Observation #5

Today I was observing the aspen tree and was happy to say that leave are starting to grow on it. The willows are also starting to grow. I think this will be good, because the aspen tree and willows are all primary producers or autotrophs. This means that the heterotrophs in my area will have more food. An example of a heterotroph is a moose or squirrel, essentially any herbivores. Then after the moose eats the plant any other carnivore can eat the moose, which will hopefully help the entire environment and ecosystem. Today I also saw two squirrels playing in the high branches of a pine tree. I also finally saw robins, and although I did not see their nest I think they have already a laid their eggs.

Aspen Report

The Quaking Aspen, or is a member of the Willow Family. The Quaking Aspen got its name because its leaves move in even the slightest breeze. The Aspen tree can range from 66 to 82 feet in height and average 7 to 12 inches in diameter. It is the most common tree in all of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. The Aspen tree grows on a variety of soils, the best soils for it being derived from igneous rock. It requires certain kinds of nutrients including calcium, magnesium, potassium and nitrogen. For reproduction, the Aspen Tree grows 10 cm long fruits which are made up of a string of little capsules. Each of the capsules contain 10 seeds surrounded in a cotton like fluff to aid in the dispersal of the seeds. The young Aspens often fall prey to grazing cattle and other heriborus animals. This grazing kept the young trees from being able to mature and this resulted in a dieback, or massive death of many trees. The Aspen tree usually resides in forested areas, but I have seen them nearly everywhere. During the fall, the leaves of the Aspen Tree turn into colors of bright yellow and red. The leaves eventually fall off for the winter. Caterpillars often use the Aspen leaves as sources for food and a place to make a cacoon and turn into a butterfly. Bird use the dead trees to build houses for themselves.

Observation #4

Grass has sprouted up even farther than before. There was a very wet snow on the ground from last night. There was a small group of deer that looked disapionted that is was so cold because just two days ago it was 80 degrees out. They were feeding on grass that was abundant every where. There is little competition between the deer for food unlike in the winter time. The hummingbirds are now out because their survival needs are being met now that the sugar water is in the bird feeder. The larger hummingbirds sit on the feeder and keep all of the other hummingbirds from eating. The leaves are now almost completely out of there buds and have their full green color. My mom also found some morel mushrooms. These mushrooms only grow in an area where succesion has occured, and that is why they they are so rare and valuble