Field Notes

Monthly Weather Review
Monthly Rainfall Total – 4.42 in
Highest Temperature - 82°F
Lowest Temperature - 27°F
Average Wind Speed – 8.45 mph

Friday, March 7th

• The interns spent the day at Thompson Creek learning macroinvertebrate sampling techniques. A Hellgrammite (Corydalus cornutus), the larval form of the Eastern Dobsonfly, was observed during the sampling activity.

Monday, March 10^th

• Ten water samples, including those from Thompson Creek and Otter Pond, were collected and transported to the Freshwater Ecology Center at Francis Marion University for bacterial analysis.

Thursday, March 13^th

• Several Wild Daffodils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) were seen around the property. This species is known as a spring-flowering perennial

Monday, March 17^th

• It was a sunny day, and turtles were seen basking at Otter Pond.
• A Falcate Orangetip (Anthocharis midea) was spotted perched on a nearby plant.
• Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) were observed incubating eggs and displaying their characteristic "broken wing" defense behavior to deter intruders from their nests.
• A Changeable Mantleslug (Megapallifera mutabilis) was seen on the concrete path.

Tuesday, March 18^th

• Two Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) were seen hunting for food near the offices.
• During routine bird box monitoring, a Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) nest with 13 eggs was discovered in a box near a pond. A game camera was set up to document the female’s activity at the nest.

Wednesday, March 19^th

• An American Beaver (Castor canadensis) was observed moving between lodges.
• A Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) was seen perched in a tree overlooking the pond.

Friday, March 21^st

• Carolina Wildlands Foundation (CWF) staff evaluated new water quality equipment at Fireworks Pond.

The group also visited the pond where the Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) was observed incubating.

Several Cricket Frogs (Acris spp.) were seen in shallow water during field activities.

Saturday, March 22^nd

• The South Carolina Association of Naturalists (SCAN) and the Carolina Butterfly Society (CBS) visited CWF for a nature walk and overnight camping trip.
• CBS conducted a nighttime insect survey, successfully identifying various moth and beetle species.
• A Luna Moth (Actias luna) visited the light trap during the survey. Its striking appearance made it one of the highlights of the night.