28 September 2008

Portland! 9-28-08

Time:1330-1350
Location:
Date: 28 September 2008
Climate: about 72 degrees, very sunny and hot
I am sitting and observing at Tom Mccall Waterfront Park in Portland and i notice a few Mallard ducks in the Willamette River, about 5 in total.  There were 3 female and 2 male.  They looked as though they were looking for food.  Well 3 did at least.  One male and 1 female however didn't look as determined to find food.  They quickly paddled away while the other 3 remained in about the same spot.  There are lots of people around me and the ducks don't seemed phased by the noise at all.  In fact they seem quite relaxed and confident in their surroundings.  Ducks are funny to watch because they are quite spontaneous sometimes.  They make occasional squawking sounds that are really loud and don't alarm each other but definitely send a scare through most of the small children around and some adults.  The people around me are biking, running, walking.  A few people are having picnics.  I notice a large number of crows flying around and walking through the streets.  I don't really like crows, and i am not exactly sure why.  They scare me sometimes.  A few crows are sitting in the middle of the road and a long line of traffic is stopped behind them.  It is funny to see this because they are not moving.  It is quite a comical situation to see birds holding up traffic, unless someone hits them and then it is no longer funny. 


http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/KSLE/2008/9/28/DailyHistory.html?req_city=NA&req_state=NA&req_statename=NA

Tyler Starr: 9/28 pm, the Mill Stream


Tyler Starr

28 September 2008 from 1635 to 1650

Location: The north side of the Mill Stream in between Smith and the University Center

Weather: 80 ̊ F, no clouds, no wind, the sun is very strong

General: To answer the question I was wondering earlier, the mallard ducks are still here. There aren’t any in front of me, where the bright sun is shining, but there are 3 upstream and 5 downstream enjoying the shade. They are all feeding (as in the picture). They must be preparing for their journey. Besides the ducks, I don’t see many other animals out at this busy time, a stark contrast to my morning observation. There are many people out on the grass, enjoying the sunshine before overcast fall and winter set in. I can hear a crow cawing, as always. Later, another one flew over me. I wonder, to the crows leave for the winter or do they tough it out? I guess we’ll see soon. Among the caws, I can hear train whistles, and a deep humming coming from somewhere to the south. There is a bug that seems to be jumping from place to place on the surface of the water. I don’t know if it’s actually sitting on the surface or just flying from place to place. There still isn’t too drastic of a color change in the leaves—the bright sun at this time is probably extending the time the trees keep their green leaves.

Tyler Starr: 9/28 am, the Quad

Tyler Starr

28 September 2008 from 0735 to 0800

Location: The Quad and the Mill Stream between Rogers and the library

Weather: 54 ̊ F, no wind, no clouds, sun just above the horizon, so not terribly strong

General: I was up early to see the sunrise with some friends, so I decided while I was out I might as well observe nature at such a quiet time. On the way from Belknap to the Quad, I saw a large rodent on the North bank of the Mill Stream, around the bushes near the main bridge to Jackson Plaza. I saw it as I rounded Rogers, coming from the east, but I did not get very close to it before it ran and hid in the bushes. It looked like it was brown, and about 2 feet long. It reminded me of a muskrat, like back home in Minnesota, but I have heard that nutria frequent the Mill Stream, so it is possible that is what I saw. I wish I could have gotten closer, but it was very interesting to see. I arrived at the Quad and sat in the middle. The sun was just beginning to emerge from behind Smullin. I counted 5 squirrels in and around the Quad, foraging for food. Two mallard ducks flew over my head toward the east. There were also 4 crows atop Smith Auditorium. It was so peaceful at that time in the morning. The only sounds were those of birds, most noticeably the crows. A friend I was with took pictures, so I will add those if I ever get them. I definitely recommend going out on the Quad to watch a sunrise.

