Section II: Field Experience
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    Each day wake up call was between 4:30 and 5:00 am, depending on the task of the day.  It was simply amazing to see the level of difficulty decrease as the days went on.  Initially, it was fairly difficult to peel our eyes open, but by the last day most had grown so accustomed, we didn't need an alarm.
    The trek through the trails, in the dark, through the mud, with unfamiliar sounds also became easier as time marched on.  In order to capitalize on the prime time of the day, the mist nets were opened by 6 am and checked by 6:30 and then checked every 20 to 30 minutes.  If you were part of the B trail team, the trek was considerably shorter than the T or S trail, but what you lacked in distance, you made up for in steepness and mud. The test of endurance was worth it though, when you were holding a Rufous Headed Pygmy Tyrant in your hands or you could finally identify the Azara's Spinetail by the song (quit quit).
   The anticipation was high as you approached the mist nets, as well as your heart rate.  On the one hand, you were thrilled to see birds in the nets, on the other, your heart was going out to these small creatures, especially if they had tangled themselves into a ball.  Extracting the birds was a test of dexterity and patience, but with the help of the extremely capable assistants, very possible and rewarding.
    At the banding station, the birds were identified, banded, weighed, sexed, and aged. The next step included measurement of the tail, wing, tarsus, and cumen.  Detection of any ectoparasites, body molt, juvenile plumage and furculum fat was also noted.  Blood samples were taken from particular birds, generally the Gray-breasted Woodwren, in order to determine "the genetic connections and possibly direction of gene flow among the Colonches and the Andes by comparing the DNA of con specifics found at the different forest sites." (Becker) As a volunteer, the general duties at the banding station included recording data, assisting with the drawing of blood, learning, teaching and distributing snacks, a very important role considering you burn all of the breakfast calories by 7 am.
    I have always been an advocate of experiential learning and being able to participate with this group has set this belief in stone. Working in the field with experts stimulated questions, allowed for instant feedback, and encouraged participation in activities never before experienced.  The scientists in the group were able to share their expertise in their field of study, while the other group members contributed in other ways.  Each night, whether it was a planned or impromptu, the discussions enhanced my knowledge base in the area of conservation, ecology, biology, etc. Pascual Torres, a native of Ecuador and assistant to Dusty,  was always willing to participate in discussions related to the progress or lack of in the Loma Alta area in regards to conservation and the effects the studies were having on the community and its members.
        Only an anecdote can sufficiently describe the group dynamics experienced on this trip.  Wednesday, August 4, Greg invited me to go along with Hal, Annie and Jeanne on a hike along the S trail.  I was happy to join the gang for a  hike along the stream.  I knew it might be a bit difficult, but I felt I was up for the challenge.    After hiking along "the stream" for approximately an hour, Jeanne, our time keeper, called a group meeting to decide whether we would continue on in search of the M trail, which was supposed to meet up with the stream, or turn back.  Group decision, continue on. The women in the group grasped hands in order to forge the stream, our strength grew.  Darkness was fast approaching when we came upon a 10-15 foot cascade which helped us make the decision to tackle the vertical slope leading to never never land.  We had one rope and five determined people.  Hal lead the group, tied the rope to trees to assist with the climb and after what seemed like miles on our hands and knees and many nettles piercing our skin, we made it to the ridge.  The ridge was thick with bamboo, and there was no sight of the trail.  Vines hung in the way and caught us in the throat, bamboo broke under our feet, but our new leader, Annie, persevered. We continued on, and before dark came upon us, we found the trail.  Jeanne, Annie and I fell to the ground, cried, and hugged.
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A PHOTO ESSAY

 
The accommodations were very comfortable.  The station was divided into a kitchen, living area, and five bedrooms.  Everyone slept on bunk beds, some having more wool blankets that others.  We had two latrines and one shower (sometimes with hot water, sometimes without).  By the last two days, we had depleted our water supply and had to trek down to the dome for our showers.  Lesson learned, conserve as much water as possible.

 

 
Organization is the key to any successful expedition, as we found out early in the game.  Duties consisted of three sections: House; preparing breakfast, snack, and lunch, pasteurizing the milk, and boiling the water for drinking, Dinner; preparing dinner and leaving kitchen in good order for House, and Cleaning; cleaning latrines, shower, keeping common areas swept, washing dish towels and preparing lecture for that evening.  Each member of the team was responsible for 2-3 shifts.

 
 
The Stream Team

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