aududan-blog

[aududan-blog]

Date: 3/30/2017

Name: Daniel Rico-Madrazo

Class: IDS-H Audubon

Instructors: Professor Lemeh & Dr. Moore

Blog entry # 8

Word Count: 181

Location: HC Wilkes Honors College, Jupiter FL

Time of Day 0835-1050

Weather: Clear, and Sunny

Materials:

Pilot Hi-Tec 3mm ballpoint Pen

Holbein Gouache (White, Magenta, Cyan, and Primary     Yellow)

Species Observed:

Diaprepes     root weevil (Diaprepes abbreviatus) Est. 1cm

Discussion

In order for me to portray the weevil as true to life as possible I had to do multiple color studies. When you do a color study, you make a quick sketch in ink. For the first color study, I actually used a pigmented black, but it was too dull and flattened everything a little bit. I observed the exoskeleton and noticed that the shell was dark purple/blue, but I was still having issues getting the correct undertones of the dark-almost-black. I experimented with using blue as a base and then a glaze of yellow overtop, however, the end result turned out to be too green. Eventually, I found that a heavily pigmented purple with an overlay of cyan mixed with brown created the ideal slate effect I was trying to achieve. I then turned the image to black and white to better ascertain the values of the image. The challenges I faced when beginning this project emerged during my color study, as I found it was difficult to achieve the correct cool, dark, black for the exoskeleton of the beetle.

[aududan-blog]

Date: 3/30/2017

Name: Daniel Rico-Madrazo

Class: IDS-H Audubon

Instructors: Professor Lemeh & Dr. Moore

Blog entry # 7

Word Count: 188

Location: HC Wilkes Honors College, Jupiter FL

Time of Day 0835-1050

Weather:Clear, and Sunny

Materials:

Pilot Hi-Tec 3mm ballpoint Pen

Holbein Gouache (White, Magenta, Cyan, and Primary     Yellow)

Species Observed:

Diaprepes root weevil (Diaprepes abbreviatus) Est. 1cm

Discussion

Choosing, identifying, and conducting research on a subject. For the subject of my project I have chosen the specimen Diaprepes Root Weevil (Diaprepes abbreviates). The Diaprepes Root Weevil (Diaprepes abbreviates) is a weevil that originates in Caribbean. It arrived in Florida in the 1960s and has been causing major damage to citrus, ornamental plants, and other crops since that time. While the adult weevil does damage the plant’s leaves, that is inconsequential compared to the havoc wrought by the burrowing larvae, which attack the roots of a wide variety of about 270 different species of plants. This adult Diaprepes root weevil was spotted in the Abacoa Greenway, notching leaves. This rendering was made to aid in the identification of this destructive invasive species and was rendered in ink and gouache, with the aid of some preliminary sketches and photographic reference. The initial setup process for this piece included finding a reference photo, making a grid, and sketching onto the grid from what is observed in the reference photo. During the pencil sketch I had difficulties achieving the proper perspective for the angle of the head of the weevil.

[aududan-blog]

Date: 2/24/2017

Name: Daniel Rico-Madrazo

Class: IDS-H Audubon

Instructors: Professor Lemeh & Dr. Moore

Blog entry # 6

Word Count: 411

Location: Coral Cove Park, Jupiter FL

Time of Day 0835-1050

Weather: Brisk, Clear, and Sunny

Materials:

Pilot Hi-Tec 3mm ballpoint Pen

Species Observed :

Ring Billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) aprx 3ft

Sanderling (Calidris alba) aprx 5 in

Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea)

Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) aprx 9in

Ring Billed Gull identified by Dr. Moore after I showed him videos and images taken of this gull, he confirmed and actually found out based off of the plumage that it was a breeding adult. All of this information came from a book he had on birds.

Sanderlings were also identified by Dr. Moore after showing him my sketches, and he referenced the book again. The specimens that I had spotted were still sporting their winter plumage, and were about to molt.

Strangler Fig identified by Dr. Moore as well, based off of some photographs I had taken.

Eastern Gray Squirrel I had my own suspicions that this was a gray squirrel, but I confirmed with Dr. Moore, especially once we saw another specimen nearby.

Discussion

Upon arriving at class, we were given a choice. We could journey to Coral Cove once again to capture more reference images of our chosen specimen, or we could stay and work in class. Having not settled on a specific organism from Coral Cove to illustrate and study, I decided to go to the park with my classmates. Upon arriving at 0847 we were immediately released to explore. I went first to the mangrove forest, but the tide was up, so the water level was up much farther than last time, limiting my exploration. There was also a marked lack of Mangrove Tree Crabs, which was disappointing.

