Arizona Desert:Thunderbird Conservation Park,Hedgpeth Hills, Trails H-5, H-4,

and H-1Respectfully Submitted By:

Amy Wildermuth

BIOS 275

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

H-4

• Me on the H-4 Trail• Using a “Camelback”

to stay hydrated• Hat to blend in with

surroundings• Ready to spot some

wildlife and new plants!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcOH4xZhbmg

Please click the following link or copy and paste it into your web browser to view 5 different animal species found in Thunderbird Park as well as one incredible sneeze by me:

H-4 Wildlife Observation

Animal Species in Video

• Falcon

• Hawk

• Dove

• Desert Ground Squirrel

• Gambels Quail

H-4 Snakes!

• Snake Holes• Sonoran Desert Snake

Inhabitants: Kingsnakes, Rattlesnakes, non-venomous snakes

• These holes most likely belonged to non-venomous snakes

Insect!

• This insect was found along the H-4 trail

• The insect was about as large as my index finger from the second knuckle to the tip

• Not the most attractive fellow.

Insectomonium

• Another view of the poor fellow

Creosote Bush

Apricot Mallow

Arizona Lupine

Chia

Rabbitbrush

Sand Verbena

Desert Shrub

Saguaro Cactus

H-5 and H-1 Entrance

Me at H-5 and H-1 Entrance

Saguaro Cactus

Flowers of the Creosote Bush

Apricot Mallow Flowers

Desert Broom

Two Distinct Types of Desert Moss

Desert Tree, Habitat of various songbirds observed on the trail

Desert Ground Squirrel HabitatH-5

Failed Attempt to Capture Gecko on Film

Woodpecker Site

Desert Plant

Cactus Wren

Desert Ground Squirrel Habitat, H-1

H-1 Sand Verbena

H-1 Habitat

Snake Holes! H-1

Red Beetle, H-1

Hawk Soars Away

Interesting Species!

Location of Desert Hummingbird on H-5

Attempt at capturing elusive Desert Hummingbird

Beautiful Desert Paintbrush

Rabbit Sighting

Brittle Bush

Cactus Wren Spotting

Brittle Bush H-5

In Conclusion• This project was an incredible experience

that both heightened my awareness for my natural surroundings, but also implored me with the importance of conserving the habitat of so many beautiful plants and animals

• Although my camera died during the last leg of my journey, I was still able to witness incredible diversity within a desert community that I will forever remember.

In Conclusion

• From this experience, I gained knowledge of plants and animals, and pushed myself to look beyond normal appreciation and seek out the subtle beauty of the desert.

• I am so thankful for this project for I now have a new hobby that I wish to continue no matter what environment I am in: Wildlife Observation and Conservation.

• I can not wait to begin my activism for the preservation of natural habitats for plants and animals and I am SO thankful for this project at it has been my catalyst to growth and change for my perspective on the future of this world. Thank you so much for the experience!

Cute Desert Ground Squirrel, H-5

Failed Attempt at Walking Insect on Brittle Bush

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s a Horse on the Trail!

Desert Grasshopper- What Camouflage!!!

H-5 Camera Death,Trail Sightings

* Desert ground squirrel

* Chipmunk

* Cottontail rabbit

* Jackrabbit

* Mice

H-5 Camera Death, Wildlife Sightings by Water Reservoir

• Cactus wren

• Gambels quail

• Dove

• Duck

• Killdeer

• Heron

• Hummingbird <----ADORABLE!

Intermingling of Bushes:Desert Love