Weather-9-27-08

Time:1145-1207
Date: 27 September 2008
Climate: 63 degrees, warm
Location: walking around salem
So today i walked outside and was flabbergasted at how warm it was, especially comparing it to the past few days that have been very chilly.  I like this warm weather but i was beginning to get used to the chilly weather.  I love to be able to sleep with all my comforters on my bed as opposed to just a sheet.  This is such a random weather pattern.  it is very hot then it is very chilly and it is so strange how it is constantly changing.  I hear people talking who just walked past me saying it is supposed to go up to about 90 degrees this week.  It is nice to be warm but that is too hot for me.  I looked up the weather for the rest of the week when i got back and saw that in fact it is supposed to become very hot this week.  But i am very glad that it is not predicted to rain.  That would not be fun for it to be extremely hot and raining.  As i walk past these little shops i notice people running, biking, walking, conversing.  It is nice to see so many people appreciating the weather today and i am sure they will be out all week while it is nice.  There are definitely more people out today than there were the days that it was cold.  

http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/KSLE/2008/9/27/DailyHistory.html?req_city=Salem&req_state=OR&req_statename=Oregon

Fake Grass


Leo Castillo
9/28/08
Fake Grass
5:00pm-5:30pm
Temperature: 82*
I was hanging out with my two buddies’ in their dorm when I notice that they had fake grass in their table. This grass is made out of plastic sheets that run straight up. Unlike real grass this grass never dies. There is no need to water it either; my buddies just have it for looks and so those in the library. Last time I went to game plan they had many fake plants throughout the library and real ones also. Another thing about this fake grass is that it’s shaped like a v. It starts out light green and ends with a dark green on the ends. The bottom is a little rock that makes it look like a chuck grass.
Observer: Eloise Bacher
Date: 28 September, 2008
Time: 1710- 1725
Place: The fountain at Kaneko between the pool and the train tracks.
Weather: Very warm, a little breeze, no clouds.

It's hot here, even in this shady corner with some water nearby. I can hear a crow calling a ways away, and cars going by on the freeway. The ground on the other side of the sidewalk has pine needles covering it, and a few leaves from the trees. The leaves haven't turned color quite yet, at least not as a whole. And while there are fallen leaves around, like on the skybridge, the majority of the leaves are still on the trees. There's a light breeze that feels like it's coming from the east, and it smells dry, but also makes the air feel cooler. Does this mean that the days are going to get warmer? I think I remember reading something that said it's going to be 90 degrees on Tuesday...makes me think that the seasons have just gotten pushed forward a month or two, and that our summer is going to last until October, and that winter will then be extended, and so on. It might be cloudy tomorrow morning though...I see pink and yellowish clouds around, varying the blue sky.

Leo Castillo
9/26/08
Structure in front of the Capital.
4:00pm-4:30pm
Temperature: 75*
I ride over to the capital to make some observations of that splash looking structure. I ride over and find a spot to make from which I can see what it is. Sitting in a bench from an angle o the southwest point of view. This bluish looking splash is divided into four parts that are giant pieces with sharp edges and going off in the direction to the capital building. Also a pool with out water leys beneath these giant four pieces. While I was doing this observation two things happened. One two little kids went into the pool that and disappeared in the giant shaped splash and came out the other side. Second a mom that apparently doses not know how to throw a football hits me and nocks my concentration of the giant splash. Back to my observation, I notice that this structure has been in this spot for a long period of time and the color has faded. It might have been brown or bleach sky blue now a mixture of both colors.
Leo Castillo
9/25/08
From Doney to Minto Island Park.
3:00pm-3:50pm
Temperature: 57*
Today’s observation is a different type of observation. I call this a running observation. The way this works is when you go on runs or anything that involves movement, you either encounter something or see a particular object. This running adventure will encounter and see things from campus to a public park called Minto Brown Island Park.
As I get out the door and look up to the sky and see it’s cloudy and it might rain. On my way to Minto I have to cross a road that is busy most of the time. Haven’t notice and changes yet, next I cross train tracks that lead into the park. As I enter this trail I look down and there is a garden snake that is just lying there. I believe that it is getting its tan on, just the right spot for it to sock up the sun. Another change I notice on this run is the cornfield that has been run down, no longer there. What once was as tall as me is now up to my ankles. On my way beck to Doney it not only started to rain, it was pouring and by the time I was in my dorm, I was socked in wet clothing.

