolves over
time to hunt in packs so they consume their kills faster and keep the
food within their family. Corvids frequently consume kills made by other animals. <br />
<br />
Basic Morphology: <br />
-Most are medium to large in size <br />
-Blue, black, iridescent in color <br />
-Racous call <br />
-Stout bill <br />
-Bristle-like feathers on base of bill (unique to corvids)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KNBXf3SmLFYRW2YhlFl1F1phxWdYYGRAtkKhb2QuQClRuRpMLK7KI8b3tu4uc-FIT61Ay6jYjEma_W6jtYascJdrMHVrXhIHuLyGxmtaaByVAq-_KzZHSISDizWir71woihEu-A95Ok/s1600/corvid+bills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KNBXf3SmLFYRW2YhlFl1F1phxWdYYGRAtkKhb2QuQClRuRpMLK7KI8b3tu4uc-FIT61Ay6jYjEma_W6jtYascJdrMHVrXhIHuLyGxmtaaByVAq-_KzZHSISDizWir71woihEu-A95Ok/s320/corvid+bills.jpg" width="320" /></a>Skulls: <br />
-big eye sockets <br />
-stout bills <br />
-relatively large brain case<br />
<br />
Bills: <br />
-Stout bills are flexible in how they are used (generally not specific to certain types of food, opportunistic feeders) <br />
-Insects make up a large part of their diet <br />
<br />
<br />
Wings: <br />
-Elliptical and flexible wing shape <br />
-Not the quickest wing shape but highly adaptable <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxn4ZPf2JpZqU6ak9N0wA8V1pZWE86yaEsdRE8PN1Vj7RgMuT1ZN2MFk_WwCT0ABk8U7aG-9JjKAnTXr8x7tyI0EASl3uQHda0wMv6Jz9CuQ8MnkO824froo5U5SWEEUq02eR3zTWXaxc/s1600/corvid+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxn4ZPf2JpZqU6ak9N0wA8V1pZWE86yaEsdRE8PN1Vj7RgMuT1ZN2MFk_WwCT0ABk8U7aG-9JjKAnTXr8x7tyI0EASl3uQHda0wMv6Jz9CuQ8MnkO824froo5U5SWEEUq02eR3zTWXaxc/s320/corvid+feet.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Track drawings by David Moskowitz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Feet/Tracks: <br />
-Digitigrade animals (walk on toes) <br />
-Versatile movement (for crows/ravens) can walk, hop, jump on the ground <br />
-A foot track on the grade shows that the middle toe hugs the inside toe (specific to corvids) <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuiM7LIcLRT1oHlG5cYCtzdEW51LI1SOk1LIQzUXwjPDOoiv0p_z7tlVJesTukluo1xU8XRr1NukutMkocieWKQhShrA3v4f2IRGOHbNVPJVM0ft3GkW-CZvoJdv5NaBix2T74UjcTrk/s1600/pellet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuiM7LIcLRT1oHlG5cYCtzdEW51LI1SOk1LIQzUXwjPDOoiv0p_z7tlVJesTukluo1xU8XRr1NukutMkocieWKQhShrA3v4f2IRGOHbNVPJVM0ft3GkW-CZvoJdv5NaBix2T74UjcTrk/s200/pellet.jpg" width="186" /></a>Many birds produce "cough pellets," something many of us know owls to
do, but corvids do as well. Pellets
are the indigestible material a bird consumes that they then
regurgitate. Owls stomach acids are unable to digest bones so you often
find bones and fur in their pellets. Hawks are able to digest most bones
and so you do not find such materials in their pellets. Corvid pellets
consist of quite a bit of insect casings among other materials.<br />
<br />
Nest/Reproduction: <br />
-Territorial (depends on species, ex: ravens seem to be more territorial than crows) <br />
-Many species are socially monogamous but sexually exploratory <br />
-Nests vary depending on species but are fairly loosely constructed of sticks and branches, and reflect the size of the animal. <br />
-They spend a fair amount of time rearing young compared to other families of birds <br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>Our Western Corvids</b></i> (Page numbers are for The Sibley Guide to Birds) <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBx7c2tEAIBzAmJof6-IdxJxTn9zx6dkM8w8qliV8HTAB95Y7TCTjb4iLQtHOI6xYvGiHbke4AWfEGkJUwFic4LqqqUiarhyphenhyphenvCUvPIV1Qktblb8MsBxn9OHMfkZtlwI9sPUoyhudHAwNU/s1600/3Ravens%2526Fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBx7c2tEAIBzAmJof6-IdxJxTn9zx6dkM8w8qliV8HTAB95Y7TCTjb4iLQtHOI6xYvGiHbke4AWfEGkJUwFic4LqqqUiarhyphenhyphenvCUvPIV1Qktblb8MsBxn9OHMfkZtlwI9sPUoyhudHAwNU/s320/3Ravens%2526Fish.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ravens communicating about a fish by David Moskowitz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Common Raven</b>: Corvus corax (pp 359) <br />
-thick bill <br />
-spade/wedge tail <br />
-often soar <br />
-usually found in pairs (sometimes you see more when there is food nearby) <br />
-more territorial<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>American Crow</b>: Corvus brachyrhynchos (pp 360) <br />
-cut/straight tail <br />
-never soar <br />
-hang in groups<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Northwest Crow</b>: corvus caurihus (pp 360) <br />
-Found on coastal areas in Washington and BC. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Black Billed Magpie</b>: Pica hudsonia (pp 358) <br />
-Distinct coloration <br />
-Long tail <br />
-Associated with open landscapes<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCvqqzT4dEtSF60_W3Bm4M0ePix9UCtF35-usNbrq7ffJjv1u7mKwXZDaBj0kBsVeymkCxdkL_ZcMpVINNJBvuzCaTx661j4V5p4_Ak9RKTAJId4Av5cqnKgwp32Qe_OPhsuTYG8ZZyk/s1600/StellersJay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCvqqzT4dEtSF60_W3Bm4M0ePix9UCtF35-usNbrq7ffJjv1u7mKwXZDaBj0kBsVeymkCxdkL_ZcMpVINNJBvuzCaTx661j4V5p4_Ak9RKTAJId4Av5cqnKgwp32Qe_OPhsuTYG8ZZyk/s320/StellersJay.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steller's Jay by Mary Kiesau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Steller's Jay</b>: Cyanocitta stelleri (pp 357)<br />
-Often misidentified as blue jays <br />
-brilliant blue coloration <br />
-Associated with forested landscapes<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Scrub Jay</b>: Aphelocoma californica (pp 352) <br />
-Arid environments <br />
-Associated w/ oak trees <br />
-missing crest on head <br />
-lighter bellies<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Pinyon Jay</b>: Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus (pp 356) <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkC784VR68aMTTasv2OmIol7q0DSR0zyjS4ELo2exwpwtSDp6SIIN_EbkgCbEhICQ_OXg6tUst_4vpobXkRefkZmOa7czDW94vN51A-HAEvVfoharDsBlhnCx2Rf6mG1WJkqhQT82MLA/s1600/GrayJay2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkC784VR68aMTTasv2OmIol7q0DSR0zyjS4ELo2exwpwtSDp6SIIN_EbkgCbEhICQ_OXg6tUst_4vpobXkRefkZmOa7czDW94vN51A-HAEvVfoharDsBlhnCx2Rf6mG1WJkqhQT82MLA/s320/GrayJay2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray Jay by Mary Kiesau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
-Associated with pinyon pine and juniper forests <br />
-easily confused with scrub jays<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Gray Jays</b>/Whiskey Jack/Canada Jay (Camp Robbers): Perisoreus candadenis (pp 356) <br />
-Very curious about humans <br />
-Found in subalpine ecosystems<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Clarks Nutcracker</b>: Nucifraga columbiana (pp 356) <br />
-Smaller than crows but bigger than jays <br />
-Primarily eat whitebark pines nuts but will eat other pine nuts such as our ponderosa pine Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-31889522496528283702015-08-03T10:14:00.003-07:002015-08-03T23:33:54.144-07:00Mary's Grad School Update #6<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">by Mary Kiesau, Methow Conservancy Educational Programs Director</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's been many months since I posted an update about my grad school work. I've been back in the Methow and at work at the Conservancy since the middle of March, but every week I get questions about whether I've finished school, whether I'm still commuting to Bellingham, when I'll be done, etc., so I figured a quick update might be worthwhile. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Plus, I have some fun photos to share!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This spring and summer I've continued to complete credits toward a Masters of Education in Environmental Education through some field-based programs. In the spring, I helped off and on to "TA" (assisted in teaching) the undergraduate environmental education (EE) "spring block" course. I would spend time with the undergraduates (which ranged in age from 19-34) intermittently - a week here, a week there, usually in the field such as on Sucia Island in the San Juans, or backpacking outside of Stehekin. While I did prepare materials for the students, and do some instructing, much of my work was to provide guidance and feedback from a distance -- all while learning and practicing more EE skills myself. <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I found my role/task both difficult because I wasn’t fully engaged and was often out of the loop <span style="font-family: inherit;">with the other inst<span style="font-family: inherit;">ructor<span style="font-family: inherit;">s</span></span></span>, and extremely interesting and rewarding working with the undergrads and having a view-from-afar perspective.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> I enjoyed w</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">atching things unfold and develop - people’s teaching skills and the overall group dynamics - while not being heavily involved in either instigating or supervising/debriefing/judging the students.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I was really able to fo<span style="font-family: inherit;">cus on what I was comfor<span style="font-family: inherit;">table with and skilled at, as well as see what<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I'd like to build and practi<span style="font-family: inherit;">ce in myself.</span></span></span></span></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then, in late June and early July, I took part in an 18-day "Northern Field Botany" course. The
