Field Study Visit #5

Date: November 8, 2026
Time: 4:25pm-4:40pm

Weather: Clear skies with sun and a strong, cool breeze

Temperature: 55º

Length of Day: 10 hours and 44 minutes

My same spot picture: 

Organisms Observed: I finally saw a bird for the first time! I couldn't tell you which one it was, but I was excited to actually see one. I also observed bugs/insects flying around and I heard a woodpecker in the trees. There were less bug sounds in the environment, which reminded me that winter is coming. 

Changes I noticed since last time: One big change was the fact that I can see across the river now. Enough leaves have fallen off the trees allowing me to see easier through the dense forrest. I also noticed that lots of leaves have fallen off of the trees and into the water, forming piles. 

I was very curious about why they were getting stuck there, and I've come to the conclusion that this is because of physical obstacles, most likely rocks, or tree branches. 

Finally, I checked in with my mushroom friend and it was almost gone. It had shrunk to a very small size, and was a lighter brown color. I think this fungi was a mutualistic fungi and it helped the tree absorb water and nutrients from the ground, and in return the tree gave this mushroom sugar to continue to grow. Now that it is colder, the tree is not relying on the mushroom as much, leaving it to die.

Conclusion: Watching this place change over time has been very cool, and a lot more interesting than I thought. Nature is extremely fascinating and I've never spent the time to truly appreciate till now.