All posts by Briana Bergstrom

Night Flight Calls of Birds – An Introduction

Night Flight Calls

This semester, our team will be studying the night flight calls of birds as observed across the UVA campus. Despite their great intrigue and potentially impactful meaning, night flight calls are a topic yet to be well understood even by experts in the field. As a result, some background is necessary before delving into research.

Bird night flight calls (NFCs) are not the bird song or chirping that to which we are accustomed; not mellifluous like normal, these calls are instead usually short, low buzzes or whispers, lasting a maximum of just half a second. Though their short, monotonous nature may suggest otherwise, night flight calls are a complex language – each species features its own unique method of calling, be that in tone, length, or pattern of calls. Most often heard during migrations (hence their occurrences at night), it is speculated that these calls, at a fundamental level, are bird communication, helping birds remain in flock, keep formation, and warn others of potential collision or danger. Current professional research in the subject seeks to analyze NFCs to understand how birds navigate through cities, the way in which various bird species respond to the stress of urban areas (primarily, whether birds stop or not), and what measures can be taken to make cities more bird-friendly.

Our primary research goal will be analyzing the frequency and abundance of NFCs heard around UVA grounds. Albemarle County is on the migratory flight path of a number of bird species, and UVA has been cited as a prime spot to observe bird migration; the Monticello Bird Club has documented almost 24 different species of warblers that migrate over the O’Hill area, as well as various species of tanagers, orioles, and other forest birds. Moreover, birds over grounds are most active during spring migration (April 15 to May 15), which coincides nicely with our time of research. A brief analysis of migratory time tables of birds in Charlottesville cross referenced with a list of species found at UVA shows that our analysis will certainly take place within time range of Palm Warbler migration, and potentially within the time range of Bay-Breasted, Blackburnian, and Cerulean Warbler migrations. As a result, we should not only be able to observe great diversity in the NFCs heard, but more importantly hear enough NFCs to draw conclusions about NFC frequency and abundance.

Post by Aaron Weinstock

General background information from: “Nocturnal Migrant Flight Call Research,” by the Bioacoustics Research Lab at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, found at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/brp/research/nocturnal-migrant-flight-call-research; “Listening to Migratory Birds at Night May Help Ensure Their Safety” by T. Edward Hickens, from the National Audubon Society’s “Audubon Magazine” Sept-Oct 2013 issue, found at http://www.audubon.org/magazine/september-october-2013/listening-migrating-birds-night-may

UVA and Charlottesville information from: “Observatory Mountain” by Dave Hogg, from Ken Klotz’s “A Birder’s Guide to Charlottesville, Virginia, and Vicinity” published by the Monticello Bird Club, found at https://www.monticellobirdclub.org; “Virginia Spring Migration,” from the “Spring and Fall Migration Table,” found at http://www.birdnature.com/spvi.html

Microorganisms: Investigating Alderman

Micro-Organisms of Interior Spaces

Microorganisms are living species that are microscopic to the naked eye. They are so small that millions of them can fit onto the head of a needle (MicrobeWorld). They are the earliest form of life on Earth, ranging from Bacteria, Archaea, Fungi, Protists, and Viruses. So where exactly are they found? The answer is everywhere. On surfaces, our hands, our food, even the air we breathe.

Thousands of students touch the same surfaces every day: door handles, computer keyboards, bathroom faucets. The simplest means of microorganism transmission is indeed our hands. Within a 30 minute time frame from 7:30-8:00pm, 18 women pushed the same door handle to the fourth floor restroom in Alderman library. In that same period of time, 31 students pressed the same elevator key to lower levels, and 76 students pushed the same spring bar on the main entrance door. We carry thousands of microorganisms on our hands and the more surfaces we touch, the more we contract and the more we leave behind (Middle School Math and Science). On average, 150 species of bacteria coexist on our hands, so imagine the number of them just present on door handles and surfaces in this library.