course was offered through Western WA University's Biology department
and I was able to take it as an elective for my M.Ed. program. Four undergrads,
myself and the instructor stuffed ourselves into a rented Suburban with
camping gear, food and enormous plant presses. We traveled everyday,
hiked and collected plants most days, and saw an amazing amount of the
vast British Columbia and Yukon landscape. It was incredible. Below are
just a few of my 1400 or so photos!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As we head into fall, I'll begin work on my independent Master's Project (in lieu of a thesis). I have a few options I'm tossing around now, but I'll settle into the work soon and focus on it through the winter (and continue to work at the MC full-time). If all goes as planned, I will finish and graduate in March 2016. All of this final project work will be done from the Methow. All my other coursework is done and I do not need to attend classes on campus anymore. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdegCIwPzaDhhJGuRIPUoGBiUPO0YvrIB_KKjassWx1BVHD91hm2i9owi1IsBRmTsKU8f7mzVblngioIgsZvJd-ii9D_P5pJnIzHScxsn6eM7OW-r3qqbY59cms4QFYwC5ph05Pua5CQ/s1600/DSC_9752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdegCIwPzaDhhJGuRIPUoGBiUPO0YvrIB_KKjassWx1BVHD91hm2i9owi1IsBRmTsKU8f7mzVblngioIgsZvJd-ii9D_P5pJnIzHScxsn6eM7OW-r3qqbY59cms4QFYwC5ph05Pua5CQ/s320/DSC_9752.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salmon Glacier north of Hyder, Alaska</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pressed plants everyday. Saxifraga tricuspida here.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGAsQyhiXWjYS-Xr4meI-e6mACIk3nJfkWr68LnqXixgyStWDu2ivp8WcaapmGC2zWK0Gd8eQvIVG9GKZ3x7LO1zKBnd9j2xqNDuPEKAqrmaVncGWahGR03tNWBwFmcbzXQ64TjdJI-c/s1600/DSC_9796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGAsQyhiXWjYS-Xr4meI-e6mACIk3nJfkWr68LnqXixgyStWDu2ivp8WcaapmGC2zWK0Gd8eQvIVG9GKZ3x7LO1zKBnd9j2xqNDuPEKAqrmaVncGWahGR03tNWBwFmcbzXQ64TjdJI-c/s320/DSC_9796.jpg" width="211" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Lj4vzo1rv2Nm8Go2-Y4C6YuBPj36wjUxfgLvaeFJOGO-BFrY796xYO83iZnKIl9BLo2ZKgphsm_Gf9btQUIAoIi_zDIqjCa54i77li5jCzS9J5xQMG4EAoEBNHYNaTLLU4mvvGBxows/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Lj4vzo1rv2Nm8Go2-Y4C6YuBPj36wjUxfgLvaeFJOGO-BFrY796xYO83iZnKIl9BLo2ZKgphsm_Gf9btQUIAoIi_zDIqjCa54i77li5jCzS9J5xQMG4EAoEBNHYNaTLLU4mvvGBxows/s320/DSC_0026.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMqww-DZlnmcml4SDELTO3DCsJvuYYz5eOL-cKvK9mCHliILwShL3Y6c6WburBtX49zhI2tRHTH5rNCzHEbXWujoqxRvSmEvQ3wlbN_UlxVBLnUO5L8IoE6lKSXNtXllO1Zw6m5_hifQ/s200/DSCN0782.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saxifraga tricuspida leaves</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hLjYltBSD-IfSdkg8lO59lDv2I_LYslC-HHovDOHeaCpJPd9pito29zbjeB6tj0DA-jribQwPVzr8SJr23k7t__N012bcvje5mG4JjeBT3S8OanASMtvGxz3Rj0f-aW5EuXcAvDL5xc/s1600/DSCN0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hLjYltBSD-IfSdkg8lO59lDv2I_LYslC-HHovDOHeaCpJPd9pito29zbjeB6tj0DA-jribQwPVzr8SJr23k7t__N012bcvje5mG4JjeBT3S8OanASMtvGxz3Rj0f-aW5EuXcAvDL5xc/s320/DSCN0825.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saxifraga tricuspida, a type of Spotted Saxifrage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGfPYs-lcfIOmP-Lu6Rl-LBp_E5qcItkflKa7PzeeZMJIhllCIhf0ByrNtTgaiFZ1ndTaa0MIIS6MziXH4zFymyhDRTdWBl0XNG8IBuQLZOmSBJ8QwdBUdc6t7GMv6OMT_fmTlK5msyM/s320/DSC_0123.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Just
part of one hike's loot. We were collecting for the WWU herbarium as
well as for DNA/genome research.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAwb0Vfl0J8FoHYVnEeBqJNH5fMMdd06UNaD8Yznvogvt6dvj5njijypLJwJ-HDHv0pJs_T4BNT792ubP1qRPkKThOU1l8klnfUJiF2fool5_6d5h39ZQs94wsMpQBEWn-JrYJWoKwy4/s320/DSC_0126.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="211" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="st"><i>Sparrow's Egg Lady's</i>-<i>slipper</i> - Cypripedium passerinum</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN1IvCjzxbIRPhDPNwfvkGC7l6zUpz6-bw0f34c1rptNP0fQifi-ANs8QmO-H8aHJSbxLbPuVDRS6EkSTdJU2erKGxn9eAlGekQI4EmdHCvfOr_JjRMtwsEj6p5wcESKbm8W7ivUBZdk/s1600/DSC_0154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN1IvCjzxbIRPhDPNwfvkGC7l6zUpz6-bw0f34c1rptNP0fQifi-ANs8QmO-H8aHJSbxLbPuVDRS6EkSTdJU2erKGxn9eAlGekQI4EmdHCvfOr_JjRMtwsEj6p5wcESKbm8W7ivUBZdk/s320/DSC_0154.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lapie Canyon, Yukon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhGatRaoqlun1INVI9xbSHZmU0aXGxmCqiHXkTbjS8xiEZj3PcMgkp54KUJ8p-TFYYPeKEGyCDNeS6ebtRj2mIXpUPKNsrv8YjxYMvkVlA0pYZed88krT4yVCemh-SQztYR6N7drQXGQ/s1600/DSC_9927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhGatRaoqlun1INVI9xbSHZmU0aXGxmCqiHXkTbjS8xiEZj3PcMgkp54KUJ8p-TFYYPeKEGyCDNeS6ebtRj2mIXpUPKNsrv8YjxYMvkVlA0pYZed88krT4yVCemh-SQztYR6N7drQXGQ/s320/DSC_9927.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary & a<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> life-size Pleistocene era "Giant Beaver" at the Beringia Interpretive Center in Whitehorse, Yukon.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6HrTPFKUAykUnG9MH5WcVNQENw2lODCEz8nMc9obKF9CciRXkDnMYIESSSw4utCGx2eYKPaS0Lu5t53owY68uligyEj-TviXtkw2ar2FRm8jNniAz7LmggY2qUTrXCedvVNk6RARDPo/s1600/DSCN0828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6HrTPFKUAykUnG9MH5WcVNQENw2lODCEz8nMc9obKF9CciRXkDnMYIESSSw4utCGx2eYKPaS0Lu5t53owY68uligyEj-TviXtkw2ar2FRm8jNniAz7LmggY2qUTrXCedvVNk6RARDPo/s200/DSCN0828.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="search"><i>Dryas</i> <i>drummondi</i> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtajVt6vJhZdjEhJab0ZxwECR5kIkXMWpvOb2MmwSCkrcY1bxw87FL3bWEejaYkiMVNIyRsiXpXPB9_wDIeFWdujWcB6lNW_hk9LILPqdV5C_rlovABWnHII71C1kkxEL8VzAYwj3e164/s1600/DSC_9902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtajVt6vJhZdjEhJab0ZxwECR5kIkXMWpvOb2MmwSCkrcY1bxw87FL3bWEejaYkiMVNIyRsiXpXPB9_wDIeFWdujWcB6lNW_hk9LILPqdV5C_rlovABWnHII71C1kkxEL8VzAYwj3e164/s320/DSC_9902.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Carcross "desert" in the Yukon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouAy_zFqK0f2ADufsGkRk9jGm9tEEomITz6i2hOYt5Dk9My7NiZdZCb9XA8YudhYmMj_NhRBvhsdyExztsA6J_wcx57t1h3zoWGlZM5hjy8nMw-eR4lxramh0zgTA837rvUMZ98nvhZI/s1600/DSC_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouAy_zFqK0f2ADufsGkRk9jGm9tEEomITz6i2hOYt5Dk9My7NiZdZCb9XA8YudhYmMj_NhRBvhsdyExztsA6J_wcx57t1h3zoWGlZM5hjy8nMw-eR4lxramh0zgTA837rvUMZ98nvhZI/s320/DSC_0194.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muncho Lake, BC</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtajVt6vJhZdjEhJab0ZxwECR5kIkXMWpvOb2MmwSCkrcY1bxw87FL3bWEejaYkiMVNIyRsiXpXPB9_wDIeFWdujWcB6lNW_hk9LILPqdV5C_rlovABWnHII71C1kkxEL8VzAYwj3e164/s1600/DSC_9902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fQrszAGwzuN2wzv2mhOseZiTwXW0QN-H233R8sSFS2FrP476nE2J9OvTVHXHoQrHKfc0eXOdWfZ6cv_H752iwuuA9Yb_IfiS6exX8Hg4Kc101fw0isb6vRcgwyY8aLxFSwDgCdVmiSo/s1600/DSC_9947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRF5OH3GIR1g1HSEIefJeZNFjajJlcNC1AaULYdGff5QtTZTDRWEfHLWlIsfCVcJcQdijIwYMn9O7CBtWCtR8Kz3oYBZc0nfvY3T_j8yVMeCuu1uUzPY9X35yuf3-VfuKEfMDrRbNHsec/s1600/DSC_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRF5OH3GIR1g1HSEIefJeZNFjajJlcNC1AaULYdGff5QtTZTDRWEfHLWlIsfCVcJcQdijIwYMn9O7CBtWCtR8Kz3oYBZc0nfvY3T_j8yVMeCuu1uUzPY9X35yuf3-VfuKEfMDrRbNHsec/s320/DSC_0106.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keno Hill, Yukon - a <span class="st">nunatak that is beautiful when not socked in</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgap9vO7oEapNmH47LdqlgNo3FsZm8jdYP7om4E-2BX98YaTeqDGJRexaJFFrbUvNeqUowW15L74bcdKJmFJommO_0DYsDw2t0igx3h62HJwtqN5TFfDWpj9rTiWBbnQFF4M4CYxYLatWg/s1600/DSCN0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgap9vO7oEapNmH47LdqlgNo3FsZm8jdYP7om4E-2BX98YaTeqDGJRexaJFFrbUvNeqUowW15L74bcdKJmFJommO_0DYsDw2t0igx3h62HJwtqN5TFfDWpj9rTiWBbnQFF4M4CYxYLatWg/s400/DSCN0895.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abundant black bears but never got a great photo of any</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEOyavoweH257Z2m_kk_kITfFy7sPqhi7TDJGRjuAxKoN6nEqUDG1-SlVIF_J3E0e2kn__PUueN9g0cBYBNAWJR4xmOOBYOi3gnNYw7Og5wTnwFBLpRTmTjVd5v3xMrlcj_vHR60HgZU/s320/DSCN0923.