By surveying different types of birds in different types of habitats, we will be able to determine how agricultural-forest landscapes are supporting bird communities. For example, many birds, like the Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner (a woodpecker-like bird), prefer cloud forest habitat only! They will not venture out into pine plantations or agricultural lands, which means that conservation of this species means protecting existing forest! On the other hand, there are birds that just love everything - like the Black-headed Saltator, who we see in all the habitat types. There are many species that we have not even seen yet because they are very rare, and/or highly endemic (like the Ocellated Quail, or Resplendent Quetzal).
At each point, we are also collecting vegetation data (like tree height, canopy cover, ground composition, etc.) These variables of agroecosystems will help us understand why birds are occupying certain areas, and not others.
Did I mention that these bird surveys are taking place on top of a mountain with Ancient Maya Ruins?? No big deal? It totally is. This place has an incredible history, but it's also important to remember the present. Guatemala still supports a huge Maya population which makes up 60% of its population. Mayans are still living in these mountain ranges, and in small villages and towns nearby.
After a long week of doing surveys each morning, and vegetation surveys in the afternoon, we decided to take a side trip to the beautiful Semuc Champey, where the river runs underneath a huge cave, and creates ocean blue pools above, for swimming! Here are some great pictures of our first week and mini-vacay!
This week we will begin another 2 trails of surveying, and work on catching up on vegetation surveys. Thanks for reading!
~gem