Field Trips
Brief overview of what field trips are like:
Brief overview of what field trips are like:
For those new to the DSA or the dragonfly world, this gives a brief overview of what our field trips may be like.
For those new to the DSA or the dragonfly world, this gives a brief overview of what our field trips may be like.
DSA field trips are rather loosely organized. We typically gather in the motel parking lot (the Sleep Inn in this case) for a 9:00 a.m. departure, or perhaps earlier if we are traveling farther TBD. We then car-pool and caravan to a series of field sites, often splitting into different groups so that not everyone is at the same site at the same time. Others go off on their own and follow their own agenda.
DSA field trips are rather loosely organized. We typically gather in the motel parking lot (the Sleep Inn in this case) for a 9:00 a.m. departure, or perhaps earlier if we are traveling farther TBD. We then car-pool and caravan to a series of field sites, often splitting into different groups so that not everyone is at the same site at the same time. Others go off on their own and follow their own agenda.
Some of us will collect specimens, others just photograph or catch-and-release, most of us carry nets. Many DSA members are experienced naturalists and ID on their own, and many are very happy to help with those less familiar with Odonata. Our focus is not to just lead people to known sites, but also to encourage new records. We will provide county lists as far as they are known, and it is often the case that new state records will be obtained along with many new county and locality records.
Some of us will collect specimens, others just photograph or catch-and-release, most of us carry nets. Many DSA members are experienced naturalists and ID on their own, and many are very happy to help with those less familiar with Odonata. Our focus is not to just lead people to known sites, but also to encourage new records. We will provide county lists as far as they are known, and it is often the case that new state records will be obtained along with many new county and locality records.
Field trips will last all day weather permitting. Bring a lunch. Foot wear should be something you don't mind getting wet and muddy, best to bring a couple of options. People will often wade into creeks, rivers, and marshes. We often spend most of the day knee deep in water!
Field trips will last all day weather permitting. Bring a lunch. Foot wear should be something you don't mind getting wet and muddy, best to bring a couple of options. People will often wade into creeks, rivers, and marshes. We often spend most of the day knee deep in water!
Beginner Trips: At the main meeting (but not during the pre-meeting) on Friday and Sunday, We will be offering special field trips that will cater to those new to dragonflies and damselflies. These trips will go to fewer sites, and spend time carefully observing and identifying all species seen regardless of rarity.
Beginner Trips: At the main meeting (but not during the pre-meeting) on Friday and Sunday, We will be offering special field trips that will cater to those new to dragonflies and damselflies. These trips will go to fewer sites, and spend time carefully observing and identifying all species seen regardless of rarity.
We were all beginners once, and to show someone their first Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera) or Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) is always a pleasure!
We were all beginners once, and to show someone their first Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera) or Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) is always a pleasure!
Click on subpages for more information on specific trips.
Click on subpages for more information on specific trips.