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Common Loon was on every lake, and everyday there were lakes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-VXAJIUSmPtMJosMwXLkvbE6nV3XHyTwiOWDcqMWlmgiNF5F58d2a2craR3frR1C0YJ-vxSC8A-tgdz8txAb6GyqHSNscsXweMY1N-OKQbjSD8gjC15y5ld2JiYmsGBpjzKwo3crODw/s400/DSCN0939.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely moose lady. Such a beautiful and bizarre looking creature.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1d-rX9C6hX5-UNs44agJIIdiyoIdf5ULqx4ECNgN3M0gdj6wMgSQfQawWenNau09oGMgqQGQfCxOw56qTBHuGvtZUrmeZWechCW19Ljb1lJWkCWD62sa53C8LhSQ-7Hl6Xq5Q5bUil3Y/s320/DSCN0975.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momma "cross fox," a color variant of the red fox </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gI8DMT3LKNv8JnC3BUtVU-cxAzbnbErtkMVQc5FYVSVER5n8wzNZr0QAWeWHw9gyLo61INMb-bMDtsgbhuVf5GtJ11TWSFbR8Gkom6YT6Cbruo-GBbgkgb7HZh1euTUPoTIxijJTp8Y/s320/DSCN0985.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby "cross fox"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7nt-gpGS49Ke2-_mb_UyqZ2S0t9Zxkli6z5frvfrg01d8d066Va9SydN5YQgbwz4Ac9T2Rkz_SS6y3-iw67fb_g2DzDQZKRs2R1BXLX36_T1Grr9RkCwNAdZeSL33MX-8cqBm0KL8-w/s1600/DSCN1051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7nt-gpGS49Ke2-_mb_UyqZ2S0t9Zxkli6z5frvfrg01d8d066Va9SydN5YQgbwz4Ac9T2Rkz_SS6y3-iw67fb_g2DzDQZKRs2R1BXLX36_T1Grr9RkCwNAdZeSL33MX-8cqBm0KL8-w/s320/DSCN1051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGAlo0l1tJJ0iN9w0ySLFwdq9_D45iBIwIq_7siqJXitc9vKm7t3m_47Gj0c1L43RE_bbP_dK9VSCxw1c9h2OmXlmiNK0qKJ8Ae20krbllT4S_BFx2loMBFUaoBhroX1zfrGK-eXXGhk/s1600/DSCN1088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGAlo0l1tJJ0iN9w0ySLFwdq9_D45iBIwIq_7siqJXitc9vKm7t3m_47Gj0c1L43RE_bbP_dK9VSCxw1c9h2OmXlmiNK0qKJ8Ae20krbllT4S_BFx2loMBFUaoBhroX1zfrGK-eXXGhk/s400/DSCN1088.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*Huge* grizzly while hiking in Tombstone (this is around midnight!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6NuIzpoyIcfbMR90yHL6_rep_7oaLnx_jsd-NsWiDf4TOGHRG1COxC73b2ScwlhrJVfotw4oEm6iXOhfv_plciaL7Z05XODgffZP968XA6FkbeOnM0nZUcfM6ogVNOVHz1C-ERQiOqw/s320/DSC_9987.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="208" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bistort</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHi0vnZNpagTspBA1JZHi6FUWwCVJ35yvbVVNkGnbkc3lP0b1PCBTNzgRN7exYenlIVxf2UktsEhJaxy2i07U0kC0gFT9RGS2MILItwKB-x9Euh-vEVY25pJYJIQC0oOo2tF9Gqhy6MKM/s320/DSCN1056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hiking the Midnight Sun" selfie in Tombstone</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKptmSYGu-rIZe8e6CDFVr2DChDFFINStz_EZM3qWFMRsecXc2VM1CPnYXzEWWpsUNjgyKmh6W-two7eMyM8uO39NXs4M0_UkAtqL6d1dC7sYQm38pQlQjN1JDjqIroGhYqSwgD_aQflc/s320/DSCN1138.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">browsing willows at 2am</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySTWptTiC7NydlMgC-5d2itGHgEbK90IC_2YZcLYkmt2totYpnA2PK7XVUkUNVsPwWM6yg8ntBmZvL3zpz2P_FXNByl5v_loXP29HYSUYNBGIhiJblZ2bK1cFWDo8Gfd7ABtIaR7DiKw/s1600/DSCN1257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySTWptTiC7NydlMgC-5d2itGHgEbK90IC_2YZcLYkmt2totYpnA2PK7XVUkUNVsPwWM6yg8ntBmZvL3zpz2P_FXNByl5v_loXP29HYSUYNBGIhiJblZ2bK1cFWDo8Gfd7ABtIaR7DiKw/s320/DSCN1257.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">55<span class="_Tgc">° and drizzle in the Yukon while it was 100</span><span class="_Tgc">° at home</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9zDdUo5cj55IirgwqKe6XOxcFB5WvC9g9MQoYvLNgc44ODsmSaYTt1SCaBmbwsXsCPTVK_Dz7waCCTjOapBX9eC4iGp7ApEr3JTGyYKaPYUN9cmi5TCLuKcyg68o4nZwh_P55h6cX6o/s320/DSCN1248.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of two huge and full plant presses</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9xUAUvBPLda2dZGpA0A-0En2eHwQ2ssUNDiB18VXpHUdTbHZmrYAvMC5UGxtfk8YvceOmdkd_uXhMupUzwuNvRsums1EwSj_XskH2cFcjgb72yq3nrL5Tm0AoL9PROqfbpOrPE93iEY/s400/DSCN1304.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many moose and many lakes in Canada!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTs6yDPnnWaPD3lkytBpq9uamMOb11i-WaxJnVDKAUqmNBDpJNnJ7mEVZQOLZjOk2wkp7-6lmJUeYg-CDa26bhTWYSo2VDfa0uvySBB1L-qm0-otJuoV7wH2k1Rj-jLIFAA4hFKlyGjKM/s320/DSCN1359.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The enormous "Wood Bison" - crazy huge and all over the roads</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YqizvuQdSUudp54YOxOQ69I1whR6GjZR2hxakq5mn5tLnZEvWN91a4rpxjEQMkAQ5jIIkRoWcwaSNKAaaW2gjNnnxwvG-ntw9YtcYGG9ZRUu5fhBFWGdnJuKDpXFQwC1RhHjLYaV2G0/s400/DSCN1419.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our best wildlife sightings - a wolf (seen through wildfire smoke at 10pm)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyLzp6FkMi14uAgTOobXCgxP7abE1bzW_wuXijnBpBXgMGhu6c_fbrTpNkhyTAq7yThLlisbch3maFCHiQJrjzQu8vgW9UrL3xog22-C81ohjr8CbNq2mpubEIVoWt5YO3l1wskd19-Y/s320/DSCN1439.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stone Sheep, a subspecies of Dall sheep</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scaling mtns for tiny plants (Muncho Lakes/Stone Mtn area)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJ41v3wh7Tm5X8P9dy07h8t7RdnT36qJN__5IwY49v5HFn-d7ixMz7nr_9CLqhgYoWYp-FFxcSlS-VYNwBSvnAynf12tKSoL0yENYPhlhRPGN5FqJ8Jay5IlCyzyTfcXwa5tgG3cb5Yw/s320/DSCN1481.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porcupine Caribou in the Muncho Lakes/Stone Mtn area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDruyZcPhLJO0mv8c-4S8tgicDefZpy0NfQ5mON_G2g4TyMh_quTeHAzrPeslEPQrPaZ9cA1nIF8znccY9EaJr4_tQ1ZtQdU0fGSq2Q76EqGPiFB5gWQgdTPBIA2zt-XEq2HSI-pK3Mrs/s200/DSCN1535.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="search">Campanula </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVZNTCCwSwioBqB3KSRAaNORf27-dAYG9iJvwd5zhhkw6Gw4m5fCp7Sm6YNjXyossqnRlMf8zPscKBrKSu0UKtx1EkqrJkpXMokuyAUCGMD-1wdY4NJ5ZZvMLlkWJnVc_-H6HGn6UBpQ/s1600/DSCN1543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVZNTCCwSwioBqB3KSRAaNORf27-dAYG9iJvwd5zhhkw6Gw4m5fCp7Sm6YNjXyossqnRlMf8zPscKBrKSu0UKtx1EkqrJkpXMokuyAUCGMD-1wdY4NJ5ZZvMLlkWJnVc_-H6HGn6UBpQ/s200/DSCN1543.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prickly Pear (in Alberta!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset looking into Jasper Nat'l Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPedqeViE34vieAAO7b9-sXMwBz3M-P6iItFgPubPEfy4OqWvd6MzTmAlJN_PBkf_3MVfE4zJJ1MaxaZvqMNgIB9xK-0H3LWYf9ykvkk1W5ia4bc0hGfBgjivKKocP39C7hJe3KVqmw2A/s1600/DSC_0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPedqeViE34vieAAO7b9-sXMwBz3M-P6iItFgPubPEfy4OqWvd6MzTmAlJN_PBkf_3MVfE4zJJ1MaxaZvqMNgIB9xK-0H3LWYf9ykvkk1W5ia4bc0hGfBgjivKKocP39C7hJe3KVqmw2A/s320/DSC_0282.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pyramid Peak in Jasper Nat'l Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfKlbrsrL8xTfW3Eb6WXeRpJpTGcg_i6Iy0z8Ejfyg_5uygMKKDDLa-_pboAD7v_NOXcmTGKzeZs1nSK3iXus5-JrrnnhNh8okCZxgowHWae5OLLiLX5LsNWps2qmgln_gVtFcxubXqE/s1600/DSC_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfKlbrsrL8xTfW3Eb6WXeRpJpTGcg_i6Iy0z8Ejfyg_5uygMKKDDLa-_pboAD7v_NOXcmTGKzeZs1nSK3iXus5-JrrnnhNh8okCZxgowHWae5OLLiLX5LsNWps2qmgln_gVtFcxubXqE/s320/DSC_0284.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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The End!</div>
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Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-92105343466444146012015-04-03T13:14:00.000-07:002015-04-03T13:15:25.081-07:00"It's Complex" Fire Ecology & Recovery 2015 Conservation Course - Class #6 Notes<span style="color: #990000;">Summary of March 2, 2015 class by volunteer Nick Thorp and course coordinator Julie Grialou</span><br />
<br />
The final week of the 2015 fire ecology conservation course coincided with what feels like an early
spring in the valley. With daytime temperatures well above freezing for
several weeks, snow melting rapidly, and shoots of grass popping up, a
sense of the the change of seasons and the coming summer is growing.
With summer comes fire season and everybody’s question of what this year
will hold following the Carlton Complex fire of 2014. The answer to
that question follows the theme of the course: it’s complex.<br />
<br />
<br />
Richy
Harrod, Fire Management Specialist with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National
Forest, joined the class to present his thoughts on what the future may
hold for the Methow and ways that we as a community can live with fire.
Following an extreme fire event like the Carlton Complex, there is
generally a low risk for fire in burned areas. Plants and grasses will
begin to repopulate these areas in the next several years without much
fuel to allow for flammable conditions. It is not until about 15 years
after a fire that dense shrubs will establish and a real fire danger
returns. While this may ring true for some burned forests in the Methow
from the Carlton Complex fires, other areas are at risk or will
potentially be at risk in the future.<br />
<br />
<br />
