Sorry for the delay in the journal. I spent Monday and Tuesday, both 11 hour days, on the tundra collecting data. I got a lot of reading done and for the 1 set of data I could sit inside and watch movies. However, by yesterday I was exhausted!
Baby Birds
Momma bird sitting on her baby birds. Look how easily she camouflages in with the surrounding plants. You could walk right by her and not even see her.
Tuesday afternoon when I went back to the old basin I looked for the bird's nest I had taken a picture of a few weeks ago. I was excited to find that the eggs had hatched and 4 little birds scurrying about on the tundra. They were hard to follow and get a picture of as they were quick and the mother was pretty protective. But, I was not going to be thwarted! I finally got a picture before all four got underneath mom's protective wings.
Baby bird that was an egg less than 5 days ago! It better learn to fly soon before it becomes an appetizer for some animal!
Polar Connect Live Event with Cleveland Heights High School
I spent Wednesday afternoon preparing for a polar connect live event with my high school back in Ohio that we were planning for this morning. This morning at 11:30 Ohio time and 7:30am Barrow time I conducted my first live polar connect event. There were about 15 students and 3 teachers (Mrs. Coffey, Mrs. Douglas, & Mrs. Washington) present from Cleveland Heights High School. After a brief introduction from Janet & Kristin of ARCUS, Elliot and I talked about the research we have been doing and the data we have been collecting so far this summer. I finished talking about the rest of my experiences up here. At the end of the polar connect event there was a question and answer period where the students and teachers could ask questions. The event was very successful and the students asked some great questions!
Next Week - Exciting News!!!
Finally, I booked a trip down to Fairbanks and Denali National Park for next week. I will be spending 3 days and 2 nights in Denali and I am very excited! I have some very cool adventures planned…but I cannot spill the beans yet. You'll just have to follow the journal next week; I guarantee it will be amazing and the pictures will be even better!
Fact of the Day
Yesterday's Fact of the Day Answer: What is the capital of Alaska? Hint: It kind of sounds like one of the 12 months. Juneau (June-O)
Today's Trivia: Especially up here in Alaska, what is the red liquid in outdoor thermometers? Hint: It's not mercury.
Momma bird trying to corral her babies into one spot so she can sit on them and keep them warm!
Inuit Word of the Day
Yesterday's Word: Auja = Summer Hint: This is the season most of the U.S. is experiencing right now!!! Did you get it right?
Today's word: Kaapi - Hint: Many of you drink this in the morning - some of you religiously!!! What is the word of the day?
Please take 2 seconds and reply with your guesses to the fact of the day or Inuit word of the day in the "Ask the Team" section link below:
http://www.polartrec.com/forum/microbial-activity-in-thawing-arctic-permafrost/fact-of-the-day-or-inuit-word-of-the-day-guess