My senior project: The cover preference in Plethodon cinereusI

Redback-Salamander: I just presented at NEFWA for my Capstone project: The microhabitat cover preference of the Plethodon cinereus. Here is a picture I took and later played around to get this outcome. So I won't lie, I was sooooo nervous. And tomorrow I give the same one to my Capstone class, only this time, it's graded. **crossing fingers** It felt so good to stand among all these grad students, the only undergrad presenting. I really like these students.

Plethodon cinereus

Pictures of P. cinereus (redback salamander)

Found in March 2012- Monongalia county, WV.

It's been a long time old friend.

I need to continue this little adventure. :OD

Eastern Towhee

Eastern Towhee
Originally uploaded by nickdawg76

A spunky little bird!

Opekiska Survey

GEDC1320
Originally uploaded by nickdawg76

Now I'm having better luck.

Been a while, semester is kicking my ... flesh.

Since last we spoke, I have been to a Lock and Dam survey. There were several agencies there: WVDNR, EPA, Army Corps Engineering, WVDEP... and us, WVU wildlife students. I have participated in the capture, tagging, and release of small mammals. As well as did some bird bandings, all in the same day! Used pyrotechniques and a netgun. Watched a raccoon be drugged and blood taken for rabies surveys. The worst? A coyote necropsy. Those things sat in black trash bags inside large freezer/fridge things. I nearly up chucked.

Guess what?  It's that time of year again!! Buckwheat Festival of Preston County:
http://www.buckwheatfest.com/

Have you ever had buckwheat cakes? Well, some people love them! ME? No. What I do love is the smell of a carnival; fiddle cakes, caremel apples, and yes, even the livestock. So if you get a moment, check out the schedule. They have parades and different shows. ENJOY!