Oklahoma Bioblitz

Last year we could not have fires because of a burn ban, due to the extreme drought. This year at Foss Park, the ban was lifted, but it was still windy and dry. We brought Coleman cook stoves instead of having a fire, to be on the safe side.

This year, instead of being in the balmy 80s, the temperatures plummeted into the 40s. But with the wind coming off the lake, it felt like there was probably a windchill factor in the 30s. It was cold.

Everyone was bundled up in layers of clothing, many of us were unprepared for it to be below the mid 40s. And as the temperatures spiraled in a downward direction, the insects and animals holed up, to avoid the cold as well. I found a flower beetle of some sort, but not much else that was moving. So I focused mostly on plants.

However, some, more experienced folk found all sorts of animals, plants, fungi, and algae. Hats off to you. I just wanted to hide from the wind! This was an unusual weather event for this time of year. Normally such things do not happen until November.

It was a nice time though. It was good to see so many familiar, friendly faces. The kids had a great time, scavenging for insects and reptiles and trying to capture fish. We all enjoyed the hot chocolate and hot tea. And the film, "Where Did the Horny Toad go?" was a very well done documentary on the decline of the Texas Horned Toad.
http://jarofgrasshoppers.com/ I cannot wait to see this on OETA or PBS in general. I saw that they have a page on facebook for interested parties. America has literally, loved that poor lizard to death.

This turned me on to the Horned Lizard Conservation Society.
http://www.hornedlizards.org/

And I purchased a soft cover version of this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Horned-Lizards-North-America/dp/0520228278/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1349712002&sr=8-4
If you want to know more about Horned Lizards, this is THE book to get. I have skimmed it once, and will probably wear the spine out on it.

We did not see any Horned Lizards at the park, but it was so cold that I am sure that they were all underground with most of the other reptiles, amphibians, insects and mammals.

Thanks to everyone who helped make the Oklahoma Bio Blitz possible and to all the other individuals and families who participated. We always have such a great time. If you have a Bio Blitz in your state, I highly recommend that you attend.

Posted on October 8, 2012 04:07 PM by greenmother