Last year’s
fires, combined with the Tripod and other large fire events in recent
history, have burned from Canada to the Columbia River. But large
tracts of land and forests on the western side of the Valley from the
Twisp River drainage down to Lake Chelan have not burned in many years.
These areas are home to dense, homogenous forests: prime environment
for large, intense fire events. Coupled with the threat of cheatgrass, a
highly invasive and flammable grass that can take over burned
shub-steppe landscapes following a fire, the danger for fires in 2015
remains present. <br />
<br />
<br />
So how do we ensure that people and
structures are safe while allowing fire to play its natural role in
surrounding lands and forest? According to Richy, it takes everybody
from the Forest Service, to landowners, to communities, in partnership,
to achieve that this goal. From a high level perspective, forest
restoration is key and several overarching strategies that impact each
other need to be at play including: <br />
* Management of whole landscapes <br />
* Management for patterns <br />
* Restoration of native fire regimes <br />
* Placing fire treatments in strategic places <br />
* Restoration of natural patches in landscape <br />
* Restoration of fire tolerant structures like Ponderosa Pine <br />
* Long term planning<br />
<br />
<br />
As
the Okanogan-Wenatchee Forest District builds and puts forth plans to include
these approaches, each year they are continuing to address the identification
and direct treatment of high priority areas, and high fire threat areas. To
do so the Forest Service does a detailed characterization and analysis
of a watershed broken down in many small sections based on
differences in plant type, age, size, tree density, topography, and
more. Combined with historical data and future projections, the Forest
Service is able to determine priority areas for treatment.<br />
<br />
<br />
While
the Forest Service is working in the woods to conduct fire treatment,
landowners and communities can also do their part to protect homes and
developed areas. Just as the Forest Service builds fire lines to block
fire progression, homeowners should be doing the same to their
property. Removing flammable material and sources of ignition from
within 30 feet of a home, keeping an irrigated lawn around homes, and
ensuring trees within 70 feet of a home are planted sparingly can all go a long way to protect
property. <a href="http://www.firewise.org/wildfire-preparedness/be-firewise/home-and-landscape.aspx" target="_blank"> Firewise</a> provides more detailed information and
recommendations.<br />
<br />
<br />
To truly protect homes and people, the
old saying rings true: it takes a village. Communities and their
residents need to work together with each other and with entities like
the Forest Service and Department of Natural Resources. Collaborative
planning and fire prevention treatment by people, communities, the
private sector, and the public sector are key to living with fire. Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-75450760610860607602015-02-28T14:37:00.000-08:002015-02-28T14:40:02.362-08:00Mary's Grad School Update #5<span style="color: #660000;">by Mary Kiesau, Methow Conservancy Educational Programs Director</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"> <span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">My time in Bellingham is coming to a close soon, and I'll be back in the Methow full-time in a couple more weeks! I'll continue to work on projects for my Masters in Education throughout 2015, but I will not have to commute </span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">regularly </span></span>to Bellingham anymore. </span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqE4YcGW60TnuppqFbu54ec8_ui1bSTKox4kyoJgw85qQfoxIzC2vOaT_zhW78EQQCf7y5LvIai1trb4xpBHi1uOkybBbDI2RVXehyphenhyphen2aJ-3sKjEdBPiUXDmwMGIoG0r-hs5i87hNjS2rw/s1600/Assessment+worb+blob.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqE4YcGW60TnuppqFbu54ec8_ui1bSTKox4kyoJgw85qQfoxIzC2vOaT_zhW78EQQCf7y5LvIai1trb4xpBHi1uOkybBbDI2RVXehyphenhyphen2aJ-3sKjEdBPiUXDmwMGIoG0r-hs5i87hNjS2rw/s1600/Assessment+worb+blob.jpg" height="126" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">This quarter was been demanding and time-consuming with a lot of very "real world" </span></span>project work in curricula building, lesson plans, evaluation, data analysis, assessment of learning, essay writing, and more. Sounds very exciting, right? <span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span>Well, it's not exactly fun, but I have been totally engaged, and I feel very fortunate to be able to apply much of what I learn and think about directly to the Methow Conservancy (and my interests) and create graduate school projects that serve the Conservancy. I love being able to serve multiple purposes!<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">Currently, I'm working on a large curriculum project on </span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">the natural history of the Methow. It will need a lot more work (and programmatic details) before it might ever be put into practice, but it's a fascinating exercise to think about what to include, what the objectives would be, how to evaluate people, and how to create lesson plans. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">For another course, a fellow graduate student and I conducted 16 one-on-one interviews for a possible </span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">assessment/evaluation of the </span></span>Methow Conservancy's education programs. A combination of staff, Board members, volunteers and class instructors were interviewed. They provided insight, suggestions and concerns that will be extremely useful to the Methow Conservancy broadly and with regards to its educational work. </span></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLqSx513WyaiiJxQId4fQz29N92CCAj6Mb9SrKHK7qT5Ab5ckpCyNGoOleqcjFVz1yzsF3FnMIR05rrZHDueuRxJAok4GWdGCOgc6piycZzJkHGJBWndSlfb6-VIjN0sXRSjMn5aafwA/s1600/fair+assessments+image.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLqSx513WyaiiJxQId4fQz29N92CCAj6Mb9SrKHK7qT5Ab5ckpCyNGoOleqcjFVz1yzsF3FnMIR05rrZHDueuRxJAok4GWdGCOgc6piycZzJkHGJBWndSlfb6-VIjN0sXRSjMn5aafwA/s1600/fair+assessments+image.png" height="222" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What makes an assessment fair and valid?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span>Lately, I've had to teach classes of undergraduates, which is both fun and terrifying for me. This past week I lead an hour-long session on "Assessment of Learning," where I talked about why and how diagnostic, formative and summative assessments can be done, indoors and outdoors, formal and informal. A few weeks ago, had someone asked me what these terms meant I would have starred back blankly. One of the best ways to learn something is to teach it, as the saying goes!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">This coming week, I'm "teaching" a nearly two-hour class on "New Directions in Nature Writing and Emerging Authors" to the American Literature of Nature & Place class, in which I'm normally a student. </span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjnO_wuz1kWhLfq-ibYcFIt-Kq9CiCAv_dR74iDeMKvB6q7yp3lOZRRR1mRJ1BIo47-Cy-HjJ8LDAR6Wd3rUii9WFjjOkIGqNh7lA1VgXVfybjF6af8WQtQslJiBIMV-iJqDecflQRiM/s1600/bunch.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjnO_wuz1kWhLfq-ibYcFIt-Kq9CiCAv_dR74iDeMKvB6q7yp3lOZRRR1mRJ1BIo47-Cy-HjJ8LDAR6Wd3rUii9WFjjOkIGqNh7lA1VgXVfybjF6af8WQtQslJiBIMV-iJqDecflQRiM/s1600/bunch.jpg" height="180" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prairie-star will bloom within the month!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">With two big projects to finish and two more papers to write,</span></span> the next two weeks <span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span>are going to be a blur of long nights and fresh coffee, but I do enjoy the work and feel like the whole experien<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">ce has been extremely worthwhile and thought-provoking. Still, I can't wait to be back in the Methow and to go on my first hunt for spring wildflowers!</span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span>Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-66917965338917639012015-02-26T10:01:00.001-08:002015-02-28T14:39:01.885-08:00"It's Complex" Fire Ecology & Recovery 2015 Conservation Course - Class #5 Notes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3op6UunJ6KGonP7JS70iXZB1tRH-1OwOi54GDTB7Qz6liNqHoAAxRsb-gERVPu-sYKLX4rH4_diwk-XpMsUv5u3D3QLAIheXhxqSy9DwZcjkfdQWbTM3D79hMXqsUsnC-l5spHcyibZM/s1600/snag+with+Lewis'+wp.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
<span style="color: #660000;">Summary of Feb 23, 2015 class by Heide Andersen</span><br />
<br />