So I left the mangrove forest, in search of other interesting organisms. I began to explore the maritime forest, which consisted mostly of sea grape creating a canopy and locking out all light, so the other plant life was sparse. Hearing activity in the branches of a large tree, I spotted a Gray Squirrel, which I had assumed had not seen me, and so i pulled out my phone to take a quick photo. The squirrel, had seen me, and was not afraid. In fact, it came very close, so I was able to capture some good close ups. After seeing I wasn’t going to feed it (which is probably why it came so close anyway) the squirrel left. Upon wandering further into the forest, I spotted the Strangler Fig, Interested by its supporting roots, I took some images and went back to Dr. Moore for some identification. After that, I went to the shoreline and began to explore. As mentioned before, the tide was up, so I wasn’t able to get on the coquina rocks, as I feared for my camera and water soluble paints. But after watching a few Sanderlings engage in their back and forth running with the waves, I saw a few head back to a group. Seeing them flocked and relaxing was the trigger for me to decide to do my project on them. I crept as close as possible without frightening them, and did a few quick sketches. Afterwards I took some digital images for later referencing, and began walking back to Dr. Moore to report my findings. That’s when I spotted the lone Ring-Billed Gull who was quite large, and would only walk away when I got close. After meeting again with Dr. Moore for more identification, we left, to get back to class on time.

[aududan-blog]

Date: 2/17/2017

Name: Daniel Rico-Madrazo

Class: IDS-H Audubon

Instructors: Professor Lemeh & Dr. Moore

Blog entry # 5

Word Count: 339

Location: Jupiter Greenway

Time of Day 0835-1050

Weather: 54 °F; Clear, Sunny

Materials:

Pilot Hi-Tec 3mm ballpoint Pen

Species Observed :

Silver Argiope (Argiope argentata) Est. 3in

Dewdrop spider (Argyrodes nephilae) Est. 3mm

Diaprepes root weevil (Diaprepes abbreviatus) Est. 1cm

Unidentified mushroom (???)

Silver Argiope was identified by Dr. Moore and his spiders of Florida field guide. The distinctive carapace markings and shape on the cephalothorax were the main identifying marks.

The Dewdrop Spider was also identified by Dr. Moore and his handy field guide. The extremely small size, the distinctive shape, and shiny reflective carapace identified this spider. Along with its location in another spider’s web, primed to steal its breakfast.

Diaprepes Root Weevil was identified by it’s distinctive marking, bright orange color and the shape of the thorax. I knew it was at least a weevil relative when first spotted because of my research of the  similarly invasive Sri Lankan Weevil.

Discussion

As we met at the entrance to the Greenway on Central Blvd at 0800, the day was clear, bright, and cold. After waiting for some time as there were many members of the class running a tad late, Dr. Moore led us into the Greenway and began his lecture on the origin, information, and upkeep of the Greenway system in Jupiter. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that the maintenance crews were trained to spot and remove invasive species, and surprised that even though this is a pyrogenic habitat, they don’t do controlled burns. Most likely this is because there are residential areas all around the perimeter.

At 0835 we were released to explore the area, and Dr. informed me that the dead trees birds of prey perch on are called “snags”. He told me this because I mentioned a specific snag that I had seen many Florida birds of prey perch at. Unfortunately, the raptors were occupying other haunts that day. Anyway, after searching for a while, a few classmates of mine pointed out the Silver Argiope to me, and I noticed the Dewdrop Spiders skulking at the edges of the Argiope’s web. I took a few photos, and did a quick sketch of the Dewdrop, as it was too small for my camera to readily capture. Dr. Moore then identified our findings with is field guide and my sketch, as well as the photo reference. Then, another student mentioned that they had located an odd growth on a bush leaf, that looked like an egg sack. After finding that, on a nearby leaf the Diaprepes Root Weevil was munching on the very leaf it stood. I knew that this would be my subject for the Greenway project on sight, so I took multiple photos and did a quick sketch. Soon after I spotted a lone mushroom (unidentified) and took some photos and did a quick sketch as well. After that, it was about time for class to end, so I began my journey out of the Greenway.

[aududan-blog]

Date: 2/3/2017

Name: Daniel Rico-Madrazo

Class: IDS-H Audubon

Instructors: Professor Lemeh & Dr. Moore

Blog entry # 3

Word Count: 322

Location:Coral Cove Park

Time of Day 0835-1030

Weather: Cool, slight sea breeze, then sunny as time passed.

Materials:

Pilot Hi-Tec 3mm ballpoint Pen

Species Observed :

Coquina (not quite a living thing, but it acts as a habitat for many creatures) sedimentary rock

Mangrove Tree Crab (Aratus pisonii) aprox 2 inches in diameter

Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) New shoots pictured est 1-2 feet tall, parent tree 16 ft

Sea Urchins (unidentified) aprox 1 in in diamater

Discussion

Upon arriving at Coral Cove at 8:35 in the morning, Dr. Moore began to teach about three separate habitat types in the area. The area most inland was the Mangrove Forest, which contained red, white, and black mangroves, and mangrove tree crabs. Also, in the wading pools there are many conch shells and hermit crabs. Then crossing the road, moving closer to the shoreline we entered the Maritime Forest, which contains coconut palms, sea grapes, cacti, and buttonwood. These plants are hardy to the salt spray, but not invulnerable to it, as Dr. Moore pointed out, indicating how the sea grapes grew on a slope, because at a certain height the salt spray would kill new growth. Finally we arrived at the Primary Dunes, the vegetation of which consisted mostly of sea oats. After, lecturing us about each habitat, Dr. Moore let us loose to find subjects. I immediately went to the shore to explore the Coquina rock structures, hoping to find a large diversity of life growing within the interesting and intricately shaped rocks. I recorder many photographic images of different rock structures and the life located on and in them, but eventually I wound up back in the Mangrove forest to take more pictures of the mangrove tree crab. Eventually I returned to the shore, to collect more images, and finally did a quick sketch of a Coquina structure at around 10:04 am. We regrouped, and left at 10:30 am.

