Field Biology 101

Being a biologist, one of my favorite things is getting out in nature and looking for wildlife. While summer may not be my favorite season (hello sweat), it is great for seeing a wide variety of animals. However, when I first got into field-based biology, it seemed a bit daunting trying to figure out where to go, where to find the animals I was looking for, what time of day, etc. You learn a lot of those elements with experience and tagging along with seasoned field biologists, but I wanted to create a handy guide for those interested in getting out into the field so they know where to start. If you're one of those people saying "just get to the important stuff already," you can skip to the end where I put a quick general guide for taking a field trip. 

So, What is Field Biology?

In short, field biology is the simplest form of science in that it's essence is discovery. The purpose of field biology is to get out into nature and see what you can find. In my opinion, there are two avenues you can take in the field: a scientific approach or a more recreational approach. 

As a professional scientist, the goal of a field expedition is typically to gather data on a variety of subjects to investigate a particular research question. These questions can relate to the biodiversity, ecology, community composition, etc. of that particular ecosystem/habitat. They can also investigate a specific group of organisms and how they interact with each other and their environment. The possibilities are truly endless and I love seeing the diversity of field projects that people have come up with. (Twitter is a cool place to creep on research projects led by strangers from around the globe)

Field data collection sheet and tools

What I consider "recreational" field work is going out in nature without a specific research project/question in mind. These field expeditions are for those who truly love nature and animals and are interested in immersing themselves in it. This usually means picking a good spot and trying to find as many different species as you can. It is all in good fun! At the end of the day, field biology can be whatever you want it to be, just get outside and look around you!

Field Necessities

Before we discuss how to find cool stuff in the field, we have to make sure you're prepared for the trip! There are some animal/plant-specific items you will probably want to include depending on what you hope to find on your expedition, but this list contains items everyone should have on a field excursion, whether it's an hour or a month (believe me, I've done both). 

• Weather-specific clothes (check the weather ahead of time!)
• I highly recommend clothes made of wicking material if you'll be in the heat; it makes a big difference when you're sweating for hours. 
• Particularly important is a good pair of shoes; if you invest in a single expensive thing, let it be your shoes.
• A sturdy backpack with LOTS of pockets
• I have this smaller, more affordable pack to prevent too much weight; it comes with a bladder to fill with water. (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Bell-Mountain-17-Liter-Hydration-Backpack/183151310)
• On shorter trips where I don't need to bring too much stuff, I have a tiny pack that just holds a water bladder. I can slide a couple more things in there like my phone, keys, notebook, but that's about it
• WATER- 'nuff said
• Super important- a strong field notebook
• Get one you will use specifically for field trips
• I really like Rite in the Rain notebooks; there's a variety of different page layouts to choose from and I find it helpful to be able to use them in any weather (https://www.riteintherain.com/)
• While you're at it, bring some pens, pencils, and sharpies also. Yes, all 3. 
• A good camera
• Cell phones these days can take some pretty impressive photos, but actual cameras are more useful for zooming in on animals that are a bit farther away. I personally use my phone.
• Multitool or pocket knife, because you never have one when you need it
• First aid kit
• Organism field guide if you're interested in identifying what you find
• The Audubon Society makes great guides for all kinds of organisms (https://www.audubon.org/national-audubon-society-field-guides)

This is just a general list of things everyone should have with them, but be sure to do some research on where you're going and what you're looking for to bring any other essentials. As a broad example, you'll want some binoculars if you're looking for birds. 

Field work in progress- Arizona, USA

Field Techniques

So you're all packed, have your field site picked out, and are ready to go. After you have figured out what organisms you're interested in seeking out, do some research on where they like to hang out at different times of the day so you're not going in blind. Some people enjoy a general field survey where they try to find as many different species as they can, not necessarily of any particular type. If so, that's great- just head out and see what you find! If not, look into what species you are likely to find in the area and where they spend a lot of their time. 

My favorite field trips involve looking for reptiles and amphibians, collectively known as herps, so I'll elaborate on how to find a few of my favorite herps when out on field trips. Some of these principles can be applied to other groups, but each group is unique and involves its own special tools and techniques for success. However, at the end of the day, there is no right or wrong way to do field work recreationally, just be observant and vigilant and see what you can find!