Leo Castillo
9/23/08
Eastside of Eaton Hall
1:00pm-1:30pm
Temperature: 60*
It’s starting to get cold out side as a chill runs through my arms. I will ride over to a bench that is on the eastside of Eaton and write what I see and hear it goes. This brown bench is underneath these trees, two on the back and one in the front. All trees are the same type of tree and that type is unknown to me. The trunk is a smooth skin feel that runs up to a point and then spreads out in many different directions. The shape of the top of this tree is a mix between a vase shape and board, when looking underneath. Another unique thing about this tree, when you sitting on the bench and look up you will notice that it’s branches will cover the top. It’s somewhat of a shade with no walls. The leaf’s of this tree have a smooth top and rough underneath. Another thing about this spot is that the outside is triangle along the outside. I also happen to notice that this bench is looked to cement that is underneath. The noise of construction sends waves throughout this are is banging behind me.

Leo Castillo
9/22/08
Northeast Side of Mark O. Hatfield Library.
2:00pm-2:30pm
Temperature: 65 *
Riding over to the Mark O. Hatfield Library, in this semi sunny day. I spotted one of those famous “white chairs.” I never had the chance to site in one of these till now. From far the chair appears to be made out of wood, but when I got closer it’s made plastic. Although they made it look as if it wear plastic cause of the faded whit on the chair. It’s started to get hotter the sun is hitting my face and wearing a black tee is not helping at all. I have to squint and can’t really see what’s in front of me so we are going to start from the surroundings. Underneath my the chair there id light colored bark dust, this dust is spread throughout he side of the mill stream. This gives the trees and plants a unique look; they stand out by them self. These plants and trees are in a four feet distance from each other. On my right side of the chair there is a couple of vine maple shrubs. The color of these shrubs are no longer green the have transformed brown/yellow and are telling me that fall is in season. While sitting on this chair I look over to the mill stream and can’t help notice that it appeared to be a lot deeper. Also there is a little black ant that keeps crawling up my right leg.

Home

Observer: Eloise Bacher
Date: 27 September, 2008
Time: 1700-1719
Place: To the west of my house (in Portland).
Weather: No clouds, about 60 degrees F, beginnings of wind.

For some reason I feel more aware of the animals and the weather around here, maybe because in Salem everything is a little bit off; there are Gray Squirrels, not Chickarees, and Scrub Jays instead of Stellar's Jays. The air is loud here with the sounds of birds and faraway chainsaws, and some music from the tavern, instead of sirens and the train and squirrel alarms that I've been slowly getting used to. There's a very different feel to urban wildlife, and it's interesting to explore how they react to humans as opposed to wild animals reacting to humans. And I'm getting to interact with animals I wouldn't normally. Raccoons, actually, are the only constant, and also the only ones I wouldn't really want to see in the middle of the night. But I'm getting to know squirrels, and paying more attention to ants (although I should be watching more...) and water avians. It doesn't seem like they should be that different, but I guess fifty miles is a long way when it comes to nature?

The Mill Stream at Night

Observer: Eloise Bacher
Date: 26 September, 2008
Time: 2132- 2147
Place: Botanical Garden, by the Mill Stream.
Weather: Cold, after dark, damp.

I can't see the water of the Mill Stream it's so dark, but I can hear it, and it sounds about ten times louder than it does when it's light out. Maybe my ears are compensating for the fact that I can't see very well right now. It feels much later than it really is, like it's really the middle of the night, instead of 9:40ish, when the sun would be setting in the summer. That's another odd thing about this weather: the sun is setting at the normal time, but it's still sunny and warm like summer.

Raccoon Tracks




Observer: Eloise Bacher


Date: 25 September, 2008


Time: 1520- 1540


Place: Botanical Garden, near the back.


Weather: Sunny, but chilly in the shade.




There are raccoon tracks in the mud near the back of the Botanical Garden. Irregular gait, looks like two fore prints next to each other in the clearest set. The others are more difficult, just a few toes and a hint of a heel pad. They look fairly recent, possibly this morning. The mud has cracked a little bit, but is still quite soft, and the edges of the tracks are slightly worn down, but nothing major. There is also a domestic dog track right next to the main set. Was it here before or after the raccoon?