Now, are all of them harmful? Not at all. Microorganisms help protect our body from harmful bacteria and pathogens, produce some vitamins, aid in digestion, and can be beneficial to other organisms. Microorganisms in interior spaces can be transported indoors from the outside environment, come from human skin cells, or can develop due to moisture. Near the main entrance in Alderman library, there is increased humidity from the doors constantly opening and closing, which fosters microbial growth. The carpet also provides an area for microorganisms to accumulate from foot traffic, drink and food spills, and bodily fluid deposition (coughing and sneezing) (Leonas). Microorganisms also collect on dust particles, which can be transported by humans or remain airborne. They need water to survive, and dust particles are an excellent source of it.

Ways to manage microbial growth? Cleaning and washing your hands. Although some microorganisms are harmless, others have the ability to transmit viruses. And the presence of them is positively correlated with the number of occupants in a public space. Since microorganisms need water to survive, indoor areas that are regularly exposed to moisture should be cleaned often, such as the restrooms.

Microorganisms are responsible for recycling waste and producing energy sources such as carbon and nitrogen. These energy sources are required for other organisms to survive, including both plants and animals. Although inside, microorganisms in interior spaces, like Alderman library, still contribute to the biodiversity of the environment as a whole.

Post by Brooke Adams

References:

Leonas, Karen. “Microorganisms in Carpet.” (2003): n. pag. Web.

“MicrobeWorld.” What Is a Microbe? American Society for Microbiology, 2014. Web. 31 Mar. 2015.

“Middle School Math and Science.” Middle School Math and Science. Ohio State University, n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2015.

Darden Courtyard

Nature Observations/Views

The Engineering School is one of the most under-appreciated spots around grounds. Seeing as most students do not have classes in or around Thornton Hall, many do not realize how full of nature and gorgeous it really is. In the late spring, the Engineering Way is covered with flowers and gardens that are in fact part of the stormwater collection system. However, slightly off the main way, in the middle of Thornton Hall, there is a gorgeous courtyard called the Darden Courtyard.

In the winter months, the courtyard is left mainly untouched, except to house some of the career fairs or exhibitions in early winter. However, when the weather begins to warm, the courtyard is once again full of student life.

The courtyard consists of a large lawn, surrounded by brick walls and walkways, with 4 large trees in each corner of the courtyard, and several picnic tables. As it is a sunken courtyard, most students do not walk through it as they walk to class but instead go there with a purpose. Whether it is a spot for reading, talking on the phone, or playing frisbee, the courtyard provides a haven away from the white cinderblock walls of Thornton Hall.

While this courtyard doesn’t provide breathtaking long distance views, or the stunning architecture of the lawn, it has a peaceful quality about it, as the only views are that of the grass, sky, and beautifully juxtaposed brick architecture.

If you ever want a quiet place to study, full of sunlight, and slightly hidden away, Darden Courtyard is the place to go.

 

Post by Genevieve Jordan

The Darkside of the Lawn

Nature Observations/Views

If asked what their favorite nature views at UVA are, students will most likely respond with a spring day on the lawn or a favorite view out a classroom window of the mountains off in the distance.  However, views of the stars from Grounds is very underappreciated.  UVA has many places where you can get amazing views of the night sky.  Overall, the Lawn is the most easily accessible for students and the large stretch of the Lawn lends itself to an uninterrupted view of the night sky.  The top of Observatory Hill is obviously where you will see the most stars because it is shielded from the surrounding light, but it is very difficult for students to reach.

                  The amount of stars you can see from the Lawn is obviously fewer than those you can see at the Observatory because of the light pollution from Central Grounds and the Corner (the glow of surrounding light is evident in the picture above), but you can still see far more than you could in any city.  The photo below taken by Jake Promisel, a second year Astrophysics student, is a time-lapsed photograph of the night sky above the lawn during a new moon.  Looking up into the night sky, one can truly appreciate the vastness of our universe and put everything into a whole new perspective.

