Project Update - February 2022
Firstly, welcome to our new project followers; @tylerben!
February was another cold month, with fewer opportunities to see wildlife out and about, especially as we spent a few days snowed in our homes! We did host a Winter BioBlitz at Osborn MetroPark on February 26th, and were able to get good views of squirrels, raptors, and songbirds. We also saw some fresh mammal tracks on the snow.
The project increased from 3462 to 3492 observations (+30), 1163 to 1175 species (+12), and 124 to 125 observers (+1). Our next BioBlitz is scheduled for March 26th at Osborn MetroPark where we will go more in-depth to learn about how to use iNaturalist. Come join us!
Our number of Research Grade observations increased from 2140 to 2180 (+40). This equates to a Research Grade percentage of 62.43% (up from 61.81%).
In total, there were 29 observations added to the project within February 2022. The observations include 13 birds, 7 mammals, 6 insects, 2 plants, and 1 arachnid.
Of these, there were 21 species recorded. The American Red Squirrel was observed on the most occasions (4 times), with Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle, Tundra Swan, and Isabella Tiger Moth all observed twice.
The observations came from 5 observers: @martyndrabik (14), @briarrose777 (8), @calconey (3), @jenniferc3 (2), and @mikehensley75 (2).
The top observations of the month include:
Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) - https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/105996319
American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) - https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/107209340
Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) - https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/107499643
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/107481982
Morrison’s Sallow (Eupsilia morrisoni) - https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/107334598
Thanks to all for contributing to the project. We will post another update next month. Please also look out for our upcoming programs via https://eriemetroparks.org/programs/
~ Martyn
