Sometimes, as ecologists, we have a lot of time to ponder in the field. When we are covered in mud, have spider webs in our hair, and bug bites across every square inch of our body – we ponder – what on earth are we doing? I found myself thinking the same thing this week, when I unfortunately got a terrible 6 day fever, caused by some type of tropical virus. As I sat in my dark room without electricity, alone, I wondered how it was that I ended up in a developing country for my Master’s research, and how great it would be if I could take a hot shower, or call my loved ones, or maybe even have some hot tea! These are the thoughts that tend to take over, when the physical demands of field work take over – in other words, when field work wins.
So, this week I was reminded to rest, to reflect, and to get better as fast as possible so I could get back into the field to the mud, the spider webs and bugs! I was reminded why I am here – it’s for the birds! To try to understand how this fragmented landscape, which is so delicate and rare, is supporting its birds, and its people. And – it’s for myself, to complete this step in my education, which will help me on to the next step whatever that may be. Another thing I ponder about a lot in the field (with views like these!)
So, this week I was reminded to rest, to reflect, and to get better as fast as possible so I could get back into the field to the mud, the spider webs and bugs! I was reminded why I am here – it’s for the birds! To try to understand how this fragmented landscape, which is so delicate and rare, is supporting its birds, and its people. And – it’s for myself, to complete this step in my education, which will help me on to the next step whatever that may be. Another thing I ponder about a lot in the field (with views like these!)
Once I started to feel better, I was reminded that in reality, very few people are able to travel to such neat places like this, but when you study birds, you get to travel the world! One of the main reasons I wanted to study birds was to travel, but also because birds really are the ambassadors for conservation! Because they are so bright, loud, abundant, and charismatic, they can connect people with nature, to each other, and allow for ecologists to make really neat conclusions about ecosystem health and function. The cloud forests are ambassadors for rare plant and animal life, some of the most threatened living organisms around (like this little tree frog, who lives in the garden).
So, this week was challenging, but it’s nice to finally feel better, get back on track, and remember why we are here.