How to be a (Field) Biologist: Lesson One

There is exactly one prevailing Rule. You're appearance does not matter. Any vanity you have must be put aside. Because you will look absolutely ridiculous.
There are other guidelines, like having sufficient food and water, appropriate gear, means by which to communicate etc etc. And while I'd like to think the Rule doesn't phase me much... ahhh well we're all a little vain right?
Sure its 80 degrees and you're covered head to toe; long sleeves (with crap stuffed in the chest pockets, exaggerating your boobs by at least one misshapen cup size), jeans, rubber boots, and hat. Carrying binoculars, meter tape and a net. Or a quadrant made of PVC pipes that keep falling apart, a clicker, itty bitty tape measure, clipboard and camera. What's not to love?
This is just demonstrating work preparedness and using appropriate gear for your habitat.
And that's your lesson. You look silly!
You may not know this, but the oak prairie is home to one delightful plant in particular. Poison oak. Yum!

This plant loves this environment. Toxicodendron diversilobum. In case the common name wasn't specific enough, the latin name immediately informs you that not only is it toxic but it also takes different shapes. Neat plant huh?

In the next couple days I'll find out if I have a reaction to it. Up to 30% of the population is immune, but I doubt I'll be that lucky.
We scrub up with Tecnu before we get in the car every afternoon.Thankfully it is most concentrated under the trees where the plots rarely venture, but its definitely out and about.
Here's a really big crane fly to make you feel better.

Yesterday in addition to monitoring behavior, we counted eggs. It sounds quite dull, but I assure you its not. At least to me.

 In case you've forgotten... There are sweet lilies around....

  Its the time of year for spit bugs! This is the nymph stage of Froghoppers (like leafhoppers) and the 'spit' encasing them is to provide protection against desiccation. They sap the juices of plants for a living...

Hatched egg! It was the only one I found. This is what egg counting looks like...
In the photo below there are three eggs all shoved into one spot. Was it one female or did a couple different individuals decide it was a stellar spot?

 Oh hey what's this? A lily? Why isn't it lovely?

 Just some weevils enjoying each other. I promise this is the last Calochortus. For today....

Silvery blue butterflies, I think they were both females; the one curling it's abdomen definitely is.

Went out to Ankeny NWR again. The Nootka roses are beginning to bloom.

There are some marvelously fat bumble bees here. Every time it landed the flowers swayed and drooped under it's weight.

 Then there was a phoebe to watch. It was in its element.

That's what all I've got. Have a delightful weekend...