The Less Glamorous Side of Wildlife Work

Data Collection

Continuing the pattern from yesterday, the heavens dished out more and more of the wet stuff today, though it did let up a bit in the late afternoon. A full day of data entry was punctuated with the loudest and closest thunderclap of my life (39 years).

Data entry is the “other side” of wildlife work. I originally went into this line of work because of all the time I would be able to spend outside with the creatures that fascinate me. Of course, I don’t get to simply watch the wildlife all day, though would like to. I get paid (on Alcatraz) to collect data. Data are numbers that quantitatively describe the wildlife, that try to objectively describe the wildlife. For birds, the data collected can be quantities of birds, ages, locations, distances, heights, times, etc., and may be continuous or discontinuous. Data are generally collected and organized on paper forms. Data collection is the fun part of wildlife and natural resources work.

On days or during seasons when the animals are absent or when the weather prevents data collection because of protocol requirements, biologists have time to do something with the completed data sheets. Generally the data needs first to be entered into spreadsheets or databases. The next step would be analysis of the entered data.

Yesterday and today were days for data entry. Karina generally places a pile of data sheets next to the laptop on the little table she has been using for this purpose, and it is understood that as time permits, I will attack them with as much enthusiasm as I can!

The day was punctuated only by that very close lightning bolt and a simultaneous (as far as my ears could tell) thunderclap. It seemed to come from directly behind the lodge, and made everyone a little bit nervous.

Oh, and the day was also made interesting because of several talks with Jerome. I only half-jokingly told him I needed a guy like him for a partner. I really enjoy spending time with him, and it's too bad I can't bring him back to the Bay Area with me!