There have been so many awesome species observations this fall. Check out these observations. Tell us what makes a good observation or even a great observation!
These made our top observations list. What characteristics do you see that make them great data?
Lonicera morrowii FOUND
Carcinus maenas FOUND
Rosa rugosa FOUND
Hemigrapsus sanguineus NOT FOUND
Celastrus orbiculatus FOUND
We can see room for improvement on these ones. Can you? How could they be improved?
Adelges tsugae NOT FOUND
Hemigrapsus sanguineus FOUND
Membranipora FOUND
Berberis thunbergii FOUND
Rosa multiflora FOUND
Share you thoughts on what makes a great species observation in the comments section below!
Comments
great evidence features
evidence should include good details in photos, with a means of measuring the species, specific characteristics are shown, the comment or photo of the habitat in which the sample is found is included. Specific location and date included.
Good Background Information
It is important to have good background information on the species you are looking for.
Knowing the environment you normally find the species located.
Resources that species needs to survive.
Niche where species is typically found.
Predators of species
Sharing Data: Specific locations to where it was found and properly cited: GPS Latitude and longitude
Methods: So people can replicate what was done.
Photo Evidence of research site and any findings.
Habitat Observations: Examples pH, temperature, Oxidation
Having data peer reviewed prior to publishing.
crab identification
There are good details and documentation on the habitat conditions, including sunlight and tide. Transects were a good methodical way to survey for the crabs. Very good detail on the key features that identify Asian shore crab, as it's important to eliminate possibilities.
Other account on finding the species was lacking in several aspects; the photos were blurry and not useful. There was very little information on field conditions, or how the survey was conducted. All in all a very questionable account.
Comments on the good observations! And the not so good...
The quality of the photographs can really make or break an observation. The photographs should support your specific, written evidence. Describing the habitat and taking time in your observations can also help. "It's okay to slow down..." -LoveDove
What we think makes a good observation...
Some of the best observations included very complete field notes, which added a lot to the understanding of the habitat/situation observed. The more specific these are, the easier it is to understand why a species was or was not found. Clear, focused pictures are really important - those that were zoomed in to focus on specific parts of the plant were very helpful because they gave clear vision to see what exactly was being used as evidence. Also, the comments of supporting evidence for the pictures are best when they are specific, not just general. It is also best to have different comments or observations to go with each picture - it adds more to the understanding of the discovery (or lack thereof) of a species.