The competition still has just over 24 hours to go, but I wanted to share some of my thoughts since I'm done uploading...
At the moment, I have uploaded 1371 observations of 532 species.
My personal goal for the competition was to make 1000 observations of as many different species as I could find. (I never did find that darn squirrel! I swear they go into hiding during the CNC!) I'm thrilled to have achieved my personal goal!
Last year I made 757 observations of 437 species. Definite improvement!
And I'm anxious to see the final results on Monday.
Some thoughts about the things that I saw or experienced during the challenge that aren't represented in the photos:
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Since I could not drive very far, I did all of my observations within 10 miles of my home at various parks and fields that I frequent. It helped to know what species were already there, and where I could find some species I had not already photographed.
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I moth'ed in my backyard every night. It was one of the best turn-outs I've had in a while! Lots of larger moths, and several new species for my yard.
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I photographed more grasses and sedges than I've ever done before. I won't remember any of them next week, but if I just keep doing that it will eventually sink in.
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I also photographed a LOT of plant galls. (Those balls that insects make on plants/trees.) Their variety of shapes fascinate me!
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My most photographed species (11 times) was of the Venus' Looking-Glass Flower (Triodanis biflora)
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I had no idea the Brown Thrasher (bird) could sing! I heard him before I saw him and I was mesmerized!
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I found 2 live caterpillars in the bluebird nestboxes after the young had fledged. I don't know if they were looking for somewhere to pupate, or if they just got lucky and avoided being lunch. 1 was interesting. 2 is curious...
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I waited 30 minutes to catch a hummingbird, but they were zipping all over the place and chittering so I knew they were there. Never did get a pic. Later, I saw a strange squirrel and tried to photograph it, but it kept jumping from limb to limb and then disappeared. Right above it, in the treetop, was a Black Chinned Hummer that I was able to photograph.
And I love stats, so....
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Daily totals:
Day 1: 371 observations, 15 new species
Day 2: 390 observations, 9 new species
Day 3: 264 observations, 9 new species
Day 4: 346 observations, 9 new species
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Observed taxa:
341 Plants
123 Insects
28 Birds
26 Fungi
15 Arachnids
7 Mollusks
5 Reptiles
2 Mammals
2 Other
2 Ray-finned fishes
2 Protozoa
1 Amphibians
Posted on
May 5, 2019 01:24 AM
by
kimberlietx
Comments
You rock and roll!
Amazing job lady!!!! You truly rocked it. Hopefully you can get some rest now!
Bravo! Looking forward to seeing what records you break next year.
I am amazed at your acheivement!
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