This class on "fire and wildlife" was co-led by <b>Bill Gaines</b> (wildlife ecologist and director of Washington Conservation Science Institute) and <b>Ken Bevis</b> (WA Dept of Natural Resources Stewardship Wildlife Biologist). <br />
<br />
Bill was an appropriate <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvC9VGL5hP_YieWfpYgEw1SZbCodo8B1HOdaFX7bObaIpfYAGSIu3jqfdYH1U1yYvPLI-r_WbvDMZCqRA-wrfBcuqZ4iWA40nMP7Dglms33IwLkzzYUFVDkjpc6KGmmUM3kE946hwh5tE/s1600/DSCN0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvC9VGL5hP_YieWfpYgEw1SZbCodo8B1HOdaFX7bObaIpfYAGSIu3jqfdYH1U1yYvPLI-r_WbvDMZCqRA-wrfBcuqZ4iWA40nMP7Dglms33IwLkzzYUFVDkjpc6KGmmUM3kE946hwh5tE/s1600/DSCN0523.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pipestone (here, before 2014's fire) is fire-adapted land. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
presenter for this portion of the course, having worked on both natural resource management and research focused on fire and wildlife. Within the Methow Valley, there are fire regimes and wildlife adaptations to fire that result in a “fire disturbance ecology.” There are some species, such as the whitebark pine that occur in areas known for experiencing high severity (stand replacement) and less frequent fires. From there, the subalpine fire and then the ponderosa pine stands fall under the mixed severity fire regime and the grasslands are in the low severity fire regime, where fires have historically been more frequent, but much patchier. <br />
<br />
The over 400 species of wildlife found in our part of the country each have their own adaptations and behavior related to fire. In general, wildlife have the ability to live in a fire-prone area and escape from direct mortality during events. The big exception would be species that are not mobile and live above-ground (such as the Chelan mountain snail). Species with smaller or more fragmented populations tend to be more affected, whereas species that are associated with snags and understory habitats tend to immediately benefit from fires. <br />
<br />
<b>High severity fire areas and wildlife</b><br />
The Canada lynx is associated with areas that have historically experienced high severity fires. Although they might avoid the big open clearings from a burned stand, they will use the edges and the mosaic habitat created near the edge for hunting. They will use large downed trees for denning habitat and the young lodgepole pines that emerge are great habitat for their primary prey, the snowshoe hare. Snag-dependent species, such as the three-toed and black-backed woodpeckers, increase in numbers when there is a maximum number of snags post-fire. They come in after the insects and are primary cavity nesters. As the forest begins to regenerate, and the density of snags goes down, other birds appear that favor the new shrub layer and the Lewis’s woodpecker, who favor larger openings and fewer snags, will flourish.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDj70Qr83LdExjtODeIPYDUXBYvnFV5p36Fat2W39O0jRZCGuVxUQQbA0NHqbA6o9acGGp1HPeHj67zYm_hFgMQ71NUaz6vnN0LlzOwAkfjgadwQFvgkZFOB0EidckT0HsOXct8K_ZMc/s1600/goshawk.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDj70Qr83LdExjtODeIPYDUXBYvnFV5p36Fat2W39O0jRZCGuVxUQQbA0NHqbA6o9acGGp1HPeHj67zYm_hFgMQ71NUaz6vnN0LlzOwAkfjgadwQFvgkZFOB0EidckT0HsOXct8K_ZMc/s1600/goshawk.jpg" height="268" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Northern goshawk in a Douglas fir in the Methow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Mixed severity fire areas and wildlife</b><br />
The northern goshawk and northern spotted owl are two species known to seek out areas with a mixed severity fire regime. Both of these species like closed canopy forests with multiple structural layers, mistletoe (which is very flammable), and that are generally more susceptible to fire and yet will nest in areas with a low fire severity regime.<br />
<br />
<b>Low severity fire areas and wildlife</b><br />
Species that prefer lots of space where trees can get quite large with lots of openings and gaps will be found in these areas. Sharp-tailed grouse is one of these species. Many ungulates prefer these areas as well. Although they may experience a decrease in food resources following a fire and a potentially severe winter from a forage perspective, generally there will be an increase in food resources in the long-term following fires in these areas. The Chelan mountain snail favors these areas and will burrow in the dry soil to reach moisture, so they will tend to be deeper during fire events, depending on the timing. All of these species benefit from prescribed fires that can lessen the impact from larger and more severe wildfires.<br />
<br />
<b>Restoration Strategy</b><br />
We have altered fire regimes and are experiencing the impacts of climate change. We no longer have the old trees that used to reach over 64” in diameter that were the most resistant to fire. The combination of fire seclusion and harvesting of the older specimens has left a habitat that is less resilient. Bugs exacerbate the fuel loads and our snowpack has been changing over time. It is predicted that we will have 2 to 4 times the amount of fire by the 2040’s that we have now. <br />
When we look at forest restoration treatments and how they relate to wildlife, there are several things to consider. It is important to look at the reference condition, i.e. whether there were landscape-level fires in an area versus smaller scale events, what the focal wildlife species and their habitat requirements are, and integrate restoration priorities to address habitat resiliency. Stand level considerations should include elements such as keeping the old and large trees, incorporating snags and having spatial variability.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3op6UunJ6KGonP7JS70iXZB1tRH-1OwOi54GDTB7Qz6liNqHoAAxRsb-gERVPu-sYKLX4rH4_diwk-XpMsUv5u3D3QLAIheXhxqSy9DwZcjkfdQWbTM3D79hMXqsUsnC-l5spHcyibZM/s1600/snag+with+Lewis'+wp.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3op6UunJ6KGonP7JS70iXZB1tRH-1OwOi54GDTB7Qz6liNqHoAAxRsb-gERVPu-sYKLX4rH4_diwk-XpMsUv5u3D3QLAIheXhxqSy9DwZcjkfdQWbTM3D79hMXqsUsnC-l5spHcyibZM/s1600/snag+with+Lewis'%2Bwp.jpg" height="320" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="st">Lewis's Woodpecker</span>s and a snag with lots of cavity holes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Ken Bevis, “Managed Wildlife Habitat and Fire”</b><br />
In dry forest management, we should have a goal to retain<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3op6UunJ6KGonP7JS70iXZB1tRH-1OwOi54GDTB7Qz6liNqHoAAxRsb-gERVPu-sYKLX4rH4_diwk-XpMsUv5u3D3QLAIheXhxqSy9DwZcjkfdQWbTM3D79hMXqsUsnC-l5spHcyibZM/s1600/snag+with+Lewis'+wp.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> the large trees. We should also recognize that dead trees give life to other species. (<a href="http://methowconservancy.org/dead_trees.html">See a great article by Ken on this topic here</a>) Important elements in forest management follow the acronym “SLOPPS” which stands for snags, logs, openings, piles, patches, and shrubs. Ken showed some schematics of what these elements look like and how they might be incorporated into a managed stand or a restoration effort. He demonstrated how habitat piles can be created on individual properties that are very valuable to wildlife.<br />
<br />
In looking at whether salvage logging should occur post-fire, Ken said people should be very careful. With the likelihood of soil damage from such practices, it needs to be done thoughtfully, with caution and with an eye toward what the desired future condition of the site will be. <br />
<br />
Our landscape is resilient, but we do need to get back to a more resilient dry forest type historically characteristic of our Methow Valley.<br />
<br />
<i>All the classes are being filmed too. Videos are on our website here: <a href="http://methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2015_videos.html">http://methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2015_videos.html</a>. Scroll down for the 5th class. </i>Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-11877001556940712912015-02-25T21:36:00.000-08:002015-02-25T21:44:06.984-08:00"It's Complex" Fire Ecology & Recovery 2015 Conservation Course - Class #4 Notes<span style="color: #990000;">Summary of Feb 17, 2015 class by course coordinator Julie Grialou</span><br />
<br />
The fourth Conservation Course presentation featured <b>Dale Swedberg</b>,
the Okanogan Lands Operations Manager and Prescribed Burn Program
Manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Dale
explained the importance of understanding historic vegetation and fire
regimes and patterns to be able to understand and appropriately manage
current shrub-steppe habitat. Historically, fire ran through the
shrub-steppe with a high-frequency, and included both natural ignitions
and Native American intentional burns. With this frequent fire, the
shrub-steppe contained less shrub and more grass than we currently have.
