Thursday, September 29, 2011

Ways to annoy a wildlife biologist :

As a seasonal wildlife biologist, I encounter a lot of people with a lot of questions..

"I saw a bird, it was big and brown. What was it"? Seriously people, get a bird guide.

"When are you going to get a real job"? (Because monitoring the health of our worlds ecosystems and tracking endangered species is not a "real" job). Would you prefer I work at some call center somewhere? That's clearly more important.

"Is this ever going to turn into a full time position"? Apparently other people jump right out of college into full time careers. Because people ask me this all the time as if no one else does internships or has to work their way up the ladder. Furthermore- I am 27 years old. I do not have kids. I do not own property. Right now I get paid to live and work in some of the most beautiful places in our country. I don't have to pay for housing. If you ask me, my life is pretty sweet.

Yesterday someone asked me "have you ever considered working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agency? Have you ever heard of that"? No Sir, I have never heard of the government agency responsible for managing our nation's wildlife. Apparently wildlife biologists come across as really stupid.

" I rescued a baby bird in my yard, what should I feed it"? Newsflash people - you did not "save" that baby bird. Actually you just signed it's death warrant. I appreciate that you want to help, but next time consult a professional before you "help". Wildlife rehabilitators are already swamped nurturing "rescued" baby squirrels and bunnies. These poor souls never sleep as it is dont make their job harder. Leave the bird alone he is trying to learn to fly!!

"I saw a piping plover in my driveway". No you didn't it was a killdeer.

"I'm tired of these birds getting more government attention than people". I usually don't even respond to these types Of asinine comments. Right, the few million dollars dedicated to endangered species management totally outweighs the billions spent on all things human. Go fuck yourselves people. And while you're at it, quit bitching about not being able to drive on the beach. Seriously, these birds need three months to rear their young. Get over yourselves and wait til august to fish from your tailgate you fat lazy fuck. Or, *gasp* WALK to fish.

Lastly- I am not a vet, or a wildlife rehabilitator, I don't work at a zoo, and I don't know whats wrong with your dog. I am a wildlife biologist. I monitor endangered and non-game wildlife species, and I assess ecosystem health. I work to remove invasive Plant species to restore native ecosystems. I do a lot more things than that. I drive boats I drive trucks I drive atvs. I enter data and I write reports. I trap birds, I band birds, I weigh them and measure them. The duties of a wildlife biologist are seemingly endless. But at the end of the day, I consider myself one of the luckiest people on the planet because I love what I do.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Happy Birthday To Me

Yesterday was my birthday. I drank too much rum. Cheddar enjoyed himself as well.

That would be MY sleeping bag and Thermarest pillow.
My 3 best friends in the whole wide world got together and we had a slumber party. Yes, 27 year olds CAN still have slumber parties. We've been doing this for like 12 years now we're pretty good at it.

Myself, Barb, Angie and Sam

Monday, September 12, 2011

Curtis' Excellent Adventure

Recently, Curtis and I embarked on a cross country trip. I bet you did not know Betta fish LOVE road trips. And they especially love camping. Who knew?

The first night of our trip we stayed at Niobrara State Park, in Niobrara, Nebraska. Curtis was loving the great outdoors.




 After we left Nebraska, we spent the night at a Quality Inn in Indiana.


We also spent a few days hanging out at Bill's family's dairy farm in western New York. Curtis stayed in the cabin in the woods most of the time, although he did get one ride on the Kubota. I wish I had thought to take a picture. After all was said and done, Curtis spent an amazing 30 hours in the car last week! He is one amazing Betta fish. Now we are home. Our part-time cat, Georgia gave Curtis quite the welcoming..

Saturday, September 10, 2011

The Rare, Endangered Piping Duck

This summer, the Missouri River Piping Plover crew discovered a new species, the rare and endangered Piping Duck. It can be seen below, in it's natural habitat.

(I swear, this is NOT an oversized Mallard decoy painted to look like a Piping Plover)

We decided to capture this rare bird, and bring it home for further studies. It can be seen below, brooding it's oddly shaped and sized plover babies.

The Piping Duck and it's adopted children...