                  The night-time biodiversity is not often thought about, but it is an important part of the Charlottesville ecosystem.  While looking up at the night sky, it is common to see bats and migrating birds fly overhead.  Rabbits and opposums can also be seen at night on and near the Lawn while you are laying there looking up at the sky.  Unfortunately, the night sky views and night-time biodiversity are being harmed by light pollution.  The Corner and Alderman Road dormatories are constantly spilling light into the night sky.  In order to preserve the the views and night-time biodiversity, we must change our city’s lighting to keep it contained.

Post by Kyle Mavity

 

Introduction: Where Do Microorganisms Live?

Micro-Organisms of Interior Spaces

For our BioGround Blog, our group decided to focus on different interior spaces around Grounds. People always notice the organisms present outdoors by sounds and sight, but do people know about the microorganisms that live indoors? You might not realize that microbes can live on surfaces for up to one hundred years. However there are many factors that contribute to their lifespan. Factors include humidity, temperature, and the type of bacteria or virus. For example, the stomach flu, calicivirus, can live for week on clothes and household surfaces at room temperature.

While these facts might seem daunting, there are ways to prevent the spread of these microbes and to kill them. Simple ways to prevent the spreading is to wash your hands, clean surfaces, and cover your nose when you sneeze. Microbes can spread out over three feet from just one sneeze!

We want to observe areas to see where we think the most microbes live. Our idea is to interview people to see how often they clean their interior spaces as well as simply observing spaces and the traffic through them. We decided on observing different areas including but not limited to, men’s versus women’s living spaces, Clemons, Alderman, Clark, kitchens, equipment at the AFC, dorms, buses, locker rooms and study places. The things to take note in these areas include how often they are cleaned, how often certain things are touched (like door knobs) and how often people seem to sneeze or cough.

Every team member will observe one area and our blog will show the results. We will also research typical microorganisms that could be found it those areas. Ideally, we would want to take specific samples from the spaces but due to limited resources this could be a challenge. Furthermore, our hope is to find more information as to what is living amongst us.

 

Post by Bayley Wood

 

Sources:

http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2002-08/how-long-do-microbes-bacteria-and-viruses-live-surfaces-home-normal-room-tem

Home Is Where the Bats Are: Threats to Bats in Charlottesville

Bats

The images that tend to come to mind when we hear the word bat are often not pleasant. We associate bats with either the spookiness of Halloween and blood-sucking vampires, or the pests that infest and inhabit the darkest corners of our homes. While it’s true that it is probably cleaner to keep bats out of our attics, bats are actually extremely beneficial to our local and global ecosystems, as many of the blog posts below attest. In reality, humans pose a much larger threat to the health and well-being of bats, than bats pose to that of humans.

Most major threats to bat proliferation come from the careless practices of people. Of the 17 bat species in Virginia, 3 are federally endangered. These Virginia bats inhabit either caves or hollowed, decaying trees. Due to deforestation and subsequent development, thousands of bats are finding themselves displaced from their homes and searching for makeshift, hibernation friendly environments, often taking the form of attics and chimneys. When discovered, people respond with panic and quickly call for exterminators to remove the pests. The negative human portrayal of bats leads to thousands of unnecessary deaths every year. (There have even been incidents of arson in caves, purposefully obliterating bat habitats.) Fortunately the Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Service now performs bat exclusions to safely remove bats and release them into wildlife habitats.

Climate change also puts bats in serious danger. Bats succumb easily to the heat stress associated with global warming. Additionally, as the patterns of seasons begin to alter, bats could become out of sync with the flowering of their food sources. Even our attempts to combat climate change with wind turbines has been destructive to bats (and birds) as many stand as obstacles along their migration pathways, confusing and/or killing them before they reach their destination. It’s time to start incorporating the lives on which our own survival depends into the growth and development plans of our cities! Otherwise, soon it will be the lack of bats, rather than their presence, that poses the problem!