I will be including the rest of the images in subsequent blog posts.

[aududan-blog]

Date: 1/27/2017

Name: Daniel Rico-Madrazo

Class: IDS-H Audubon

Instructors: Professor Lemeh & Dr. Moore

Blog entry # 2

Word Count:355

Location: H.C. WIlkes Honors College, Jupiter Fl (Outside of police station)

Time of Day 0800-1050

Weather: Cool, Overcast, with slight drizzling

Materials:

Pilot Hi-Tec 3mm ballpoint Pen

Species Observed :

Ball Moss (Tillandsia recurvata) est 1 inch circumference

Potbelly Airplant (Tillandsia paucifolia) est 4 inches in length, 2 in width and depth

Ball Moss Identified and studied within the classroom, and Dr. Moore Identified and described the specimens to us.

Potbelly Airplant identifiable with its thick flask-like shape, and thick, short and backward curving leaves.

Discussion

We began this class by immediately starting the drawing of some specimens of Ball Moss, a visually complex and interesting plant that requires little to no soil to thrive. Hence the common classification “air plant”. As I first sketched the subject, I had difficulty representing the overlapping leaves in a clear way, so I began to redraw it, this time using a pointillism technique to force myself to slow down in the observation and illustration process. About the time I completed the illustration (1000 am) we embarked outside to find some specimens in the field. To my dismay, I misunderstood the directions given by Professor Lemeh and walked to the H.C. WIlkes Arboretum with a few others. When we realized our mistake and rejoined the main group, we had missed all of Dr. Moore’s short lecture on different types of air plants in the field. Morgan caught me up quickly. Then, I began to search for a specimen that caught my eye. In front of the FAU Police station there were many Ball Moss specimens covering the trees, but none of them were of great visual interest to me. Then, I spotted a quite large and thick specimen attached to the trunk of a tree, and immediately took interest to it. I snapped a few pictures and asked for Dr. Moore’s identification of the plant. He offered one option, but after some research I found that my specimen was not of the species he mentioned. Anywho, I sat down and drew this specimen beginning at 1017 am and remained until the end of class.

[aududan-blog]

Date: 1/20/2017

Name: Daniel Rico-Madrazo

Class: IDS-H Audubon

Instructors: Professor Lemeh & Dr. Moore

Blog entry # 1

Word Count: 470

Location: H.C. WIlkes Arboretum, Jupiter Fl

Time of Day 0930-1050

Weather: Sunny, but cool and windy Materials:

Pilot Hi-Tec 3mm ballpoint Pen

Holbein Gouache (White, Cyan, Magenta, Primary Yellow)

Species Observed :

Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) est. 8-10 Inches

Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charithonia) est 2.5 Inches

Insect Gall (species unknown, many different insects could’ve caused this) est .75 Inches

Northern Mockingbird identifiable by its distinctive color patterning of cool and warm greys, with spots of white on the ends of the feather groups.

Zebra Longwing distinguished by its rounded and slender wing shape, with 5 pale yellow stripes on each wing, the stripe nearest to the bottom of the insect made up entirely of separate spot-like markings.

Insect Gall is a formation of plant growth over a foreign body, in this case a clutch of insect eggs. The larvae then mature inside this cocoon and eventually burrow outside, leaving distinctive holes on the surface of the growth.

Discussion

After a wonderful and informative lecture on the nature and importance of field guides, delivered by Dr. Moore, we as a class took a short journey to the H.C. Wilkes Arboretum to observe and record wildlife in an outdoor environment. At about 0941 I was wandering about, attempting to locate a worthy subject when I spotted a Zebra Longwing fluttering about, from shrub to shrub, stopping only for mere moments to feed on pollen and nectar. Luckily enough for me, this particular subject stopped for a few minutes, long enough for me to observe the nature of its distinctive markings and wing shape. I was taken by the odd shape, and I still wonder as to what type of flight that wing shape lends itself to the best. The subject observed was both adept at navigating tight turns and corners within a bush, and gliding on the wind. After recording this subject and pondering this question for a few moments, at 0949 I observed two Northern Mockingbirds in a spat for territory, and was able to do a quick sketch of the victor, as well as capture it digitally. It had just groomed itself moments before I began sketching, which had left its feathers ruffled. Finally I spotted an interesting growth on an unidentified tree branch while looking for, and avoiding spiderwebs with my classmate Michael. At 1010 I did a quick sketch, took a digital image, and then rushed to locate Dr. Moore as I had never seen one of these growths before and scarcely knew what to make of it. Luckily he was able to Identify it from my rendering, and informed me it was an Insect Gall. After obtaining this information I went to the central gazebo and began to add color to my quick sketches, to give them more visual information.