Field site in western Kansas, USA

Since herps are ectotherms, they are dependent on the weather and time of day to regulate their body temperature. Because of this, you can typically predict when herps will be most active. I can't emphasize enough that learning about the animals you want to find will significantly increase your chances of finding them in the wild. Below I'll outline some tips for finding some neat herps in your area! Keep in mind that all species have a distinct geographic range, so some areas will have a higher biodiversity than others. For example, there are only 10 species of lizard in the whole state of Virginia (and some of them are only known in a couple select counties), but Arizona has a whopping 49 lizard species. Anyways, here are some tips for finding herps out in the field and having a hissssterical time! (Oof, that was a bad one)

Snakes

This is a general overview of how to find snakes, but check out my last post on snakes of Virginia if you want more localized/specific information. Snakes are typically most active in late spring and summer. They sun themselves on rocks and trees to raise their body temperature early in the day and hide in shady spots during the hottest part of the day to prevent overheating. A great way to find snakes is road cruising! For a successful road cruise, head out in your car about 30 minutes before sunset. Pick a quiet road without a lot of traffic and start driving. I typically ride pretty slow, around 25 mph, so you can slam on the brakes real quick if you see something cool. As you're driving, scan the shoulder and road for signs of life. It is easiest to have a passenger or group with you so they can focus on a single side of the road while you're driving. Sunset is when you will probably see the highest diversity of species; the diurnal (daytime) species are heading to bed and the nocturnal (nighttime) species are starting to stir for the day. 

Rattlesnake found on a road cruise after dark; Elgin, Arizona, USA

Besides road cruising, you can typically find snakes under rocks and trees (depending on the species of course). Some species, like the Racer you see below and black ratsnakes, can even be found up in trees! This is why I suggest you research your target species beforehand; you might not think to look that high up for a snake! 

Racer snake (Coluber constrictor) in a tree in Arizona, USA

A classic herping practice is flipping rocks and logs to find animals underneath. Be extremely careful when doing this- anything could be under there! Flip so that the rock/log is opened up away from you and always put it back where you found it. Also, if you see a large tree or log that is down with a bunch of brush around it, that is prime snake territory! Carefully look around and inside the debris and you just might find something.

Lizards

Classic rock/log flipping is a great way to find a lot of lizard species. Many species, such as skinks and whiptails, spend most of their time on the ground. You can find them scurrying around and under those rocks and logs I mentioned before. However, a lot of species are also found on trees, such as spiny lizards in the genus Sceloporus. Be sure to look under, around, and nearby trees and brush to find most lizards!

Eastern Collared Lizard, Crotaphytis collaris, found under a rock in Kansas, USA

Amphibians

Salamanders are amazing animals that are very different than the reptiles I discussed above. Most salamanders are found in or near water because many of them absorb oxygen and other nutrients through their skin. Salamanders are typically found much earlier in the year than reptiles when it is chilly outside. Most salamanders live underground and move up near the surface in the Spring to breed. Some species are completely aquatic while others only require damp ground. 

~Fun fact: the Appalachian region has the highest diversity of salamanders in the whole world!~ 

Red backed salamander, Plethodon cinereus, found in leaf litter at Sandy Bottom Nature Park, Newport News, VA

You can find salamanders such as the red backed salamander shown above under rocks, logs, and leaf litter in early Spring (March is ideal). You can find the more aquatic species in streams and other calm waterways around this time. Some species are found in rocky caves, such as the Cave Salamander found below. Check those tiny crevices if you find a cool cave within the range of those cave-dwelling species!

Cave salamander, Eurycea lucifuga, in a cave in southeastern Kansas, USA

Phew, that was quick. I know that was brief, but I wanted to provide a few field finding examples of my favorite animals. Like I mentioned before, all groups and species are found in different places at different times in different weather conditions, so do your research! Below are a few quick tips for those of you that want to skip ahead and some general resources for getting involved in field trips in your area.

Quick Tips

• Research your site, park, destination ahead of time so you know what to expect
• Check the weather before you go and pack appropriately 
• Bring more water than you think you'll need
• Get a reliable backpack and be sure to fill it with all your essentials
• Be respectful of trail signs, park rules, laws, other hikers, etc.
• Know where your target organism likes to hang out
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and watch for hazards

If you're looking for ways to get involved in field biology with other people, check out some Facebook pages or subscribe to your local "society" (e.g. Virginia Herpetological Society, Virginia Society of Ornithology, etc.). Many societies host organized BioBlitz events that bring any interested people together to find as many species as they can in a single field day. They are a ton of fun and a great way to meet other field biology nerds!

Also, if you go out in the field, be sure to log all your photos/findings with iNaturalist, a free app that registers and keeps track of biodiversity in the area! They can also help with identification if you find something cool and aren't sure what it is. It's an awesome, super helpful resource. 

Whether you are a seasoned field biologist or a novice animal lover, I hope this post inspired you to get outside and find something cool. Thanks for reading!