 

Post by Camille Knable

 

Bibliography:

“Threats to Bats.”  Defenders of Wildlife. (2015) Retrieved March 26, 2015, from http://www.defenders.org/bats/threats

“Bats in Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia.” Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services. (September 17, 2010) Retrieved March 26, 2015, from http://www.charlottesvilleanimalcontrol.com/?p=1

 

 

Introduction and First Trip to the Dell Pond

Birds

For our Biogrounds Blog Posts, our group decided that we’d like to make a timeline of UVA’s Bird Song.  Throughout the second half of the Spring 2015 semester, we will alternate taking recordings of bird song at the Dell Pond and along Observatory Hill/behind Hereford.  We selected these two locations by looking at the birds blog from last year and noting the most popular bird habitats.   Every week we will write a blog post that will include our sound recordings, a simple timeline, a few pictures and a reflection on how the experience made us feel.  We will identify the birds to the best of our ability, but are hoping more to focus on the emotional and mental impact of spending some time just listening.  To start the project, we created a schedule and ordered a recording device, specifically the Sony ICDTX50 Digital Flash Voice Recorder.

I started the project with a trip to the Dell Pond on March 26, 2015 around 9:45 in the morning.  My trip was delayed a bit because of the rain, the temperature was around 55 °F and it was cloudy when I left my apartment.  As I walked over to the pond, I tried to focus on bird song along the way.  I was amazed at the consistency of the noise, there were only a few moments during my walk where there was total silence from the birds.  In fact, the loudest bird I heard during this trip was nesting in the roof atop The College Inn!  Although I heard many birds, I didn’t see many.  This changed immediately as I arrived at the Dell Pond, birds were noticeably more visible and definitely louder.

 I started by slowly and silently walking around the pond.  I know our group elected not to focus on identifying the birds, but I felt that I immediately wanted to know all the different species I was seeing!  I recognized cardinals, robins, sparrows and ducks.

There were a few other species I didn’t recognize including a black bird with a yellow-orange stripe at the top of its wing.  I pulled out my phone and did some googling and eventually correctly identified a red-winged blackbird!  Without a doubt I saw at least 20 birds.  I tried to take pictures of the birds, but I didn’t have much luck.  After walking around the pond, I sat on a very wet bench and spent some time just listening.  It was incredibly relaxing.  My older brother used to be a very avid bird-watcher and I never really understood the draw.  But as I was sitting on the bench, I understood.  There was nothing to distract my focus and I wasn’t worried about anything.  The fact that I was getting slightly rained on and my shoes were getting muddy didn’t bother me at all!  With a bit of focus, the sound of the water and the birds over-powered the noises from nearby Emmet Street.

I often tried to look for the birds that were making specific calls.  Sometimes I would hear a bird and immediately be able to spot it, other times I would search the trees and could not find the creature at all!  For a brief second I thought I saw a blue jay, but then I couldn’t find it again.  After a while I decided to walk along the stream, parallel to Old Dorms.  I found myself following a cardinal that kept flying away as I approached it, cardinals are quite loud birds! The longer recording is from my walk along the stream.

Eventually the stream ran out and I ended my trip.  Bird song is something that often is background noise, but I think this adventure has taught me to have a greater appreciation for it.  Even now, sitting in New Cabell writing this post, I can hear bird song.  This experience has really brightened my day and I think I’d like to visit the Dell Pond again.

Red-Winged Blackbird audio recording:  150326_005

Birds heard walking along the stream: 150326_010

 

Post by Emily Beacham

 

 

History of the Gardens

Life in Soils

No visit to Grounds is complete without a jaunt in Jefferson’s extensive and well-planned gardens. All ten contain unique plant life complete with charm and character. Jefferson intended for the gardens to be a place to study and be studied. Contained by famous serpentine walls, the gardens remain largely empty nowadays except for the occasional evening event or brilliantly sunny day when locals walk their dogs or children fence to fence through squares of lawn, flowers, shrubs, and trees.

Jefferson also left many of details of the garden to be decided by Pavillion inhabitants. Residents were allowed to plant whatever they liked, so each plot assumed a very different personality and changed often. In earlier days, beans, peas, cabbage, and fruit trees served as ornamentation and livelihood. A historical restoration of the gardens occurred in 1950, and more maintenance took place in the 1980’s. By 2003, the gardens were dramatically different from their original composition.