Dale also explained that we have lost a lot of the shrub-steppe
habitat in our area, primarily due to conversion to agriculture, fire
exclusion resulting in increased encroachment of conifers, and poor
grazing management.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkx0TJvTQ4wG0L2Rl8OYJlndbpa-lHHcXJPMNrVlggCeippM8wXwidD_9kR2h2baO50iBetOjmgD2OFVXi9RP6-XeX1JcH8xsCHJqGhSXlj2emgxNyeCYypSeqSL3b2WJm2a2Xyeu2xsk/s1600/elderberry+regrowth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkx0TJvTQ4wG0L2Rl8OYJlndbpa-lHHcXJPMNrVlggCeippM8wXwidD_9kR2h2baO50iBetOjmgD2OFVXi9RP6-XeX1JcH8xsCHJqGhSXlj2emgxNyeCYypSeqSL3b2WJm2a2Xyeu2xsk/s1600/elderberry+regrowth.jpg" height="200" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elderberry 4 weeks post-fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dale then moved on to the topic of
the Carlton <br />
Complex fire and shrub-steppe recovery. Dale explained that
the bunchgrasses and many shrub species (e.g., elderberry and
serviceberry) sprout well following fire. Bitterbrush is more inhibited
by fire and most often does not sprout following fire. The dead
bitterbrush “skeletons”, though, provide perch sites for birds.<br />
<br />
Dale
explained that the highest priority action for post-fire shrub-steppe
is weed control. Now is the time to inventory, map, and treat weedy
areas. Treatments can include hand-pulling, digging, and/or spraying.
Releasing bioagents is an option for some weed species in areas that
have established high concentrations of weed populations. Any weed
control method should include regular follow-up visits. In disturbed
areas, planting with native, preferably locally-sourced seeds is a good
management tool.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqSBfOodacb0qGfXdwd0rF0vYT2ZQfMHQ6-gZgP8jWuPn7rverlm2KcHCSBosuaGbO3gsnxmI_0RrlkcnxPX-OGfzU3VOg983SvLsCYQnzpcTI1-LKnmtrEw5RnAcer0FEfntw1NvPfg/s1600/slow+grass+fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqSBfOodacb0qGfXdwd0rF0vYT2ZQfMHQ6-gZgP8jWuPn7rverlm2KcHCSBosuaGbO3gsnxmI_0RrlkcnxPX-OGfzU3VOg983SvLsCYQnzpcTI1-LKnmtrEw5RnAcer0FEfntw1NvPfg/s1600/slow+grass+fire.jpg" height="172" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A slow-moving grass and shrub fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dale then talked about the importance
of prescribed fire (and controlled fire) in maintaining and restoring
the shrub-steppe habitat in our region in general. As with forests, in
the absence of fire, fuels (in this case, bitterbrush), accumulate in
the shrub-steppe and create conditions in which a fire that does come
through is more likely to burn hotter and over a broader area. By using
prescribed and controlled fire, fuel loads are reduced and a habitat
mosaic (e.g., areas that are mostly grasses and areas with more shrubs,
etc.) that is <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Nk1wzYEY8wPZJD905zJWwQPMMCSpDv3OSEEe7hS97Vz8WaD3iv4DqDbkyyfHlnV4TNmRP8r91V7P3wvaU6DWfl4tzcpZ_VhjFpGbSJ-7Tr2jZkgypC3nd9HOkmV97hG2cb1oJWWkY00/s1600/bitterbrush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Nk1wzYEY8wPZJD905zJWwQPMMCSpDv3OSEEe7hS97Vz8WaD3iv4DqDbkyyfHlnV4TNmRP8r91V7P3wvaU6DWfl4tzcpZ_VhjFpGbSJ-7Tr2jZkgypC3nd9HOkmV97hG2cb1oJWWkY00/s1600/bitterbrush.jpg" height="190" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bitterbrush is thick and tall in many areas of the Methow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
more reflective of historic conditions and that can better
witihstand future wildfire is created.<br />
<br />
Dale also
discussed unique effects of fire that are different than just thinning
types of fuels reduction treatments. He talked about fire
“by-products”, like charcoal (which increases the water holding capacity
of soils, amongst other things), ash, smoke and heat; and fire
“effects”, like reducing fuels, rejuvenating vegetation, and providing
more ground water.<br />
<br />
All the classes are being filmed too. Videos are on our website here: <a href="http://methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2015_videos.html">http://methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2015_videos.html</a>. Scroll down for the 4th class. Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-47370083437640611182015-02-19T09:21:00.004-08:002015-02-19T09:25:49.323-08:00"It's Complex" Fire Ecology & Recovery 2015 Conservation Course - Class #3 Notes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qnPK-C2NoKHXQs-4YtV1xc3pB2jxbTNOxexmprJ69t12X5MK0A1VHERqdYHgNVbO7eq4XImPWlcfi8LM6rp0peh58EmAcAo-KHcLrGP8cNZBwUE4rMQdDF7xDDWf0NMKkFlNqRZIXkE/s1600/DSC04721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qnPK-C2NoKHXQs-4YtV1xc3pB2jxbTNOxexmprJ69t12X5MK0A1VHERqdYHgNVbO7eq4XImPWlcfi8LM6rp0peh58EmAcAo-KHcLrGP8cNZBwUE4rMQdDF7xDDWf0NMKkFlNqRZIXkE/s1600/DSC04721.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #990000;">Summary of Feb 10, 2015 class by volunteer Nick Thorp</span><br />
<br />
Right not, as the Methow experiences abnormally warm temperatures and rain in the middle of winter and sees the rivers and creeks rise, the topic for the 3rd week of the Conservation Course coincided well with the weather as it explored the impacts of the fires on fish. Fisheries biologist <b>Jennifer</b> <b>Molesworth</b> joined the group this week to present on the subject and provide insights on the potential effects the Carlton Complex fires may have on the various fish populations of the Valley.<br />
<br />
The watershed of the Methow Valley is roughly one million acres in size, stretching from the Canadian border to the
confluence of the Methow and Columbia Rivers in Pateros. The rivers,
creeks, and lakes that make up our watershed provide habitat for a
variety of fish species, with the most well-known including: spring and
summer Chinook salmon, steelhead and rainbow trout, westslope cutthroat
trout, Pacific lamprey, sculpin, and whitefish. Just like the plants
and trees we learned about during the previous weeks, the ability of
these fish to recover from disturbances like fire is based on various
factors that allow them to be resilient. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YF7CHHeglBoAq_4go7jc7u49M-dos8rEVP8SiXv4-jZdpbqxAwCa88LfxpeWmJJbxc6KlqD_yMND6IQfzNmMACinIcUhBPGDJBcPmDlZy3J7T9jfi28jmcrfzqjWpLOhvFHNNngAIRI/s1600/DSCN8172.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
From a historical perspective, fish have been bouncing back from disturbances like fires and landslides for thousands of years. <b><i>While the immediate effects of fire (and debris flow) can include high mortality rates on fish populations due to high water temperatures, turbid waters, and related conditions; in the longer term, the effects of fire and related landslides and debris flows generally include improvements to fish habitat, and fish populations often increase in size in the first few years following fire. Two of the main reasons for this response are habitat creation and nutrient loading. </i></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEpJeCk9rPa7ITj0nGmepfKbVQN63U1tZ5Dlcp8Q5jIB2EvdpjMLzSzMi1aJkYvPn0eS20Ak8UPRNip0WgEpDKzRZQS6-tPsPb4Jzekk7Ssd6Nb7IXS7yytPD_nIiL1xn_aogHXGrB2s/s1600/DSC_8376.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEpJeCk9rPa7ITj0nGmepfKbVQN63U1tZ5Dlcp8Q5jIB2EvdpjMLzSzMi1aJkYvPn0eS20Ak8UPRNip0WgEpDKzRZQS6-tPsPb4Jzekk7Ssd6Nb7IXS7yytPD_nIiL1xn_aogHXGrB2s/s1600/DSC_8376.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the fire, many creeks and rivers flooded and eroded soil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As fires burn through an area, trees and woody debris make their way into the rivers and creeks both through dead trees falling over and landslides carrying them in. These materials in the river, provide cool, shaded habitat for fish. With landslides and debris flows in the mix, new pools are created, rivers and creeks forge new channels, and the diversity of habitats for fish can expand. <br />
<br />
The second impact of fire that can aid fish in a strong recovery is nutrient loading. Just as trees and vegetative debris that enter the water create habitat, they also bring with them large amounts of nutrients. In the right amount and diversity, nutrients can help boost the growth of algae that serves as the basis for the food web and supports the ecosystem of rivers and streams. <br />
<br />
