Main Grounds Natural History, Photo Album Index
photo album index | species lists

Many field biologists keep lists of the animals or plants that they see at their home. When they are at the Main Grounds of Archbold Biological Station they do not abandon this habit. When they walk from a cottage to the Main Building, when they walk on the east porch of the Main Building from a lab to the dining room, or even when they park their cars, they are alert to the biota around them, and make a note of things that interest them. Sometimes, these natural history records are of; 1) seasonal occurrence of migrant birds or butterflies, 2) behavior, 3) nests or roosts, 4) inconspicuous species seen, or 5) even species never before recorded at Archbold. For example: Some bird species exist on the Station bird list only from a sighting at the Main Grounds (Great White Heron, Snail Kite, Gray Kingbird, and several migrant wood warblers - Parulidae) or only from a specimen found dead on the east porch (Swainson's Warbler, Dickcissel). Three species of non-native aquatic vertebrates (Bullfrog, Walking Catfish, Brown Hoplo) were first observed at Archbold in the Main Grounds ditch. Archbold Entomologist Mark Deyrup has some first records of insects for the Station based on individuals caught on the east porch. Thus, the everyday activity of field biologists at the Station's Main Grounds has added important records to the biodiversity inventory of Archbold Biological Station.
   Now, digital cameras have enhanced how we record the occurrence of animals or plants at Archbold. This photo-album index features a sample of the natural history of the Main Grounds at Archbold Biological Station; a showcase of recent digital photography by Station staff and by visiting scientists.