A brief summary of the individual gardens:

Garden I is divided by a serpentine walk bordered by azaleas, purple leaf plums, and a sweetgum tree. The garden was once bordered by fruit trees and full of rectangular beds for vegetables and herbs.

Garden II contains a diverse spread of edible plants. A large pecan tree stands amongst grape vines, blueberry bushes, four varieties of heirloom plums, and crabapple trees. The garden is also home to daylilies and a magnolia tree. The trees were planted between 1915 and 1953 by the resident of Pavillion II, Dean Ivy F. Lewis, professor of biology.

Garden III is the largest of the garden, complete two Biltmore ash trees to shade the extended lawns. Other plantings in neviusia, a goldenrain and silverbell tree.

Neviusia 

Garden IV contains descendants of French marigolds planted by Jefferson. It was restored to its late eighteenth century style in 1916 by the Albemarle Gardening Club. The design included tree peonies, rose blossoms and Southern magnolias.

Garden V is dotted with two “Albemarle pippin” trees in the center of each square that defines the bottom half of the garden. The upper area is sprinkled with purple hostas and pink crepe myrtles, and defined elegantly with green boxwoods.

Albemarle Pippin Trees

Garden VI is modeled after an orchard in the middle terrace. The upper terrace is a small lawn bordered by boxwoods. Its contains a famous feature, the Merton Spire (built in 1491 and donated to the University in 1928), which was carved for Oxford’s Merton College Chapel. It can be said that VI contains the most wilderness due to its native trees and shrubs, which include sweetbay, rhododendron, and mountain laurel.

Rhododendron

Garden VII has a smaller area due to several additions. Its serpentine pathways are dotted with romantic roses.

Garden VII

Garden VIII’s main blooms of crepe myrtle, rose of sharon, and chaste trees occur during the summer. Intimate flower gardens hide behind large boxwood while oakleaf hydrangeas and roses line the walkways. A small formal orchard is home to apples, plums, and walnuts.

Garden IX also contains a wide variety of edible plants. “Cox orange” and “pippin” trees line the lower wall, pomegranate shrubs border the edges, and a large fig sits in the center. The garden was originally designed around the McGuffey ash, which stood for one hundred and fifty years before sucombing to disease in 1989. Other plants include Persian lilacs, peonies, viburnums, amelchancier, and clethra.

Amelchancier

Garden X is reminiscent of popular Southern styles of the eighteenth century. Kentucky coffee trees and a collection of boxwoods create an old-world atmosphere. An oval lawn is strapped with “elephant ears” and large hollies left over from an earlier garden.

Soil, in many ways, serves as a record for the activities that occur on its surface. Layer upon layer of minerals, organic matter, water, and air document and preserve the past, both of the land and the people. An analysis of the soil is thus a chronicle of history above the ground and a self-preserved record of underground life. The gardens are as integral to Jefferson’s vision of the University’s layout as the Lawn and architecture that frame it, and therefore their histories, as documented by the soil, are equally as important.

Post by Kendall King

 

Sources

http://www.virginia.edu/uvatours/gardens/gardensExplore.html

http://www.vahistorical.org/collections-and-resources/garden-club-virginia/colleges-and-universities/university-virginia

http://www.virginia.edu/uvatours/gardens/

http://www.c-ville.com/secret-gardens-uvas-pavilion-gardens-harbor-history/#.VRQ1VxDF_K0

http://www.virginia.edu/uvatours/gardens/gardensHistory.html

Picture of the Neviusia: http://www.southeasternflora.com/view_flora.asp?plantid=521

Picture of the Albemarle pippin tree: https://www.willisorchards.com/product/newtown-pippin-apple-tree#.VRcy4BDF_K0

Picture of the rhonodrenon: http://www.almanac.com/plant/rhododendrons

Picture of the amelanchier: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amelanchier_lamarckii_bloeiwijze.jpg

