Wildlife

I was so caught up with plants I almost forgot that wildlife exists. I don't know why I prefer plants over animals but I do care about the well-being of both. I think it's nice that we have found a way to live with all the resident wildlife on campus. Then again, the diversity isn't exactly great from what I've seen. I bet the urban life deoesn't suit many species but others, like squirrels, are adaptable and thrive. 

Dickson's resident skunk

Caution! chipmunk

The animals here are so used to people's presence that half the time they act as if you don't exist. The other day I was wandering along the lake when I realized that I had stepped over a goose nest. Completely unguarded, with no goose in sight. It it were DC, I would've gotten pecked to death long ago. The geese here in a way are nice they let you pass instead of the other way around. I wonder how that happened.

Heron and a Canadian Goose

Goose nest

The wildlife is more than just for viewing pleasure. They are a part of the ecosystem. Squirrels and chipmunks hoard away seeds underground, which then sprout regenerating forests. However annoying it is to have hundreds of oak seedling pop up in your flowerbeds, the planting is a valuable ecosystem service to the forests. They also help clean up the ecosystem. Scavengers like vultures clean up carrion, which prevent disease spread. We have a responsibility to allow these cycles to happen to the best of our ability. It's also logical to. Ecosystem services are invaluable to us , yet many times we don't realize it.

Vultures ( I saw them up close but didn't get a photo)