Endless Opportunities

Within the first two and a half months as an intern here, I have been able to dramatically expand my experiences from different survey techniques to outreach. October was when we were able to start field work with aquatic fauna sampling. Since all of my prior experience has been with terrestrial or amphibious fauna, this was something completely new to me. To add another new aspect, there is a fair share of time spent in the office identifying, measuring and weighing the aquatic fauna that was collected in the field. This process is really interesting to me to be able to see what happens next with the data that was collected, which I find is a unique experience.

 

(Performing an aquatic fauna survey off the boardwalk)

Not only are we busy doing scientific research, but we have also been able to be a part of various Audubon activities such as Audubon Florida's annual Assembly. Here, we had a chance to network with many different Audubon employees throughout the state and attend talks on this years theme Water for Florida's Future. Another event we were able to attend was a science symposium at Big Cypress where we sat in on talks ranging from the hydrology of Florida, to effects of Hurricane Irma, and different flora and fauna being studied in the region. One of the speakers, Elizabeth Braun de Torrez, even offered for anyone to join her after the program to try to aurally detect the Florida Bonneted Bat, or any other bat species in the area. It was a great experience being able to learn more about this area through some of the current research being done, and it was amazing to be able to indulge in my interest of bats with Liz.

 

(Sunset over Fakahatchee Strand State Park waiting for the bats to emerge so we can detect their calls with Elizabeth Braun de Torrez)

There are so many more opportunities that I am excited for, they seem endless. Soon we will be performing Wood Stork nest success surveys from a fixed wing plane, attending a Cypress Celebration symposium, herpetofauna surveys, and prescribed fire.I cannot wait to see what exciting new opportunity will come up next!

-Kelsie (Research Intern)