Summer Days

Summer is officially here and in full swing. I have been incredibly busy trying to manage my summer research internship, two online classes, job searching, and a semi-long distance relationship with Michael (although, that barely takes any work considering we were made for each other). Additionally, my Mom finally got another job in Pennsylvania, so I will be helping her and David move back down to Doylestown over the next few weeks.

I have to say, being extremely busy in the summer isn't all that ideal - I prefer those lazy summer days - but I am trying to make the best of it. Working as a Field Research Technician for the Saltmarsh Habitat and Avian Research Program (S.H.A.R.P.) has been really great so far... except for the fact that they don't pay me or reimburse me for gas! But I guess that's just the usual protocol for undergraduate interns. Hey, at least I'm getting 8 credits that I can put towards graduating this August. Anyway, I pretty much wake up every morning around 3-5, depending on what time I'm meeting the other Field Technician, Ellie, and then we head off to our designated points. Ellie and I cover most of Southwestern CT, all the way from Norwalk to Guilford. Once we've found a site using a handheld GPS, we observe the area for 5 minutes, and then we play a 7 minute mp3 recording of different calls from each target species. All the while marking down any species or observations that we see. In our area, we are mostly looking for Clapper Rails, King Rails, Virginia Rails, Black Rails, Soras, Black Ducks, Saltmarsh Sparrows, and Seaside Sparrows. Ellie and I do see/hear the Clapper Rail, Saltmarsh Sparrow, and Seaside Sparrow every so often, but that's really about it. I guess I have been doing a good job so far, because Ellie actually told me today that I might soon be getting a call from her supervisor to do some survey points on my own. You can read more about S.H.A.R.P. here on their official website: http://www.tidalmarshbirds.net/.

Red-winged Blackbird Nest

As for the job search.... I think Michael and I are definitely having a harder time finding a job then we ever thought was possible. When people used to tell me that the wildlife/ecology/NRE field was competitive, they sure weren't kidding. Michael had an interview that went pretty well for a Forestry Supervisor position out in Washington, but he didn't get the job in the end. Me on the other hand, I haven't even landed one interview! I just keep getting rejection letter after rejection letter. I am a little confused, because I actually have a pretty good resume. My guess is that the supervisors out West think that a little girl from CT won't be able to identify any flora or fauna on their side of the country. I guess in a way, they're probably right... but I want to learn!! Oh well, I guess we'll just have to keep on looking. I'll probably start trying to look a little closer to the Northeast for now.

Oh, I started working on some art again! I think once Michael and I get jobs, move, and settle in to our new home together I will have a lot more time to dedicate to my creative side. I have also been increasingly interested in learning how to make homemade soaps. At least that is something I can to look forward to. 

A collage using a few old magazines I found.