Getting Yelled at by a Squirrel


Observer: Eloise Bacher

Date: 25 September, 2008

Time: 1215- 1230

Place: Outside the library, parking lot side.

Weather: Some wind, a few clouds.


I heard something chattering in one of the large trees on the south side of the library. It sounded like it should be a bird, but wasn't. As I got closer I saw it was a squirrel screaming at something. It was making this "chuck"ing noise, both raspy and high pitched. Every time it uttered one of these noises its tail flicked at the same time. As I got closer it began alternating the original noise with a more curious-sounding one, like s/he was asking a question. I tried to talk back, but human throats are not made to make squirrel noises. As I moved around the tree, s/he followed me, leaping to different branches and peering down. S/he seemed both curious and wary, and probably a little confused about my attempts to speak hir language. Eventually s/he scampered onto the roof of the library, went to another tree closer to the chicken fountain, and started laughing at me.

Collin's Observations Week 3

C.Jones
22 September 2008
Shepard Hall
1514

It is a cold and slightly overcast afternoon. Brown leaves litter the ground everywhere. Fall is certainly here. The leaves and sticks to my left look cool laid out on the ground. The sticks cover the base of a mossy trunk who's green leaves have not yet fallen., despite more brown ones falling as I write this. Moss and dirt have fallen in the crevices of the concrete. I hear the sharp call of a nearby bird, followed by some chirps. Now I hear it again to my left and then once more to my right. I think they are communicating.

C.Jones
23 September 2008
The Quad
1419

The sun is beating down and warming the empty space of grass that is the quad. I see a row of still trees in the distance that defy the cold wind blowing on my skin. As people walk by, I notice the sun casting long shadows behind them. The far side of the quad is raised slightly, making the Quad almost a sort of pit. There is one small yellow tree that looks out of place with the green giants looming behind it. That small yellow tree seems to be the only representative of Fall here on the Quad. I just saw two dragonflies float past me and then seperate, vanishing into the sunlight.

www.utexas.edu/.../dragonflies_slide1.jpg

C.Jones
24 September 2008
Shepard Hall
1532

It is overcast and chilly outside, and a slight drizzle is growing into rain. The call of nearby crows pierce the almost misty air around me. the rain makes everything look green as it begins in earnest. Leaves scatter the ground and a nearby bird chirps again. Bushes around me form an enclave and I imagine they provide a home for various insects. There is a wall of mist comming don and shrouding the ground, providing a unique view of the far trees now veiled in the mist. It continues to rain now. Wind shakes the leaves around me as the rain really begins.

www.freefoto.com/.../05/16_05_76---Rain_web.jpg

C.Jones
28 September 2008
Shepard Hall
1412

It is relatively warm outside, shadows are dancing and wind is rustling the trees. Leaves scattered over the ground indicates that fall is here. Looking around at the trees, however, they are still green and full of leaves, although the ground has gray patches of grass in it. The dull tone in the landscape helps to emphasize the features on the trees. They are numerous and full in the distance. I notice ferns growing along the bases of the trees, with some brown intertwined with the green, creating an interesting contrast in color. This plant also seems to signal Fall.

C.Jones
28 September 2008
Millstream
1546

It is hot outside as I observe a bee flying around in the grass. The water seems to bl flowing at a steady pace, and it sparkles in the sunlight. The trees are casting long shadows on the grass and their leaves don't seem to be falling. I notice a variety of bugs zooming around the broad base of a tree. They seem to be avoiding the heat of the day. The rocks in the stream act like moderators for the current, soaking up the sun's rays as they direct the current. It seems as if summer still remains at this point of the stream.

static.photo.net/.../00F/00FKjw-28308784.jpg

Sparkles: 27 September 2008


Rose Dickson

27 September 2008

1436 – 1500 hours

White garden chair facing the Bistro, next to the mill stream on Willamette University campus, Salem, OR, USA

75 degrees, clear skies

            My eyes are drawn to the flash of sparkles from the mill steam on this beautiful autumn day.  The clear waters expose the jagged rocks beneath, causing the stream to look deceptively shallow. There is no stability of movement in the stream, no pools of water, no end point. The waters move past me at a constant pace, letting only the random sparkling reflections draw my attention.  Are the sparkles really where I see them, or are they there because of where I am? I get up and move to the other side of the stream. Sure enough, they are only an illusion depending on where the viewer is placed. The sun is creating reflections that draw my eye in. I am curious how the river travels throughout Salem. I think I will follow the river for my next observation. 

