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August 18, 2004 BugPeople BugByte News by Eddie Dunbar |
Despite the cold winter there still was an abundance of insects in many places. Spring and summer 2004 have been good for insect collecting and photography.
New Equipment
I have stopped using points and am now putting smaller specimens onto minuten pins. Though they are harder to handle, the minutes eliminate the need to carry glue and the point punch. Also, I can photograph the insect much more easily. I think they look better on the minuten pins.
The reason there has been an increase in smaller specimens is that I have rediscovered the joy of the aspirator. Many smaller insects have been added with it.
New Insect Photography Territory
Presently, the ECI survey has 42 represented sites. Insect photography territory added this year includes new areas of the East Bay Regional Parks' (i.e., the Brandon Trail of Anthony Chabot Campground area, Oakland; and the immediate Anthony Chabot Campground.
Oakland school sites that were added include Emerson and Lafayette elementary schools and Far West K-12). Both photos and specimens from the school sites were added.
Legacy Collection & Photography Territory
For the third year, the Lawrence Hall of Science successfully recruited me to run the Terrestrial and Aquatic Insect courses and surveys. This happens at Sagehen Creek Research Station in Nevada Co. Sagehen is a University of California research station. Field Images from the collection will be added to the existing images later.
Wente Scout Reservation, Mendocino Co., also got due attention. A week was spent at Scout summer camp teaching Insect Study merit badge and adding many new specimens and photos. My first published book, "Insects of Wente Scout Reservation, Mendocino Co., CA" was circulated. I was surprised to learn that the Nature Director was familiar with the booklet. Some photography and collecting also occurred at Rancho Los Mochos Boy Scout Camp, Livermore, CA.
The Home Front also saw increased collection and survey of the front yard, and especially of the fennel plan that the neighbors loves to hate!
Eddie Dunbar ()