 

 

 

Ruth Caplin Theater Green Roof Observation

Green Rooftops

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Today our group visited the green rooftop on the newly constructed Ruth Caplin Theatre.  I have always seen this rooftop in passing but I’ve never taken the time to actually explore it. As a whole, I was not very impressed with the rooftop but I think with some very simple alterations and additions it could be greatly improved upon. Part of the reason that it didn’t appear as attractive as I think it could be is just because of the season and the lack of blooming plants. Another reason I think I was a bit unimpressed is just because it’s not what I was expecting. I was expecting an actual green rooftop with grass or at least more plants.

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After further research though, I am now able to see some interesting aspects that I did not realize at first. It appears as just a concrete rooftop on top of a building with a bunch of rocks and some shrubs. However, it does appear as if the rocks are to incorporate a drip irrigation of some sort. I would classify this green rooftop as a semi-intensive green roof. According to Green Roof Technology, a semi-intensive green roof can use selected perennials, sedums, ornamental grasses, herbs, and little shrubs. The Ruth Caplin Theatre uses a variety of shrubs and some perennials. One of my favorite parts of the rooftop was the fact that it has a plethora of rosemary bushes in the “garden/ shrub” area. I think this could be expanded upon though and more herbs could be planted. Perhaps the Fine Arts Café could even find a way to incorporate these herbs into their food.

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I think the main problem with this green rooftop is that it’s not very usable but that’s a problem that I think could be easily fixed. By simply adding more plants and benches or tables, the rooftop would become much more active. I think the University could really benefit from more outdoor study spaces and this rooftop offers the perfect opportunity because of the accessible open space. Another option to increase its aesthetic appeal could be to make it an artscape. By simply adding some statues or artistic pieces such as marble or mosaic tiles in the concrete, its appeal would be highly heightened.

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Post by Caroline MacDonald

Sources:

http://www.greenrooftechnology.com/green-roof-types

Different Types of Green Roofs on Grounds

Green Rooftops

The University of Virginia and the surrounding Charlottesville area have some stunning examples of green roofs. However, these green roofs can vary considerably. As we prepare to analyze them, we want to talk a little about the general benefits of green roofs and the different green roofs we might encounter.

Green roofs are impermeable surfaces that can filter rainwater and reduce storm runoff. Plants on the roof filter not only pollutants from the water, but also pollutants from the air. Green roofs can also provide insulation for the building, saving both energy and money during hotter days. Currently UVA has about 10 green roofs, with hopes of increasing that number in coming years. These green roofs can be classified as intensive, extensive, or somewhere in between. Each type has their own benefits and drawbacks, and a mix of these different types can be found on grounds.

An extensive green roof has a shallow substrate, is relatively light, and is low cost and low maintenance. They are typically composed of mosses or sedums and require little to no irrigation. Examples of this type of green roof at UVA include the Medical Research Building and Garret Hall.

Extensive Green Roof on Garret Hall

An intensive green roof has a very thick substrate. It is very heavy, more expensive, and is more difficult to maintain than an extensive green roof. It also requires irrigation. The substrate is deep enough to support large shrubs or trees, so it can be used for more human-centered purposes, such as gardens or parks.  Examples of this type of green roof on grounds include the Carter Harrison building as well as the Special Collections Library.

The Carter Harrison building featured to the left; The Special Collections Library featured to the right 

These are just a few examples of the green roofs on grounds, and we will go into more detail about specific green roofs and how they were constructed in later posts. Throughout the rest of the semester we hope to visit as many as we can in order to analyze their beauty, use, benefits, and possible improvements. We will also be on the look out for places of future green roofs and how they could be more accessible for student study spaces.

Post by Amanda Demmerle, Second Year, Environmental Science and Environmental Thought & Practice

Photos retrieved from http://www.officearchitect.virginia.edu/pdfs/Green_Roof_illustrated_guidelines_Dec2013.pdf