Peanuts: 26 September 2008

Rose Dickson

26 September 2008

1250 – 1330 hours

Park north west of Oregon capitol building, Salem, OR, USA

60 degrees, clear skies

            Walking around the park I carry with me a handful of peanuts. This park seems to be overflowing with squirrels, I wonder how they will react to this special treat? As I throw the peanuts to the squirrels, I notice how unaware they are of the food I am attempting to give them. Do they have no sense of smell? I make notice that I have to throw the peanuts within a 5-inch radius of the squirrel’s vision for it to even make an attempt to grab them. Obviously these squirrels aren’t starving. One squirrel I pay particular attention to, is very creepy looking and seems sickly. His tail is smaller and skinnier than the other squirrels and it looks as if he may have been broken it at some point. Dave, my colloquium professor, tells me that it may be really hard for this little guy to survive the winter. I suddenly feel sorry for this poor squirrel and try to throw all my peanuts to him. As I throw them, I notice that he is not eating them. Instead, he is biting off the shell and then burying them in the ground for a later day, when he might not have such an abundance of food. It is strange to me at the randomness which squirrels hide their food. Not all in the same place, but scattered underneath multiple trees. I wonder if he will ever find these peanuts again? Or if he doesn’t, who will? 

Of Clouds and Butterflies


H.R. Waller
Date: 28 September, 2008
Time: 1400
Location: Laying in the meadow of Bush Park
Weather: Sunny, 70 degrees
As I was laying in the dewy green grass in the middle of a vast expanse of meadow in the middle of the city, neighborhoods and communities on all sides of me, I looked up at the few puffy, white clouds. Just as I was making the one directly above me appear as a puppy, something else above caught my eye. A beautiful butterfly drifted gracefully overhead and landed on the picnic table nearby. I rose slowly to my feet, and walked over to examine this creature more closely. Its wings were a pretty yellow like a banana that had been lightened. The edges of its wings were black and there were black stripes running rom the middle of its body, which was also black, to the edges of the wings. Also, at the very tips of the wings, there were little dashes of yellow on top of the black. This butterfly has such an intricate design. Upon consulting my Audubon Field guide, I concluded that it was perhaps a Western Tiger Swallowtail, which are said to live in parks, backyards, and streamsides, so it would make sense that one could see this specimen here.
Photo courtesy of Google Images.

September 28

Phil Colburn
28 September 2008
Weather: Sunny
Time: 900-920 hours
Location: Next to the bridge near the Hatfield Library.

As I sit on a small grate next to the bridge, I notice a medium sized mushroom growing next to me. It has a brown top and a white stalk and gills. I haven’t seen any of these mushrooms anywhere else on campus so I was a bit confused as to why it was there- there didn’t seem to be anything special about that particular spot that would be especially conducive to growing mushrooms. There were also some medium sized bushes growing near me. They had large purple blooms and they also had very thick and shiny leaves.

September 27

Phil Colburn
27 September 2008
Location : by the Millstream on the grassy hill leading down to it near the Hatfield Library
Weather: Clear
Time: 1200-1230 hours

As I sit near the stream, I notice that the weeds in the stream are much less widespread. They seem to be stringier and less leafy, but otherwise they are the same. I also notice a small box of flowers across the stream. These flowers are really interesting and I have never seen them before. They are small red blossoms. However, they do not have the traditional shape of flowers. They are shaped into a long, thin cup that points downward, instead of a large bloom that points upward. I have never seen a flower shaped this way before, which is why I took specific note of it.