The big question of course is: with the size and severity of the Carlton Complex fire, how quickly will the fish bounce back? According to Jennifer, as with all things related to the fire…it is complex. The high intensity of the fire that spiked water temperatures, the large amount of ash that flowed into rivers and creeks during the intense rains after the fires, and the severity of the debris flows all contributed to fish mortality during and following the fires. These will also make it harder for fish to bounce back. Luckily, the fish who survived the fires because they were not present during the fires or the floods can recolonize the streams in the burned areas, especially since undersized culverts and other fish barriers have mainly been addressed by past restoration projects. The <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YF7CHHeglBoAq_4go7jc7u49M-dos8rEVP8SiXv4-jZdpbqxAwCa88LfxpeWmJJbxc6KlqD_yMND6IQfzNmMACinIcUhBPGDJBcPmDlZy3J7T9jfi28jmcrfzqjWpLOhvFHNNngAIRI/s1600/DSCN8172.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YF7CHHeglBoAq_4go7jc7u49M-dos8rEVP8SiXv4-jZdpbqxAwCa88LfxpeWmJJbxc6KlqD_yMND6IQfzNmMACinIcUhBPGDJBcPmDlZy3J7T9jfi28jmcrfzqjWpLOhvFHNNngAIRI/s1600/DSCN8172.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some debris flows were over 8 ft high</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
re-colonizing fish will gain from the longer-term habitat and nutrient-input benefits from the fire and debris flows.<br />
<br />
There are also other factors working to the advantage of fish. One is the location of fish during the fire event. Many of the year classes of salmon and steelhead were out at sea during the fires and flooding and so missed the excitement. For those that were in the Methow, some anadromous species, such as spring Chinook, were already up valley away from the direct impacts of the fire and debris flows. Secondly, while the debris flows dumped high loads of sediment into our rivers and streams, we’ve been experiencing a mild and wet winter with river levels and flows that has been helpful in clearing out that sediment. The more that is cleared, the more opportunities for fish to find good habitat conditions as they travel up and down the rivers and creeks. <br />
<br />
While with all things of fire recovery, time will tell. Disturbances like fire, flood, and debris flows are important for renewing habitat conditions in the long-term. Overall, estimates for impacts on fish, taking into consideration both the positives and negatives, may turn out to be neutral or positive. The resiliency of fish, vegetation, and of nature in general have allowed them to bounce back before.<br />
<br />
<b>All these classes are being videoed! Watch the classes online at our website here:</b><br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2015_videos.html"><b>http://methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2015_videos.html</b></a>Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-34505994022192471712015-02-15T21:23:00.000-08:002015-03-18T14:55:33.709-07:00"It's Complex" Fire Ecology & Recovery 2015 Conservation Course - Class #2 Notes<span style="color: #990000;">Summary of Feb 3, 2015 class by volunteer Nick Thorp</span><br />
<br />
With
a solid understanding of the historical role of fire in our valley and
the changes that have occurred over the past 100 years under our belts,
the second class moved deeper into the complexities of fire and the
Carlton Complex, and examined the effect and post-fire recovery of
forested areas and factors such as insects and fungus that can both
impact that recovery.<br />
<br />
<br />
Susan Prichard, a Research
Scientist at the University of Washington’s School of Environmental and
Forest Sciences, kicked off the evening by presenting on forest recovery
and what we can expect to see in the burned landscapes around the
valley. She began with a reflection on the Carlton Complex fire: its
intensity, its uniqueness, and how these factors will impact recovery.
An eight day stretch of 100+ degree heat…winds gusting at 30-35 miles
per hour…an extremely dry land . . . all fueling a fire that grew at
incredibly rapid speeds, burning 160,00 acres in a 24 hour period. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjMcUQ6LjLvhC-SVk_3chI6c6WHJbJ6mlM6G9KWnbRq5oIvfCnh-wVBu4ehEq-mq8ygBHwDXFcH4COtFkHiFcCsyHb6ZCQst7H27M544mHbBCmpgwG_jZQ8X_PE713okV_NAMK2LxjBk/s1600/resister.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>How
does such an extreme fire like this impact forests? Like everything
related to this fire, it’s complex. Susan framed the answer to this
question by looking at the adaptations of plants to survive fire, broken
down in four categories:<br />
<ul><div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<li><b>Resisters</b>: <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkDxuyQlGSFfSf5eSLbvDZxI4oHvTO8pmWYP2eLYGxKxBl8sQCZvOgDT_M7BxaM9BiBrLVYRuq-Tvfn1wUoI3xetlRzh-NjKE0G7KV_KjpBLnqWjGJxM2WYf-KeurtFBE1aA-VU3GJX8/s1600/PondoPine_reduced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkDxuyQlGSFfSf5eSLbvDZxI4oHvTO8pmWYP2eLYGxKxBl8sQCZvOgDT_M7BxaM9BiBrLVYRuq-Tvfn1wUoI3xetlRzh-NjKE0G7KV_KjpBLnqWjGJxM2WYf-KeurtFBE1aA-VU3GJX8/s1600/PondoPine_reduced.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ponderosa Pines are fire adapted </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Trees such as
ponderosa pine and western larch are adapted to survive fires with their
thick bark and lack of low lying branches. In the fires of
last summer, with an ember driven front that ignited trees before the
flames hit, ponderosa pines, even with their adaptations, experienced an
abnormal 100% mortality in some places. Without planting, recovery of
these high-severity burned areas may take decades, and some of these
areas may convert to grass and shrublands for some period of time.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkm0pm5JBW6YmCPEfqZb9c0QLC7HawJ-acUJh7UDWGBW0Gfk9JmERtR_x5I5ALata_BK2v0sPxlCzRjDnFaU-DkZ9kr2VAVIbgaFwkkTCMly4pGAT-RbbqOjEoggRIX9T6QvoFS2OAaI/s1600/endurers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkm0pm5JBW6YmCPEfqZb9c0QLC7HawJ-acUJh7UDWGBW0Gfk9JmERtR_x5I5ALata_BK2v0sPxlCzRjDnFaU-DkZ9kr2VAVIbgaFwkkTCMly4pGAT-RbbqOjEoggRIX9T6QvoFS2OAaI/s1600/endurers.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burned aspens resprouted quickly after the fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li><b><b>Endurers</b>: </b>Plants like aspen, balsam root, and elderberry. While
the
above ground vegetation burns, the roots below ground can survive.
Since the fires moved so quickly, these plants should do great in
recovery. In many places we saw re-growth taking place in the months
and even days following the fire.</li>
<li><b>Invaders</b>: Plants that range
from lupine, to cheatgrass, to fireweed. These plants come into open
areas following a burn and are able to thrive. Some are native while
others are new, invasive species that can crowd out others.</li>
<li><b>Avoiders</b>: Plants and trees like the subalpine fir. These survive by
simply being out of harm’s way and existing in places with low fire
frequency.</li>
</ul>
<br />
The second presenter of the night, Connie
Mehmel, a Forest Health Specialist for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National
Forest, shared how various insects (e.g., wood-borers and bark beetles)
and pathogens (e.g., fungi) interact with fire. Some of these insects
are attracted to the heat and/or smoke of the fire, and depending on the timing of the fire relative to the flight period of the insects
(as well as some other factors), the insects can invade the burned
stands. Wood borers, which feed on dead trees, generally come in
first, followed by bark beetles. The bark beetles generally feed on
damaged and dying trees, but can move to adjacent living trees. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvEqgBy06s6wC71GrX2Mc2hv9x-zO8aw_rYqc9ZSYe3TZMqIvHtz0i96_tAJglWwYJJV3t8oAJJQauraEKCJIkzsRbvOiGdb1_cM_Bo9VJHlExjgwiuGpnVF_ltG93lH2KJU2nQ7jPAQ/s1600/Connie's+beetles.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvEqgBy06s6wC71GrX2Mc2hv9x-zO8aw_rYqc9ZSYe3TZMqIvHtz0i96_tAJglWwYJJV3t8oAJJQauraEKCJIkzsRbvOiGdb1_cM_Bo9VJHlExjgwiuGpnVF_ltG93lH2KJU2nQ7jPAQ/s1600/Connie's%2Bbeetles.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bark beetles, a natural part of the ecosystem, increase when trees are stressed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In
addition to insects, various species of fungi can both be activated.
