Allison Cram Day 2: Mist Nets
Science:
This morning after breakfast we had a presentation by Oktay. We had introductions of all the participants and wrote down our personal and professional goals for the trip. We also talked about social permaculture as a farming structure that cares for the earth and people, and focuses on equal distribution of resources. Finally we completed an activity that emphasized the interconnection of an ecosystem.
Science:
This morning after breakfast we had a presentation by Oktay. We had introductions of all the participants and wrote down our personal and professional goals for the trip. We also talked about social permaculture as a farming structure that cares for the earth and people, and focuses on equal distribution of resources. Finally we completed an activity that emphasized the interconnection of an ecosystem.
Mist Nets 101:
Later we learned how to set up a mist net. Mists nets go on large extendable poles that enable scientists to successfully and safely catch birds and bats. They are stored in plastic or fabric bags. Each end of the net has five loops. The loops on on each end need to stay together to prevent tangles. The net needs to stay away from vegetation to prevent tangles. Different size nets are used depending upon the size of the bird being caught. We are using a small gauge net because the owls we are catching are small.
To assemble a mist net:
1) Take the first set of loops in your hand in the order they need to go on the pole. The top loop should be the first loop on your hand and will be marked differently.
2) The pole holder holds the pole at a good angle and then the person holding the loops will put the loops in order on the pole. The top loop should be towards the end of the pole but not so close it will fall off. The loops should be about one foot apart from one another.
3) Take your free hand and spread out the net to the other pole, keeping the net taut, and then repeat the process of putting the loops on the other pole.
4) Next check the net for tangles. Then extend the pole to the desired height.
5) Wait for the owl...
6) Once an owl has been caught wait for the extractor. The poles will need to be tipped towards the extractor to carefully get out the owl.
7) To pack up the net collect all the loops from one side in order and then secure to the handle of the bag. Collect the net by folding it and walk your way to the other side, putting the net in the bag as you go. Then collect the loops on the other side in order and secure to the other side of the bag. Finally tie the two handles of the bag together so the net doesn't fall out while not being used.
Later we learned how to set up a mist net. Mists nets go on large extendable poles that enable scientists to successfully and safely catch birds and bats. They are stored in plastic or fabric bags. Each end of the net has five loops. The loops on on each end need to stay together to prevent tangles. The net needs to stay away from vegetation to prevent tangles. Different size nets are used depending upon the size of the bird being caught. We are using a small gauge net because the owls we are catching are small.
To assemble a mist net:
1) Take the first set of loops in your hand in the order they need to go on the pole. The top loop should be the first loop on your hand and will be marked differently.
2) The pole holder holds the pole at a good angle and then the person holding the loops will put the loops in order on the pole. The top loop should be towards the end of the pole but not so close it will fall off. The loops should be about one foot apart from one another.
3) Take your free hand and spread out the net to the other pole, keeping the net taut, and then repeat the process of putting the loops on the other pole.
4) Next check the net for tangles. Then extend the pole to the desired height.
5) Wait for the owl...
6) Once an owl has been caught wait for the extractor. The poles will need to be tipped towards the extractor to carefully get out the owl.
7) To pack up the net collect all the loops from one side in order and then secure to the handle of the bag. Collect the net by folding it and walk your way to the other side, putting the net in the bag as you go. Then collect the loops on the other side in order and secure to the other side of the bag. Finally tie the two handles of the bag together so the net doesn't fall out while not being used.
Tree Identification: Dave did a short introduction of tree leaves in the afternoon and then we went out and collected specimens to use for later identification. The specimens were collected in two locations: the top of the Chiricahua Mountain Range and then a bit further down at a spring. The goal is to be able to identify which trees the owls are nesting in.
Owl Catching Protocol:
Below is the protocol that we used in the evening for attracting/catching owls.
1) 3 Minutes Silence
2) 90 seconds of playing owl call
3) 90 seconds of silence to listen
4) 90 seconds of playing owl call
5) 90 seconds of silence to listen
Complete all the way through and then repeat steps 2-5, changing the call of the species in this order:
Elf Owl, Flammulated Owl, Whiskered Screech Owl, Northern Saw-Whet Owl and Western Screech Owl
Below is the protocol that we used in the evening for attracting/catching owls.
1) 3 Minutes Silence
2) 90 seconds of playing owl call
3) 90 seconds of silence to listen
4) 90 seconds of playing owl call
5) 90 seconds of silence to listen
Complete all the way through and then repeat steps 2-5, changing the call of the species in this order:
Elf Owl, Flammulated Owl, Whiskered Screech Owl, Northern Saw-Whet Owl and Western Screech Owl
Personal Thoughts:
The food is quite good at the research center. It's been great getting to know everyone and their different teaching experiences. I am looking forward to the week and learning more about owls and tree cavities. Hopefully we will catch quite a few different types of owls throughout the week.
The food is quite good at the research center. It's been great getting to know everyone and their different teaching experiences. I am looking forward to the week and learning more about owls and tree cavities. Hopefully we will catch quite a few different types of owls throughout the week.
Did you know?
The coues deer can make a bark noise and they are the second smallest deer and have larger ears than white tail deers to help with the heat.
The coues deer can make a bark noise and they are the second smallest deer and have larger ears than white tail deers to help with the heat.