During my first three weeks at Stiles Farm, I divided much of my time between exploring the property and preparing sites for dove trapping and banding. I navigated to each pasture and field to familiarize myself with the overall layout of the farm, including usage per section, access points, and routes from Point A to Point B, while also noting the plant communities and observable wildlife species present. During my investigations, I also visited dove bait sites previously prepared by my predecessor to continue monitoring and baiting tasks as well as assessed and prepared new sites that seemed ideal for potential dove activity. Throughout this time, I was shown how to safely use a variety of equipment and vehicles, as well as the required maintenance for each, and received training on handling chemicals properly as a first step in learning how to control mesquite.
This description of my initial tasks seems simple enough on paper, but the depth of knowledge I have gained in just three weeks, between the lessons and mentorship offered by my supervisor, Dr. John Tomećek, and the information imparted by the employees of the farm and the interns, the documentation and other resources provided by the previous wildlife biologist, AnMarie, and my own discoveries, has enhanced my anticipation of what this year-long adventure has in store for me. It has been a whirlwind of wonderful new experiences and skill building so far, and I look forward to continuing into this next week and beyond.
Dani Miller Wildlife Biologist