For example, the teapot fungus is activated by fire and can cause damage
to seedlings in the first two years after fire. . “Good” fungi,
like mycorrhizal fungi, that help the roots of new saplings and other
plants take hold in their beginning stages of growth can be damaged by
hot fires, taking away a key natural aid to landscape recovery. On the
other hand, fire can rid areas of tree-damaging fungi. For example,
fire can consume the fungus responsible for various root rots. <br />
<br />
<br />
Connie
also talked about dwarf mistletoe, a pathogen that has generally become
more common in our region due to fire suppression. Among other things,
dwarf mistletoe causes trees to grow low branches, making a given stand
more susceptible to crown fire. There is a negative feedback loop
here, with fire generally killing mistletoe.<br />
<br />
The class was filmed in four sections, all of which, plus the first class, are available here:<br />
<a href="http://methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2015_videos.html" target="_blank">http://methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2015_videos.html </a>Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-5030478799626150752015-01-31T20:38:00.000-08:002015-01-31T20:38:19.270-08:00The 2nd Quarter Begins - Grad School Update #4
<span style="color: #660000;">by Mary Kiesau, Methow Conservancy Educational Programs Director</span><br />
<br />
As many of you know, I started a <span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">Masters of Education in Environmental Education
degree program at Huxley College at Western Washington University last fall. The second 10-week quarter (and the last one I have to spend on campus) started Jan 6, so I'm well into the thick of things now. (Scroll down the blog for three posts from the first quarter.). </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">I'm in Bellingham 3-4 days a week, and am, oddly, getting significantly more sun over there than folks in the Methow. Spring seems nearly ready to sprout in B'ham with cottonwood buds already sticky and sweet-smelling, and 2" long alder catkins hanging from trees. I wouldn't be surprised if crocuses started blooming any day. Coming back to my snow and ice covered yard every week is both very weird and welcomed because despite enjoying walking to campus without a coat, I miss winter when I'm over there. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">This
program is set-up relatively well for working professionals in that I only have to do two 10-week quarters on campus, then the rest of the program is independent, including
the Masters project, and I'll complete that work in the Methow and
in-conjunction, as much as possible at least, with the Methow
Conservancy.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">Though the fall quarter felt fairly demanding time-wise, this winter quarter felt more intense right off the bat. The professors must have been easing us into things in the fall! I have the same number of classes as last quarter - three - but I'm also a "teaching assistant" (TA) for the unique environmental education "spring block" that about 20 undergrads do. So, technically I'm taking 15 graduate credits this quarter, versus last quarter's 11, so maybe that's why I feel like I have much more to do. Spending about 11 hours in a car commuting every week certainly cuts into my time as well, but at least I'm getting some great books listened to! (Recommendations are always appreciated!)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">My classes this quarter are:<br /><b>Assessment, Evaluation and Research in Environmental Education </b><br />This course combines a major evaluation planning project with lecture, discussion, activities, and smaller assignments to teach concepts and skills emphasizing program evaluation in environmental education. The evaluation planning project I've chosen to do is an assessment of the Conservancy's education programs with an eye towards what changes or enhances, if any, may be warranted based on community feedback. This class is very reading and project heavy, and I'm glad to be apply to directly apply the learning and the project work to the Methow Conservancy. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Curriculum in Environmental Education</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">This course examines all aspects of curriculum for environmental education, especially<br />in the non-formal setting of environmental learning centers, nature centers and outdoor schools. This class interacts with the undergrad EE curriculum class by teaching the class, observing and evaluating undergrad students, and mentoring them. We also do our own work of learning curriculum theories and designs, which we'll use to design our own individual curriculum outlines. We'll have to teach one lesson from our curriculum to our classmates. I'm thrilled that this class, like the one above, allows me to easily apply the learning and the curriculum project to my work. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><b>The American Literature of Nature and Place</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">This class is an upper level undergraduate course that I'm taking as an elective. I'm one of two grad students in the class with about 25 20-year-olds. That alone is fascinating! The reading and writing in this class is right up my alley, but it is a lot of work. I probably spend more time on this class, the undergrad class, than the either of the other two classes. In this class, we primarily (1) read, discuss and write about the work of American non-fiction writers of nature and sense of place, and (2) practice </span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">descriptive and expository nature writing, critical reading and research. I alone will also be teaching one class (about which I'm terrified). I'm going to teach on “Future Directions in Nature Writing and Emerging Voices.” If you have any ideas for my class (format, readings, activities...), I'm all ears! We are required to read:</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">* </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">Winter Creek by John </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Daniel</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">* The Meadow by James Galvin</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">* Refuge by </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">Terry Tempest </span></span></span></span>Williams</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">* </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">Riverwalking by </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">Kathleen </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Moore</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">* and then one other book from a list, from which I choose The Immense Journey by Loren Eiseley </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">I'm still managing to keep up with Methow Conservancy work, though you aren't seeing me at First Tuesdays or in the office much. You can find me there some Thursdays and most Fridays, and I'll be back to a fairly normal office routine by mid-March. Time flies! </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span>Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444871975879362892.post-23048021393245765162015-01-29T22:50:00.002-08:002015-02-03T10:45:37.216-08:00"It's Complex" Fire Ecology & Recovery 2015 Conservation Course - Class #1 Notes<span style="color: #990000;">Summary of Jan 26, 2015 class by volunteer Nick Thorp</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMPWPEI-6ScxNOSrQt0nQjy9Nsc3ptxlkH2DMvRqUnXKEXgOthGaEtjRvBbAsDsUypMBnjc1FKGo1NFwefNqROxaXpro0Vq0Lk5TkA0cjKAAQFsJCWskGvenI85WWVEuStVTHRhWA2J4/s1600/DSC_7923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxaKTlBmH3gWshEeu0j-cqtlJpXOrLxDpHdAomwRk2TOC3jqwg6AZ5W05WKyq1IPVsOB8cn2W0PA5lOPV1wT2E9025KSvfND7f67lkz65FnJHEOH0jfMI6Qf2Zm_vhA657YiUzPgVK24/s1600/DSC_7830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxaKTlBmH3gWshEeu0j-cqtlJpXOrLxDpHdAomwRk2TOC3jqwg6AZ5W05WKyq1IPVsOB8cn2W0PA5lOPV1wT2E9025KSvfND7f67lkz65FnJHEOH0jfMI6Qf2Zm_vhA657YiUzPgVK24/s1600/DSC_7830.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a><br />
Exactly six months after the Carlton Complex fires raged throughout the Methow Valley, the 11th Annual Methow Conservancy Conservation Course kicked off to
delve into the complexities of forest fire in our region. Although cold
temperatures, a blanket of snow on the ground, and the winter calm have
replaced smoke filled skies and evacuation notices, the fires remain
front and center on the minds of Methow residents. The 6-week course
aims to provide attendees with answers to questions on how and why the
fires of 2014 happened and what the future holds both in terms of
recovery and future fire potential.<br />
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Understanding the history of fire and its relationship with the land provides the building blocks to answer these important questions. <b>Dr. Paul Hessburg</b>, a Research Landscape Ecologist with 30 years experience at the US Forest Service, was the feature presenter for the first evening of the course. Paul’s presentation gave the audience a view into the historical role of fires in Eastern Washington and the changes that have taken place. <br />
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Many of the changes in the forests and surrounding landscape have occurred just in the past 100 years. Before this time, the nature of fire in the Methow Valley was one of frequent small, but generally low intensity fires, where fire itself managed healthy forests. The fires were started from both natural ignition and intentional burning by Native Americans. Paul painted a picture of watersheds and forests as a mosaic made up of patches of forest of varying age, size, and species. This patchwork allowed fire to be both present and a healthy occurrence in the forest, burning some patches, while others were left untouched. The diversity of the forest contained fires and prevented them from creating large and widespread damage. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMPWPEI-6ScxNOSrQt0nQjy9Nsc3ptxlkH2DMvRqUnXKEXgOthGaEtjRvBbAsDsUypMBnjc1FKGo1NFwefNqROxaXpro0Vq0Lk5TkA0cjKAAQFsJCWskGvenI85WWVEuStVTHRhWA2J4/s1600/DSC_7923.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMPWPEI-6ScxNOSrQt0nQjy9Nsc3ptxlkH2DMvRqUnXKEXgOthGaEtjRvBbAsDsUypMBnjc1FKGo1NFwefNqROxaXpro0Vq0Lk5TkA0cjKAAQFsJCWskGvenI85WWVEuStVTHRhWA2J4/s1600/DSC_7923.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a>Fast-forward to the present day and the diverse mosaic and patchwork of these watersheds and forests has been largely replaced by dense, continuous (as opposed to patchy) forest cover ripe for high severity, high intensity fire. What caused these changes? How did these changes happen so quickly? According to Paul, the main catalyst for these changes can be found in fire suppression activities (which have been conducted extensively on the landscape since the 1930s) and other human interventions (e.g., elimination of Native American burning, development of extensive road and railroad system, urban development, agriculture, timber harvest).<br />
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What can be done? Paul mentioned that the key is to restore the natural fire regimes. How do we do this? We restore the characteristic patterns and patch sizes of fuels and vegetation successional conditions. And, how do we do this likely through a combination of using wildfire ignitions under the right conditions (e.g., allowing the “good” wildfires to burn), creating other surface and crown fires in strategic locations through intentional ignitions, and also through the combination of thinning and prescribed burning treatments.<br />
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<a href="http://www.methowconservancy.org/conservation_course_2015_videos.html" target="_blank">Watch the entire class in a video on the Conservancy webpage. </a><br />
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Paul's presentation was followed by a full hour of engaging questions from the attendees.Methow Conservancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585514881662552422noreply@blogger.com0